MORE ABOUT COCKROACHES

Few insects trigger the kind of automatic disgust in people that cockroaches do. Give these pests the kind of unsanitary conditions where they can thrive and, in almost no time, their populations will explode, with cockroaches hiding in cracks, crevices, wall voids and other hidden places. Cockroaches are known to be vectors for Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and coliform bacteria, along with the hepatitis virus, and their cast-off molts can trigger asthma and allergies. You really don’t want them in your living quarters.

There are roughly 4,600 species of cockroaches. In California, six species are known to infest structures – American, brownbanded, German, oriental, smokybrown, and Turkestan cockroaches. While their preferences may differ, there are some basic sanitation and exclusion measures you can take that should keep cockroach activity at a minimum.

• Store food in jars or plastic containers that can be sealed

• Put all garbage and trash into secure containers that use disposable liners, and regularly throw away or recycle any potential harborages – newspapers, bottles, cans, paper bags, cardboard, boxes, rags and other items  

• Eliminate plumbing leaks and sources of condensation – cockroaches are drawn to water

• Vacuum cracks and crevices where cockroaches and the food and debris that attract them can hide

• Seal cracks and other openings that allow access from outside, and weatherstrip doors and windows

• Inspect any packages, articles, appliances or furnishings you bring in from the outside, especially groceries

The good news is that, should you need us, Clark Pest Control’s expert technicians know how to stop cockroach infestations, and can help you take measures to keep your home free of cockroach activity. Got cockroach questions? Call or text us at 1-800-882-0374.