Ruth C.
Pest Control in Bealeton, VA
Cockroaches belong to the same family as termites. The average size of a cockroach can vary from ½ to 2 inches long. Even though some cockroaches have wings, they are very limited in their flying ability.
Cockroaches multiply quickly, making infestations very likely and roach infestations are hard to get rid of because the insects hide in various areas, breed quickly, and may develop resistance to pesticides. They are known for carrying dangerous bacteria that cause sickness, food poisoning, and allergic reactions, especially for children.
Cockroaches prefer a warm, moist and dark climate. They usually enter the home via the sewer system or they are brought in unknowingly. There are steps you can take to reduce the problem yourself, but if the roaches keep coming back after trying the methods below, then it is time to call a professional exterminator like Summit Wildlife Removal (SWR).
Roach glue strips will help locate larger infestations of roaches. It is best to place the glue traps in areas where there are a lot of roaches. Those high-traffic areas will need to be monitored to ensure roaches are successfully caught and further treatment can be applied there.
Roach traps can be effective for reducing existing roach populations, but they won’t prevent roaches from getting in from outside. To prevent future roach problems, use caulk to fill possible entry points such as gaps between walls, small crevices, and entry holes. It will also help to use weather stripping on doors and window seals.
Gel bait is a substance that is applied from a tube and goes on areas where roaches frequent. Because it is a bait, it attracts the roaches to it and the roaches will eat it and it will poison them. A downside to roach bait is that from time to time it can dry out and some species of roaches are not attracted to it.
Similar to gel bait, these stations work by attracting roaches to feed on poison. The poisoned roach then travels back to its hiding spot, dies and is eaten by other roaches, further spreading poison. Bait stations work to an extent, but often do not reach all roaches in a home. They also pose a health issue since they contain poison harmful to humans. Some roach hotels only contain glue to trap the roaches instead.
Boric acid is a substance found in clothing detergent and toothpaste and is effective at killing roaches. Boric acid is misused and will become less effective for roaches because they will develop a resistance to it. Due to this issue, boric acid is not recommended as the only method used for roach control.
Cockroaches can transmit disease and cause skin irritations. However, hiring a Summit Pest Control specialist to treat a roach infestation can increase safety, offer a more effective approach to getting rid of cockroaches and provide an ongoing solution to cockroach control. It also eliminates the need to have roach traps scattered around your home.
There is no sure way to keep cockroaches out of the home without a professional. However, there are some preventative measures you can take including:
At Summit Wildlife Removal, we offer professional roach control and removal, roach extermination, and other pest control services in Fredericksburg, Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia areas. Contact us today at 703-884-2124 for a free estimate for reliable cockroach and roach removal services.
Fairfax, Alexandria & Arlington, VA