Cockroaches are among the most unpleasant pests to have in your home. They are large, fast, and dirty. They can also glide through the air—a frightening experience for most people.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain why cockroaches are a problem for Tukwila homeowners, and we’ll help you get started with some easy-to-follow prevention tips.
Tukwila Cockroaches
There are thousands of species of cockroaches. Among the most common in the United States are American cockroaches, German cockroaches, Asian cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
Each of these species is a little different—German cockroaches are the smallest while American cockroaches are the largest, growing to be around two inches long. They can range in color from red to brown to black.
While cockroaches are not strong fliers, they can all glide short distances. They are nocturnal and incredibly fast. They are omnivores and can live almost anywhere humans live.
Problems Caused By Cockroaches
Cockroaches will eat almost anything—including other cockroaches. They are most attracted to decaying matter and will congregate around trash cans, dead things, fecal matter, and organic materials. While feeding in these places, cockroaches pick up dangerous pathogens.
When they get into your home, the roaches will spread these pathogens around your home. This can make you or your family sick. They can contaminate food and trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
Tips For Cockroach Prevention
Convinced you should focus on cockroach prevention? Let’s get right into some steps you can take to protect your family.
- Inspect the outside of your home for holes and cracks that might be allowing entrance to roaches. Fill small cracks with caulking to prevent entry.
- Install door sweeps to prevent cockroaches from coming in through the gaps under your exterior doors.
- Check screens for holes or tears. Because cockroaches can climb and glide, it’s not uncommon for them to come in through windows.
- Install vent covers. Again, this will help minimize cockroach entry into your home.
- Address any moisture issues in your home. Cockroaches love moisture. They are often found in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Make sure you have no leaks or spills and increase the ventilation in damp rooms. If any rooms in your home have high humidity levels, use a dehumidifier to dry them out.
- Clean the kitchen. Because cockroaches are most active at night, it’s important to clean your kitchen before going to sleep.
- Clean under appliances. When cleaning, make sure that you clean thoroughly. Don’t leave crumbs under appliances or dirty dishes in the sink.
- Clean the bathroom. While most food stays in the kitchen, spilled toothpaste, mouthwash, and other bathroom products can also attract cockroaches. Be sure to clean in and around the bathroom sink in addition to the kitchen.
- Store trash in sealed containers. It’s important to have covered trash bins in order to prevent cockroaches. If they get into the garbage, they’ll find a feast!
- Don’t leave pet food or birdseed out at night. Pet food can be just as attractive to cockroaches as human food; it’s important to not leave any sitting out overnight.
- Store food in airtight containers made of thick materials like plastic, glass, or ceramic. Thin cardboard boxes or plastic bags can be easily chewed through and contaminated. Don’t leave fruits or vegetables on the counter for cockroaches to get to either.
- Partner with Alta Pest Control. We have the tools and experience to stop roaches in their tracks. These pests may be fast, but they’re not too fast for us. We’ll treat your cockroach problem and work with you to develop long-term environmental changes for cockroach prevention. Don’t let these pests take over your home!
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