Roaches are some of the most dangerous pests that invade Alexandria homes. These creatures can live in any environment, often residing in unsanitary places. They'll pick up pathogens and spread them around houses, making them a health concern. They're also excellent hiders, so they're difficult to find and remove.
These pests invade local residences for food and water. There are ways to prevent them, but you'll need professional cockroach control in Alexandria for removal. Read on to learn more about roaches and how to keep them out of your house.
Understanding The Cockroach Problem: Identifying The Culprits
Multiple types of cockroaches invade Virginia homes. They're all nocturnal but prefer different environments. The first step in effective cockroach control is identifying the species. Knowing which cockroaches are in your structure will help the professionals develop a removal plan. The most common cockroaches that invade Alexandria properties include:
- American cockroaches are 1 1/4 to 2 1/8 inches and reddish brown with an oval body, long antennae, and a yellow figure-eight pattern behind their heads.
- German cockroaches range between 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch and are light brown to tan with an oval body and two dark stripes on their backs.
- Wood cockroaches between 3/4 and 1 inch long and dark brown with wings.
Since these pests prefer different environments, some are more likely to invade residences and other commercial facilities. Regardless, successfully identifying the species is essential for their removal from your building.
Health Risks Of Roaches: The Dangers Of Cockroach Infestations
Roaches don't cause damage to buildings, but they can spread potentially dangerous pathogens. They pick up bacteria before reaching your home, carrying them on their bodies. One of the primary characteristics of cockroaches is that they crawl around at night and leave pathogens on surfaces. The illnesses roaches can spread to people when they invade buildings include:
- Salmonellosis
- Typhoid fever
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- Giardia
In addition to these illnesses, roaches also leave urine, droppings, and saliva on surfaces they visit. This waste can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in some people, causing more significant medical problems. For this reason, keeping these pests away from your home is essential.
Effective Ways To Keep Roaches Out: Essential Prevention Measures
Roaches can fit through tiny entry points in your exterior and hide behind walls and appliances. They only come out at night, so you'll only see them during the day if their hiding place is overcrowded. These pests can remain unnoticed for long periods, causing health threats in your home.
Since these creatures are hard to discover, preventing them from getting into your house is the best way to protect yourself. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep roaches away, such as:
- Close cracks or crevices in your exterior.
- Clean up clutter around your house.
- Store trash in bins with tight lids.
- Install screens over drains and vents.
- Repair leaks in your home.
These tips will help you avoid a severe infestation in your home, but some might still find entry into your house. In this case, you'll need the assistance of professional roach pest control. They'll find these pests, remove them, and keep others from invading.
Professional Roach Extermination: Call The Experts Right Away
When roaches sneak into your house and find a quality hiding spot, they can go unnoticed. They'll breed continuously during that time, increasing the infestation. This constant breeding produces more roaches that can spread potentially dangerous pathogens around your home.
The answer to your roach problem is the Matar Group. Our technicians will inspect your home to find these pests and use the most effective methods for cockroach removal. We offer monthly, bimonthly, and quarterly services to ensure your building is roach-free year-round. Call us to learn more about our home pest control services in Alexandria.