Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

German cockroaches are a type of structural pest that have adapted to living indoors with people. These roaches are one of the most common species living worldwide. Their prolific breeding habits and adaptability allow them to inhabit almost any structure they are introduced into. While German cockroaches are smaller in size than many other species of cockroaches, their ability to invade Lake Orion, MI homes and businesses and establish large populations causes them to be a big problem for people.

Physical features of a German cockroach include the following:

• Between 1/2 and 5/8 in length when fully grown
• A tannish-brown body that is flattened and oval-shaped
• Two dark parallel lines running between the head and thorax
• Winged, but do not fly
• Long antennae and six legs

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches, and specifically cockroaches like the German cockroach that share spaces with people, are dangerous. As a type of scavenger, cockroaches search for food in less-than-sanitary areas and come into contact with a lot of bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites.

When cockroaches live inside your Michigan home, they are crawling over counters and food, through drawers, and across tables. As they travel, they spread things that cause salmonellosis, dysentery, and other pathogens that affect the gastric system. Cockroaches are also well-known for causing allergies and asthma attacks in young kids, triggered by the build-up of their shed skins and excrement.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

German cockroaches are most likely to become a problem inside a home or business after hitchhiking their way inside something like a box, bag, piece of furniture, or large appliance. In apartment buildings, German cockroaches will travel from unit to unit through spaces in walls or floors, or under gaps in exterior doors.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Most cockroaches, including German cockroaches, prefer to live in warm, damp areas. Inside of homes and businesses, cockroaches often take up residence inside kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Some of their favorite hideouts include:

• Cabinets and pantries
• Under kitchen or bathroom sinks
• Drawers and closets
• Wall voids
• Spaces behind window and door trim

Cockroaches are nocturnal, their flat, dark bodies allowing them to hide out of sight during the day. At night while we sleep, they emerge and scurry around our floors, tables, and counters, searching for food. Their ability to stay out of our sight often allows cockroaches to build large populations before we finally notice their presence.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Trust Wells Pest Control to rid your Michigan home or business of cockroaches. With over 18 years of pest control experience, you can put your trust in our professionals, our vast knowledge of pest behaviors, and our effective pest control in Lake Orion, MI. We take pride in building close relationships with our customers and providing year-round, quality pest control services.

To learn more about removing cockroaches from your home or commercial property, reach out to Wells Pest Control today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

In addition to working together, putting into place the following prevention tips can help stop cockroaches from taking over your home:

• Ensure that dish rags and mops are allowed to dry out between uses, such as food debris and moisture will attract cockroaches.
• Keep drains and sinks free of food debris.
• Repair leaky pipes and fixtures.
• Keep areas under sinks free of clutter.
• Make sure basements and crawl spaces are well ventilated.
• Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels in your home low.
• Inspect deliveries and pieces of used furniture for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.
• Exterior doors should always have door sweeps installed. Inside, make sure to seal any holes or openings that develop where the floor meets the wall, or the wall meets the ceiling.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.