When you imagine a cockroach, one species is most likely to come to mind, and it's the American cockroach. This disgusting pest has the characteristic cockroach look, and they are also bigger than any other species found in Syracuse and the surrounding areas making them particularly gross to encounter.

The American cockroach is a red-brown color with a long, oval-shaped body and wings that lay flat on its back. They can get up to three inches in length, and they have a shiny, greasy appearance. While they aren’t the most common home-invading cockroach, as the German cockroach holds that title, they are still prevalent pests in Syracuse, New York.

Another interesting fact about the American cockroach is that despite their name, they aren’t originally from America. They originated in Africa, but they have since become widespread throughout the country.

How Dangerous Are American Cockroaches?

The American cockroach is a potentially dangerous pest to have in your home because just like many other cockroach species, they can spread dozens of diseases. Some of these diseases are quite serious including salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, and gastroenteritis. They are overall extremely filthy creatures, and they often get into food sources. Plus, they can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

While some pests might be just a nuisance, this isn’t the case for the American cockroach. Because of these risks, it’s important to take steps to prevent an infestation from starting.

Seven American Cockroach Prevention Steps

Cockroaches can be difficult to prevent because they can find their way into a home through small cracks or be brought in on cardboard boxes. However, you can make it harder for cockroaches to get inside and also reduce underlying factors that attract them.

Here are seven of the best preventive measures to follow:

Remove food waste around your kitchen by regularly sweeping, mopping, and cleaning up food and drink spills. Also, make sure to do all dirty dishes on a regular basis and don’t leave them in the sink.
Cockroaches are attracted to trash, so make sure to take out the garbage often and invest in lids for all trash cans.
Cockroaches seek shelter in cluttered places, so get rid of excess clutter both inside and around your yard.
Make it more difficult for cockroaches to sneak in by filling small holes in the exterior walls and foundation with caulk.
Inspect cardboard boxes and secondhand items for cockroaches before bringing them inside.
You should also repair or replace broken screens as cockroaches might get inside this way.
Install weather stripping and door sweeps to further reduce access points around the house.

How To Protect Your Home From Cockroaches

Taking preventative measures to keep cockroaches out is always a good idea and can reduce the risk of an infestation. However, the most effective way to control cockroaches is by contacting the experts at Pestmaster® Services. Trying to remove cockroaches on your own using potentially toxic sprays is dangerous and largely ineffective, so let our experienced team handle the problem using eco-friendly methods that are safe for you and your family.

If you’ve noticed signs of American cockroaches around your property, contact us online to request a free residential pest control quote or give us a call to book an inspection. We are committed to protecting you and your loved ones from these disgusting, dangerous pests.