Is It Just One Cockroach in My Raleigh Home or an Infestation?

More often than not, the sighting of just one cockroach signifies a dangerous level of infestation in homes. Cockroaches tend to have flattened, squashed bodies and range in color from reddish to brown and black. They have six legs and oval bodies with two wings folded on their backs. If even one of these pests is in your home, it is important to act quickly and contact a licensed pest control professional for advice.

Cockroaches present a severe health threat to humans. They are linked to the spread of 33 different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and giardia. Additionally, cockroaches are known to spread six kinds of parasitic worms and seven other kinds of human pathogens. Cockroach spines, legs, and bodies pick up germs as they crawl through decaying matter and sewage. In an infested home, those germs are then transferred to food and cooking surfaces. The saliva, urine, and fecal droppings of cockroaches also contain allergen proteins that are a common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms, particularly in children. At one time cockroaches were known to inhabit poorly kept homes. While thorough cleaning is an important step in deterring cockroach infestations, they are now being discovered in even the best kept homes.

Signs of Trouble

Cockroaches hide during the day, making them extremely hard to spot. Emerging at night to look for food, they are extremely fast moving animals and will rapidly run for cover if disturbed. Common hiding places are anywhere warm, dark, and moist. You can often find them under sinks, behind dishwashers or other appliances, and upper cupboards. If you see a fast-moving insect fleeing to a dark area, chances are you could be facing an explosive population within your home.

More subtle signs include droppings in the dim areas in which cockroaches hide. For larger species, these droppings are often mistaken for mouse droppings but are blunt on the ends and have ridges on the sides. A licensed pest control professional can help with proper identification. Smaller species will leave pepper-like droppings on countertops or in drawers. These may also appear as staining or dark spots in the corners of rooms or around small cracks and openings in walls. Other indicators are the presence of egg capsules, which are eight millimeters long and dark colored, glued to a surface near a food surface, in basements, laundry rooms, and in kitchens. When an infestation is especially advanced, there will also be an offensive odor.

Challenges of Home Treatments

Cockroaches are known for their outstanding ability to adapt to a wide variety of habitats making them an extremely difficult species to eradicate. These expert hiders are often able to evade detection until an overwhelming population has developed. Cockroaches breed at a rate of six generations per year. They have unique survival tactics, including the ability to live for a week without their head. Extermination of this tenacious pest makes for a challenging task for most homeowners. In apartment buildings, the entire structure may need treatment from trained specialists. Even with training, insecticides are only a temporary measure and more permanent control strategies are necessary.

Call the Professionals

If you suspect an infestation of cockroaches in your home, contact the professionals at Aruza Pest Control. Our eco-friendly solutions are environmentally conscious while keeping both your house and family safe. We offer free same day inspection and a money back guarantee. Get the pest control you deserve from a professional that cares as much about your home as their own. Call us now at 1-980-729-8788.

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