Phoenix's Step-By-Step Guide To Effective Cockroach Control
Here in Phoenix, cockroaches are a year-round concern. With ample sources of food, water, and shelter, your property might be a pest-paradise. That means you need to be wary of infestation. Cockroaches, in particular, are a harmful nuisance pest to be aware of. They are extremely unsanitary, and they can lead to a long list of negative health conditions. In order to protect yourself from contracting any diseases, you’re going to want to do everything you can to keep cockroaches out of your Phoenix home.
Types Of Roaches Here In Phoenix
Our area is home to a variety of species of cockroaches, the most popular ones being the American, Oriental, Brown-banded, and German cockroaches. Here is a brief overview of these species and some helpful facts to keep in mind.
American Cockroaches
- Also known as water bugs or palmetto bugs
- Measures from 1-3 inches long
- Largest house-infesting roach
- Reddish-brown body with distinct yellow-colored figure-eight pattern behind their heads
- Have wings and can fly short distances
Oriental Cockroaches
- Sometimes referred to as water bugs or black beetle cockroaches
- About one inch long
- Live at or below ground level
- Dark brown color with smooth, shiny bodies
- Males have wings, females do not; neither can fly
Brown-banded Cockroaches
- Lurking in kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, furniture, etc.
- About 1/2 inch long
- Live nearer to the ceiling than the floor
- Dark brown body with 2 distinctive broad bands across their wings
- Often require their own treatment plan
German Cockroaches
- Prefer to reside indoors as they feed on human food sources
- About ½ - ¾ long
- Breed in dark, damp spaces
- Yellowish-brown color with two short black stripes running from head to base of wings
- Hate light and cannot fly
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Whatever species you’re dealing with, one thing remains the same: cockroaches are extremely unsanitary pests. Not only are they unsanitary but they are dangerous. Cockroaches travel around in garbage, sewage, decaying matter, and various other areas of filth. As they go around picking up pathogens and germs, they carry them from one place to another. That means that when they enter your property, they contaminate surfaces, food sources, and all kinds of vulnerable areas. This exposes you to a long list of diseases and health conditions that can be serious, if not addressed.
How To Prevent Cockroaches
It is important to do everything you can to reduce your chances of experiencing a cockroach infestation. A good place to start is with the deep cleaning of your space. Cockroaches love clutter, it gives them more harborage areas and ideal cracks and crevices for laying their eggs. If you regularly clean your space and maintain a high level of hygiene and sanitation, it can be very helpful in keeping roaches at bay.
Be sure to inspect and clean often-forgotten areas like the backs of closets and cupboards, under heavy appliances, and near utility areas. Cockroaches are attracted to water sources and food sources alike. They can survive off of the smallest crumbs, so even the tiniest mess can feed them for a long time. That’s why proper cleanup and proper food storage is absolutely crucial. Here are some other helpful preventative tips for avoiding cockroach infestation:
- Apply weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Don’t leave any food out, pet food included.
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and downspouts.
- Install dehumidifiers in moisture-rich areas.
- Store your food in sealed, air-tight containers.
- Take out the trash regularly and store it outside in a sealed bin.
- Wipe up messes and spills as promptly as possible.
These are all great ways to get ahead of the problem. By reducing cockroach attractants and preventing entry, you can effectively minimize your chances of experiencing an infestation. Being aware of and treating common problem areas can be very helpful in keeping roaches away. From the air ducts and the drains to cracks, crevices, and remote areas under appliances, cockroaches gain entry all kinds of ways.
How The Pros At Bug Science Can Help
The best protection you have is professional pest control. The team at Bug Science offers complete residential and commercial pest control solutions and prevention services to guard your Phoenix property from these harmful Arizona pests all year long. Contact us today to get started.