When the sun has set and you settle into your bed, the last thing you want to hear in the walls of your Norfolk home is the scurrying of nocturnal pests. Cockroaches do have a pretty strong creep factor going for them, and unfortunately, they also carry the added bonus of harmful pathogens and other nasty health problems that you don't want to deal with. Sheltering them in your home isn't just gross and creepy, it's downright dangerous.
Interesting Facts About Cockroaches In Norfolk
There are over 50 different species of cockroaches in the United States, but thankfully most of them aren't interested in infesting your Norfolk home. For example, wood roaches are incredibly common in Virginia, but they can't hack indoor life. They're small enough to get inside, but domestic conditions will kill them within a few days. Out of the vast number of species, there are only a few you should worry about:
- American Cockroach – dark reddish brown, wings, grow up to 3 inches long
- German Cockroach – light brown, wings, grow up to ½ an inch long
- Oriental Cockroach – dark brown to black, often wingless, grow over one inch long
Cockroaches scurry through all kinds of filth and grime, so it's not surprising that they carry such harmful pathogens on their feet. These pathogens can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fevers, and one of the more widely known bacteria they carry is salmonella. Not only that, but they often travel up to three miles in a single night. While that's an amazing feat for such a small insect, it's also terrifying; if you have an infestation, you can be sure that every single surface in your home has been contaminated.
Another morbid fact about cockroaches is they often cause some pretty bad allergy and asthma attacks if an infestation gets out of control. They kick up a lot of dust and allergens while they scamper about, and their shed skin contains plenty of irritants. Young children have also been known to develop asthma because of infestations.
DIY Cockroach Extermination: Does It Work?
There's been some speculation in the homeopathic world on DIY cockroach infestation remedies:
- Bay Leaves
- Coffee Grounds
- Lemon
- Soap
- Liquid Fabric Softener
- Cucumber
Some listed are touted as being able to repel them, such as bay leaves, coffee grounds, lemon, and cucumber. Fact is, cockroaches don't care about any of these food items, and in some cases they're more likely to attract pests into your home. Cucumber is delicious and full of water, after all. Others are meant to kill them, such as soap and fabric softener, but in each case they would require direct application. Since cockroaches are nocturnal and hide in the dark recesses of homes, direct application is nearly impossible.
Perhaps you're considering store-bought pesticides for your Norfolk home. There are shelves full of pesticides at your local stores, so why not? Well, cockroaches are very resilient, and any pesticide you find from the corner store will be largely ineffective. Pest control can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, as well, since most name-brand bottles are filled with harmful chemicals. You may kill a few dozen roaches in the process, but you're also risking the health and safety of your family.
How To Get Rid Of A Cockroach Infestation In My Norfolk Home
When you're battling an infestation of dangerous proportions, it's always best to call out for a helping hand. At PESTOUT, we understand that the health and safety of your family is your top priority, so we make it our top priority as well. We use the most advanced professional grade pest products, and we believe all our clients deserve the comfort of a pest-free home. Get in contact with us today to start discussing your cockroach control options.