Myths About Cockroaches and How To Get Rid of Them
Squashing the Myths
Cockroaches bring out varied reactions in everyone – from screams and disgust, to, believe it or not, admiration. Most would agree that they need to go next door, down the street, to the next town, or preferably to cockroach heaven or hell. The strong emotions regarding this pesky pest have generated myths and rumors over the years. Hopper Termite & Pest wants to help you separate fact from fiction.
Fiction!!
Cockroaches Only Invade Dirty Homes
Depending on the ease of access to water and food sources, they do prefer dirtier homes, BUT a clean home is a fair game as well. Easy access is their modus operandi. This is why it is important to not only keep your home clean but to also ensure that cracks and points of entry are properly sealed.
The Bigger the Badder
Despite the rumors, size makes no difference when it comes to roaches being more dangerous or problematic. The fact is, the smallest can carry disease just as easily as the larger ones.
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They Fear the Light
How many times have you gone into a room, turned on the light and they scurry away? Although some species do prefer living in dark, quiet areas, most cockroaches actually enjoy the light. They’ll gather near windows, or even on a television screen at night. When they do run it’s because they fear humans, the larger predator.
A Cockroach Can Withstand a Nuclear Explosion
This is among the most common myths quoted as fact. Although they can withstand ten times more radiation than a person, the truth is they would not survive a nuclear event.
It Will Die When It Loses Its Head
A cockroach body CAN survive without a head for UP TO A WEEK! The roach breathes through small holes in its body segments and has an open circulatory system. Therefore, since it doesn’t need its head to breathe, it can continue to live. What eventually kills it is the inability to drink, dying of dehydration.
They Can’t Live in a Human Body
They can! Doctors in Chennai, India recently found a live cockroach inside a lady’s skull after it entered through her nose. Thankfully, they were able to remove it with the use of forceps and a suction apparatus. Another incident was reported by a man who had a cockroach in his ear for three days. Cockroaches tend to seek warm places for shelter during cold winter, and human ears have turned out to have desirable qualities in which a cockroach can survive.
Facts!
Allergies
Cockroaches can cause severe allergies and make people sick.
Survivors
They have been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Their lifespan ranges from a few months to two years.
Hungry
Roaches will eat anything. ANYTHING.
Thirsty
They will drink almost anything as well, including beer – because of the sugars found in alcohol, not because roaches like to party!
Worldwide Traveler
They cover the globe – with the exception of Antarctica.
Fast and Furious
Cockroaches, young and old, travel very fast, moving at speeds of more than three miles per hour at times. Some varieties even fly.
Bite Me
They can and do bite – especially the larger ones.
Eye Can See You
They have eyes that rest on top of their head. They sport over 2000 lenses, giving them an excellent vision to see more than one thing at a time. They also see very well in green light but not so well in red light.
Possible Solutions
Keeping a clean house is a must. The dirtier the house, the more they are attracted to your crib. Keep your dishes, sinks, counters, and cabinets clean. Keep pet food picked up. Remove grease, vacuum often and keep food particles cleaned up. Remove indoor trash – especially ridding your house of cardboard boxes, stored paper bags, and empty soda bottles. Keep dumpsters clean and use tight lids on garbage cans.
It’s a good idea to inspect your house using a flashlight to search for popular hiding spots. Look behind the refrigerator, under the sink and in the cabinet and closet crevices. Once you determine infested areas, you can try caulking to close gaps, filling every entry point between walls, tiles, crevices, and entry holes. The use of weather strips on door and window seals are also recommended. Some success can be found by using glue strips, boric acid powder or gel bait.
Although these methods can provide partial relief, results can lead to dead roaches/pests lying around your house, increasing the risk of contamination. You also chance using the wrong chemical, over or under-applying, risking exposure to children and pets.
Professional Solution
The safest and dependable option is to hire a pest management professional like Hopper Termite & Pest. Some pests are extremely resistant to treatment options. Instead of spending your money on expensive, dangerous chemicals that may do more harm than good, hire a professional who knows the safest, most effective methods to eliminate pests that seem unstoppable. A professional will only use pesticides if necessary; and when used, they will use the correct and precise, safe amounts. You will also benefit from enjoying complete pest control. A professional will discover and remove other pests that you may be unaware of.
Benefits
Less Cleaning
Knowing your pest issues are under control will result in less cleaning frequency.
Improved Sleep
You will rest better knowing the pests are under control and not under your bed.
Less Illness
You or your family could become ill from an insect bite, or by coming in contact with droppings.
Less Itching and Scratching
Pests can bite. Bed bugs, fleas, spiders, mosquitoes and roaches are among some of the biting pests, leaving you scratching and uncomfortable for days.
More “You Time”
Doing it yourself can be frustrating, not to mention time-consuming. Leaving the pest treatment/removal/prevention chores to a pro will give you peace of mind, and more time for you to do the things you enjoy.
Save Money
The consumer is usually unaware of all the pests they have and how to treat them effectively. Take the guesswork out of the equation and spend exactly what it takes to exactly remove and treat the exact problem/s.
Peace of Mind
Lose the worry over creepy critters scampering around your home. Knowing that the pest control professional is using techniques that are tried, true, safe and guaranteed, will ease your mind when it comes to children, pets and other family members.
Protect Your Investment
The last thing a homeowner desire is decreased property value. Not knowing what is crawling in your home, under the house, in the yard is a bad feeling. The longer you delay, the worse things can get.
Act Today
If there’s one thing you do not want to put off, it’s contacting a professional to inspect and assess your property for pest infestation and potential damage. From inside to outside, Hopper Termite & Pest are the professionals you need to determine an exact plan of action for you. There is no job too small or too large they can’t handle. In business since 1963, they have a proven track record and impressive reputation. For a list of services they offer, contact them today. They are the professional solution you’ve been looking for!
