When you think of the dangers of Los Angeles, what comes to mind? Your mind may wander into some dark places, but you probably don't think about cockroaches. In truth, cockroaches can be one of the most dangerous critters in the city. This guide to cockroach control teaches you how to stay safe from them.
Los Angeles Cockroaches
Although you should worry about all of the species of cockroaches in Los Angeles, there are a few types of roaches that should concern you the most. First, there's the German cockroach. This insect is the most troublesome roach, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. It's small, light brown, and an incredibly rapid breeder.
Another local cockroach is the brown-banded cockroach. If you don't have an effective AC, you're likely to encounter this beast. It likes warmer temperatures and often scares inhabitants by jumping or flying. This species has two brown bands down its side.
One of the easiest roaches to identify is the oriental cockroach. This home invader is almost jet-black. Although it prefers outdoor hiding spots, the oriental cockroach sometimes comes inside searching for food and moisture. It's likely to be in your basement, bathroom, or kitchen drain if you have leaks or moisture issues.
Finally, you should be prepared to find the American cockroach. Reddish-brown in color, this roach prefers warmth. It could be hiding in your pantry and grows to a disturbingly large size.
The Real Trouble With Roaches
All of the local cockroaches are a problem. This isn't because they have a gross appearance or leave behind fecal matter. Every type of cockroach comes with the same dangerous ability to spread diseases. Before a roach heads into your home, it could pick up a pathogen. That pathogen eventually makes its way into your property and could make you or anyone else sick.
Cockroaches contaminate food, surfaces, and your home. Furthermore, they're very resilient, which makes them nearly impossible to eliminate. Only a tiny amount of food is enough to keep a cockroach alive, and it can live for days with no water. As hard as you might try to make your property less of a target for roaches, you could find them inside.
The rapid breeding cycle of cockroaches makes them particularly troubling. Although you might only have a few roaches in your home at first, you will soon have hundreds. One female lays multiple eggs, and those eggs hatch quickly.
Cockroach Prevention Tips
As far as cockroach prevention goes, you can take matters into your own hands. These tips may keep roaches away from your property:
- Seal Entrances: Check under your doors and around your windows for gaps. If you have cracks in your walls, seal them up with caulk. You can't keep roaches out of your home are easy for them to access.
- Store Trash Carefully: There are probably more than a few crumbs in your garbage cans. If you place lids on your cans, you make food less accessible. Don't allow trash to sit outside or inside unless it's in a container.
- Deep Clean: Maintaining a clean home is one way to keep roaches away. While regular cleaning matters, it's even more important to do deep cleans. Check behind your appliances for crumbs and clean those areas regularly.
Work With Us
Call us at A Step Above Pest Control & Termite if you worry that your efforts will still leave you vulnerable. We offer total cockroach control for Los Angeles residents. With our experienced team by your side, you can say goodbye to roaches. We use tried and tested methods to keep you safe. Call us now to get started.