The Dangers That Come With Cockroaches In Your Western Massachusetts Property

What You Need to Know About Cockroaches 

Cockroaches are gross. We probably don't need to tell you that. When you lift a couch cushion and a dozen cockroaches skitter away into the cracks, it is a sight that can give you nightmares. When you see a big, nasty roach come out of your air conditioner and scale the wall at full speed, it can make you want to sell your home or, at the very least, your air conditioner. But cockroaches aren't just disgusting to look at. They are dangerous pests that can present a serious threat to the health of everyone living in your home. We don't say this to make you feel uneasy because you're probably already uneasy enough. We say this to provide insight into how cockroaches might expose you to illness, and what you can do to prevent this from happening.

Do you know that cockroaches are drawn to your toothbrush?

If you don't, you could be exposed to illness. It only takes a few seconds for a cockroach to go from the rim of your toilet to the bristles of your toothbrush. And they are inclined to do so. Cockroaches are drawn to the residue of toothpaste and moisture droplets in the bristles of your toothbrush. Also, as disgusting as it may be, they eat human feces. Protect yourself by putting your toothbrush in a protective case or sealed plastic bag.

Do you know that cockroaches can chew through cardboard?

When cockroaches get into your pantry, they can chew through paper, cardboard, and thin plastic to get into your foods and contaminate them. Where does this contamination come from? Many places. But one that is a particular threat is the decaying food matter inside your kitchen trash. Here are some tips to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria from your trash to your stored foods.

• Put pantry foods in sealed plastic containers.
• Keep your kitchen trash receptacle clean, particularly the interior bottom.
• Remove trash from your kitchen at least once a week to reduce the scent of decay.

Do you know that cockroaches go in and out of your home?

The term "infestation" might make you think that cockroaches have gotten in and they're never going back outside. But this is not always true. Roaches can go in and out of your home. When they do, they can be exposed to dirty things you would never allow inside, such as a rotting mouse or rat, rotting organic matter in a dumpster or exterior trash receptacle, or a compost heap. Cockroaches may also feed on the dog droppings in your yard if you have a dog that goes outside. This can expose cockroaches to bacteria, parasites and pathogens, which they can spread to stored foods, dishes, silverware, cutting boards, surfaces, and more. You can marginally reduce the threat of illness by keeping things as clean as possible. But it is far more important to seal as many entry points as possible. Keeping cockroaches from going in and out, and keeping more cockroaches from coming in, will go a long way toward protecting you from cockroach-related illnesses.

Do you know that cockroaches aggravate allergies?

If you begin to notice respiratory issues or someone in your home has increased symptoms of asthma, cockroaches could be to blame. Recent studies have shown a correlation between cockroach infestation and increased hospital visits for asthma-related symptoms. Cockroaches can also cause ongoing stomach issues and other forms of illness. We have no tip for this one, other than to deal with cockroaches with effective pest control when you find them in your home. Their propensity to come in contact with rotting organic matter, dead animals, feces, and other dirty things make them a serious threat for the spread of illness.

Do you know that cockroaches are resistant to chemicals?

As a cockroach grows, it sheds its old cuticle and grows a new one. When it does this, it can develop a resistance to any chemicals found in its environment. This can cause cockroaches to become vehicles for harmful chemicals you use to kill them. We strongly recommend having a professional select product and perform treatments for cockroaches.

If you live in Western Massachusetts, reach out to American Pest Solutions for effective, environmentally responsible cockroach control. Don't take chances with cockroach-related illness. Get roaches out and keep them out.