The general consensus on roaches is that they’re disgusting and unwanted. These creepy crawlers startle people with their fast and darting movements when lights are flashed on. Their rapid reproduction makes them a nightmare for Reno home and business owners. For residents, they’ll worry about being frightened or exposed to germs. Those who run commercial establishments will be concerned about the same, with additional stressors. Customers may feel unsafe, and sanitation organizations may shut companies down if roaches are spotted.
Most people know that cockroaches pose a threat, but just how dangerous are they to have around? Learning more can help you better prepare for prevention, especially with an assist from Pestmaster® Services.
What Are The Risks of Common Reno Cockroaches?
The cockroaches that dominate the Reno area are American, German, Oriental, and brown-banded. Regardless of the species, roaches are known for contaminating food and surfaces. They do this as they crawl around and leave their waste behind. In addition to carrying bacteria on their bodies, their leg spines pick up germs from the filth they wander in. These pests can spread or trigger the following:
- Pathogens, such as E. Coli and salmonella
- Asthmatic and allergic reactions
- Gastroenteritis
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Certain roach types not only transmit disease, but they can also destroy property. For instance, American cockroaches sometimes ruin clothing and paper-based materials. They grow to be as long as three inches and are reddish-brown. German cockroaches range in size from 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. They’re tan or light brown and have horizontal head stripes. Their young are black with stripes. Oriental cockroaches are about an inch long and are black or reddish-brown. The brown-banded species is as small as 1/2 of an inch. Hence their name, they have brown and tan body bands.
General infestation signs are:
- Seeing droppings: American cockroach droppings are ridged with blunted ends. German fecal matter looks like pepper. Brown-banded roaches leave black and brown fragments. Check surfaces, drawers, ceiling fixtures, door frames, and floor corners.
- Spotting eggs: Cockroach eggs can be 1/4 of an inch, to a bit over an inch long. In terms of color, they’re red, brown, tan, or black. You’ll find them in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Smelling an odor: The communication chemical that roaches release has a “musty” scent. When these bugs infest your kitchen, the chemical can alter the taste and smell of food.
How Can You Prevent Cockroaches?
Roaches will find your property less appealing if you take these steps:
- Seal openings in foundations, windows, doors, and utilities. Roaches often get in through these gaps.
- It doesn’t matter how small a hole is.Attach sweeps to exterior doors.
- Repair plumbing leaks and moisture issues to reduce water sources.
- Wash dishes and remove trash routinely.
- Store food and garbage in airtight containers.
- Clean food messes immediately.
- Groom greenery and keep it at a distance from buildings.
- Control humidity levels.
- Check second-hand items, packages, bags, and plants before bringing them inside.
What Can Pestmaster® Services Do About Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are very intrusive pests. As if their ability to quickly infest your property wasn’t enough, they’ll live in the most intimate parts of your space. They’ll surround ceilings, laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and appliances. For food, they’ll feed on trash, pantry items, and toiletries. You can try to eliminate them on your own, but many commercial insecticides have only a temporary effect. Some can even exacerbate the problem.
For over 40+ years, Pestmaster® Services has offered a wide array of unique and cutting edge treatment methods. All of our products and devices are state-of-the-art, scientifically based, and environmentally safe. Rest assured, you won’t have a roach dilemma for long. Show the pests who’s the boss and call us today to sign up for pest control in Reno, NV!