cockroach crawling across surface

Cockroaches are one of the most invasive bugs you’ll find anywhere. Some of the types of cockroaches in Richmond include the American Cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, and the German cockroach. Another cockroach found in Richmond, and actually one of the most common, is the wood cockroach. Fortunately, these cockroaches prefer to live outside, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find their way into your home, especially if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Let’s take a look at what every Richmond homeowner ought to know about cockroaches.

Problems Associated With Cockroaches In Richmond, VA

Cockroaches are notoriously dirty, dangerous, and sneaky pests. It's important for homeowners to understand the risks they pose to the health and safety of your family.

Proliferation: Cockroaches reproduce quickly. Each female can produce two egg cases a week. Each egg case is capable of producing up to 16 eggs. As you can see, the more widespread your cockroach problem is, the faster the cockroach population in your home can multiply.
Food Contamination: Cockroaches can get into your food supply if it isn’t properly sealed. This can lead to contamination of food and wasted money.
Disease: Cockroaches are capable of carrying a wide variety of diseases and bacteria, including streptococcus, staphylococcus, and salmonella. Cockroaches can even carry the poliovirus, so as you can see, a cockroach infestation can make your home a hotbed of germs, bacteria, and viruses that can cause severe health concerns for your family. Cockroach feces and urine are primary ways cockroaches spread these threats.
Destruction: While cockroaches do not cause structural damage to your homes like termites and some other pests, they do bring sanitation issues to the home. Cockroaches infest everything, including furniture, water sources, and appliances.

How To Keep Cockroaches Out Of Your Home

Unfortunately, keeping cockroaches from entering your home is difficult if they have already found their way inside. Cockroaches can enter the home through even the smallest openings. They can also be carried into the home from other locations, particularly in boxes, clothing, and infested appliances. Though infestation may seem inevitable, there are a few precautions you can take to make it a bit more difficult for cockroaches to find their way inside of your Richmond home.

Firstly, keep your home clean. Having cockroaches does not necessarily mean your home is dirty, but a dirty home certainly is more likely to attract them. Cockroaches need food, water, and warmth. Deprive them of these things and you won’t give them an attractive environment. Keep food sealed and keep crumbs of food wiped away. Don’t leave old clothes, newspapers, and boxes lying around. These are all things that attract cockroaches.

Secondly, seal any openings into your home. This will prevent entry for cockroaches as well as other unwanted pests. Cracks, holes, and gaps around doors and windows are easy entry points. Seal openings regardless of how small they are. If you're struggling to find entry points, contact a professional for help.

Lastly, cockroaches are constantly searching for water, so it's important to fix your leaking pipes. This will prevent cockroaches from detecting a water source.

Avoid Roach Traps & Sprays

You may be tempted to use DIY methods for cockroach control. While roach spray and roach traps might be effective for a few roaches, you most likely never have “just a few.” Also, roach sprays contain many ingredients that can present potential hazards to your family’s health. Sprays and traps simply don’t rid you of a cockroach infestation. You can kill a few cockroaches, but there is an army waiting to take their place. These options are costly and offer no real results.

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Richmond, Virginia

Pestmaster^® Services of Richmond is the best solution when you have a cockroach infestation in your home. Our pest control specialists are ready to help rid your home of cockroaches once and for all. Don’t waste money on ineffective methods. Contact us today and let us help you regain control of your home.