Cockroaches absolutely love the hot, humid South, and beautiful Pompano Beach is certainly no exception. As cold-blooded insects, cockroaches seek shelter inside homes and businesses that can provide ready food sources and a haven from the elements. That said, cockroaches are natural survivors.
They can go without food for weeks and are adapted to survive things that would kill other insects. Today’s blog will cover the common types of roaches found in homes in our area, why they are so hard to eliminate, and what you can do to keep them out.
Common Cockroaches In Pompano Beach
American cockroaches: The largest cockroaches to infest a home, these are brown or reddish in color and oval-shaped. If you look at the top of one, you’ll notice a light brown or yellow 8-shape behind the head. They are the second most common type of cockroach in the world, behind the German Cockroach.
Brown-banded cockroaches: Unlike the American Cockroach, this is one of the smallest varieties, usually only around 10 centimeters long. It gets its name from the lighter colored bands that stretch on the backsides of their abdomens and wings. Only males can fly, as they have longer fully-developed wings that extend beyond their bodies.
Florida Wood Cockroach: Another large type of cockroach, these dark red or black bugs like wooded or leafy areas. They have many nicknames, such as “palmetto bug” or “stinkroach,” the latter because of the odorous chemical they secrete from their backs. They appear wingless with large plates on their backs, but they actually have small, under-developed wings on their backs that don’t accommodate flight.
Why Cockroaches Are Hard To Kill
What makes cockroaches great survivors is their ability to adapt to their surroundings. For example, if a cockroach baby, or nymph, loses its legs, it will regrow them within a matter of days. Cockroaches can even survive without their heads for a long period of time and can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes, meaning they can survive underwater.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
A cockroach infestation in homes or businesses can be a serious problem. Because of their spiney bodies, dust and bacteria stick to cockroaches and are spread far and wide as the bugs seek out food and shelter. Aside from the numerous diseases and bacteria they are known to spread, cockroaches can also infect humans and pets with parasites. And they are known to cause serious allergic reactions and asthma in humans, particularly in young children.
How Roaches Get In And How To Keep Them Out
Cockroaches enter homes through the smallest cracks or holes, meaning it’s important to regularly inspect your home. Here are some areas to pay particular attention to:
- Gaps and cracks in the foundation: Cockroaches can flatten themselves to squeeze into the tiniest of areas, so no crack or flaw in a structure is too small for them. Fix these problems at first notice. Pay attention to areas where pipes or wires go through your structure.
- Moisture build-up: Cockroaches need water to survive, so they tend to prefer humid or moist areas. Making sure rooms are properly ventilated is a good way to reduce problem areas. Also it is important to remove water sources outside as much as possible. Fix leaky gutters, repair leaking spigots, and cut vegetation away from your perimeter to allow things to dry out after it rains.
- Food storage and cleanliness: Cockroaches can detect the smallest traces of food and water from dozens of feet away. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and store food in sturdy containers. Vacuum on a regular basis and don't leave pet food on the floor overnight.
How AAA Can Help!
Because they are so difficult to kill, only pest control experts can truly eliminate a cockroach population. Our professionals will not only exterminate the pests but we’ll also work with homeowners and businesses to reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Call AAA Riteway Pest Management for thorough, proven and safe cockroach extermination.