If your home has even a little bit of clutter (especially in the kitchen), roaches will see this as an invitation to move right in. Read on to learn more about the types of roaches that are common in Downingtown and the dangers of having them in your home.
The Types Of Cockroaches That Invade Downingtown Homes
There are several types of cockroaches in America, but here are a few that are common to the Downingtown, PA, area:
- American cockroach: This is the largest species of roach, growing up to 3 inches long. Both male and female American roaches have wings, allowing them to easily travel short distances around your home. When looking for somewhere to set up shop, they will choose the warmest, most humid areas of your home.
- Oriental cockroach: These roaches are also known as "water bugs." These cockroaches have smooth, shiny bodies and are typically dark brown or black. Oriental roaches have a distinctive, musty smell that people describe as "powerful" and "unpleasant."
- German cockroach: These are tan roaches that typically have a white horizontal stripe running across their bodies. These are one of the more common types of roaches, and while both males and females have wings, they are unlikely to use them to fly around. The roaches in your kitchen and pantry are most likely German cockroaches.
Are Cockroaches In Downingtown Harmful To My Health?
The short answer? Yes. If you find cockroaches in your Downingtown home, call us at Budget Exterminating, Inc. immediately. Why? Because roaches carry 60 pathogenic bacteria, fungi, molds, parasitic worms, and viruses, all of which can be spread to humans. Here are some examples of illnesses cockroaches can carry and pass onto you and your family:
- Listeria: This is considered the most dangerous and most serious type of food poisoning. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, confusion, loss of balance, a stiff neck, and convulsions. Roaches spread this by crawling over your eating utensils, as well as areas where food is prepped, and cooking ware is stored.
- E. coli infection: This is a gastrointestinal disease that can cause severe bloody diarrhea, stomach cramping, and vomiting. This is typically contracted through exposure to roach feces and can also cause a fever that takes five to seven days to clear up.
- Asthma and allergies: Cockroaches' saliva, feces, and shedding body parts can also trigger asthma attacks and allergies in people, especially children. This happens because the allergens act as dust mites, triggering existing symptoms when they are kicked up in the air.
Why Can't I Get Rid Of Cockroaches In My Downingtown Home?
Unfortunately, cockroaches are one of the most difficult pests to get rid of once they have invaded your home. There are several reasons for this, but some of the biggest reasons are because:
- Cockroaches are prolific breeders. They are capable of breeding nonstop, meaning exterminating adult cockroaches does not stop the invasion.
- DIY methods typically don’t work. Tips on the internet can actually make the problem worse, as some of these methods actually attract more roaches rather than repelling them.
- Cockroaches are resilient. Even the strains of salmonella that come from roaches are resistant to treatment. Roaches are capable of surviving most of the chemical products on the market, rendering your removal efforts futile.
What To Do About A Cockroach Infestation In Your Home?
If you find cockroaches in your Downingtown, PA home, call us at Budget Exterminating, Inc. immediately. Because of the direct threat cockroaches pose to you and your family’s health, the best thing to do is have us send one of our expert technicians over to handle the invasion. They are armed with the knowledge on how to approach a cockroach infestation, as well as the tools to safely and effectively exterminate them for good. Your home is where you go to feel safe and healthy. Let Budget Exterminating, Inc. help keep it that way. Call us today!