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Many homeowners and business owners consider cockroaches disgusting creatures whose presence indicates an unkempt and dirty space. In fact, cockroaches are attracted primarily to the warmth of your home. Clutter gives them more places to hide and unsealed garbage to feed on is even better, but neither is necessary.
Whatever your situation, getting rid of cockroaches in your home or business needs to be a priority, not only for your piece of mind, but for the health of those living or working in the space. Cockroaches are known to carry mold and allergens that can cause serious problems for people with asthma once inside your home or business. TNT Exterminators are trained to both identify your cockroach problem and to quickly get rid of it, before it creates a problem for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Although there are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches, only a handful are likely to be a problem in Northeast Ohio. Knowing which species has invaded your home or business can be helpful in both treating and preventing the pests.
The American cockroach can be as long as 2 inches and has wings, although it rarely flies. It is round and shaped like a flattened oval. Its favorite environment is humid and dark, so you will likely find it in boiler rooms and basements near pipes and drains. Occasionally these pests will gather in rotting tree stumps, planters or in gutters where leaves have collected. Favorite foods are decaying matter and rotting food.
The German cockroach is typically less than an inch long, is light brown and has wings, but does not fly. It is probably the most common Ohio cockroach, and is often found in kitchens and bathrooms, usually around sinks and dishwashers. This cockroach is attracted to warmth, humidity, and starchy, sweet and greasy foods.
The Oriental cockroach is about an inch and a half long and is shiny black. The female has no wings. The male has wings, but cannot fly. They are able to survive cold temperatures outside by hiding under bricks or mulch, but they especially like cool, humid basements and can be found near a water source.
Dealing with cockroaches in homes and businesses can be challenging. Any collection of clutter is a hiding place, and these critters have remarkable longevity. They have been known to go as long as 3 months without food. They can survive on cardboard, book bindings and glue. Once inside, it’s unlikely you will see them, as they are nocturnal, and experts at staying hidden.
Nonetheless, it can be helpful to keep food tightly sealed, take garbage out frequently and never leave food out, including pet food, which is also attractive to cockroaches. Declutter your home or business as much as possible. Since most species are attracted to moisture, running a dehumidifier in your basement may also discourage cockroaches from taking up residence there. Leaky pipes are extremely attractive to cockroaches, so don’t put off plumbing repairs.
As with many insects, cracks and gaps in the foundation and around windows and doors are entryways for cockroaches, so sealing and repairing these imperfections can help. Cockroaches, however, tend to have broad, flat bodies that they can flatten even further, squeezing through gaps that are only fractions of an inch.
Even the cleanest, neatest homes or businesses can fall victim to a cockroach infestation. Whatever their means of getting in, once inside, they multiply quickly. If you see one, you can be confident there are many others hidden away, and since cockroaches have been known to carry diseases as well as allergens, it is imperative that you get an expert involved quickly.
Contact the professionals at TNT Exterminating if you believe you have a cockroach problem in Northeast Ohio, and get it handled quickly and completely.
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