What Everyone In Charlotte Ought To Know About American Cockroaches

Ah, the Queen’s City. It’s one of the finest cities on the East Coast...in our own humble opinion, of course. Whether you’re into the museums, the nightlife, or the sports, we’ve got it all. What’s more American than that? Perhaps that’s why the American cockroach seems to take such a liking to our homes and properties. As Charlotte residents, we have enough to deal with already, so we tend to ignore the problem, deal with them when we see them and hope for the best. However, if you knew how dangerous American cockroaches really are, you’d take a more active approach to keep them out of your house.

Big Roaches, Bigger Health Hazards

American cockroaches are the biggest cockroaches in the continental United States. However, they really aren’t even American. Originating in Africa, they migrated across the Atlantic Ocean to become one of the most common home-invaders in almost any region. Measuring up to an inch and a half in length, their dark reddish/brown bodies can make your skin crawl and your stomach turn. However, their size isn’t nearly the most concerning thing about them being in your home.

The American cockroach actually poses a huge health risk to you and your family because of its ability to carry and spread dangerous bacteria wherever it goes. Spending most of their time in landfills, dumpsters, and sewers, these roaches pick up all kinds of filth and bring it into your home. And where do roaches like to hang out the most in your house? That’s right, the kitchen. As they wander around your kitchen searching for an easily accessible food source, they’ll spread this bacteria all over your food preparation surfaces, putting you in danger of incurring diseases like salmonella, E.coli, and many more. Plus, they’ll secrete a pathogen as they move around that can cause an allergic reaction and turn your walls yellow.

Prevention Pains

Another troubling characteristic of American cockroaches roaches is their ability to survive in adverse conditions. Their strong and flexible exoskeletons allow them to completely flatten their bodies, which allows them to squeeze through small spaces. (It also makes them very hard to squash). When American cockroaches get into your Charlotte home, there is not a lot you can do to get them out on your own. However, there are a lot of ways to avoid an infestation in the first place:

• Moisture control: Since roaches love a damp, dark environment, controlling moisture issues in your home is essential. Using a dehumidifier in your crawl spaces and monitoring your pipes for leaks can help prevent excess moisture buildup.
• Cleaning Habits: Cleaning thoroughly and regularly, including behind kitchen appliances and under furniture, makes a home far less attractive to roaches. You’ll want to make sure that you vacuum and mop regularly, as roaches can survive off just a few crumbs per day.
• Food And Trash Storage: Roaches can squeeze into tight spaces and chew their way through cardboard, so food and trash need to be stored in plastic or metal containers with tightly secured lids. Leaving leftovers on the counter or sink overnight will put you at risk of infestation as well.
• Watch For Entry Points: The cracks and crevices under doors, around windows, and along the foundation of the house can all provide entry points for roaches. Using caulk to seal up these cracks and weather-stripping on exterior doors can prevent easy entry.

While this list can be effective, there is only so much you can do on your own. Since American cockroaches are one of the most common home invaders in the area, it’s going to be hard to limit their presence without professional help. Don’t waste your time and money or risk your health with potentially toxic sprays; instead, go with the guaranteed solution. Contact the professionals at Aruza Pest Control at the first sign of American cockroaches

‍