Your home is your fortress, so you don’t want it to be taken over by bugs. While many pests require intervention from an insect control team, few are more problematic than cockroaches. Here’s a closer look at why preventing and quickly addressing cockroach infestations should be a top priority.

Health Hazards Caused by Cockroaches

Cockroaches are notorious for spreading germs in the home. Before they get inside a house, they often crawl through sewage systems or pipes, where their spiny legs and bodies pick up germs. They then track a wide range of harmful bacteria into the house, including salmonella and parasitic worms. Every surface they crawl over becomes infected, increasing the risk of food poisoning and other harmful outcomes.

Cockroach bodies, saliva, and droppings also serve as an allergen for many individuals. The mere presence of cockroaches can trigger an allergic reaction or worsen symptoms of asthma.

How to Prevent an Outbreak

While stopping a cockroach outbreak will likely require intervention from an insect control professional, preventing an infestation is relatively straightforward. Your best bet is to eliminate the items that attract cockroaches in the first place, like food and warm, moist areas.

You can deter cockroaches by washing dishes right away instead of leaving them out overnight, storing all leftover food in a tightly sealed container or the refrigerator, and taking out the trash regularly. Be sure to clean under the refrigerator and stove, as these are popular places for cockroaches to lurk. You should also identify and seal potential entryways to the home—particularly around doors and windows—to make it harder for cockroaches to get in the house.

Whether you need insect control for cockroaches or bed bug treatment, you can count on Pep Co. Serving Buffalo County, NE, since 1987, they have the knowledge and equipment to help you deal with any pest control problem. To learn more about how they help both residential and commercial properties, visit them online or call (308) 236-6103.