Allergies and cockroaches
In addition to being unattractive interlopers into living spaces, cockroaches can also pose serious health concerns when they enter homes.
Cockroaches can be a trigger of asthma and allergies, especially in children. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, one in five children in the United States has severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens.
In addition, these pests have been implicated in the spread of several serious diseases and bacteria – 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, six parasitic worms, and more than seven other types of human pathogens (according to the National Pest Management Association) – to humans, making their presence in homes even more concerning.
Cockroaches pick up germs on the spines of their legs as they crawl across sewage, garbage, decaying matter, and other filth. These germs are then transferred – along with their shed skins and fecal droppings – onto foods and surfaces (e.g., counters, tables) in your kitchen or bathroom.
Clark, your friendly pest control, rodent, grounds care, mosquito, and termite expert, encourages you to pay extra attention to kitchen and bathroom areas – especially under appliances and sinks. These areas attract cockroaches, due to the presence of food sources and moisture from plumbing fixtures, drains, and toilets.
Tips for deterring cockroaches
The best approach to keep cockroaches from becoming a problem in homes and apartments and posing a threat to you and your family is a preventive one, and it all starts with cleaning and sanitation.
- Keep the kitchen and bathrooms free of crumbs and other food debris.
- Vacuum frequently, and use a disinfectant to wipe down counters and other food surfaces after preparing meals.
- As tempting as it may be, avoid letting dirty dishes pile up in the sink.
- Take out the trash frequently and store it in a sealed receptacle outdoors.
Your kitchen pantry and cupboards are another area to keep an eye on. Food stored in cardboard boxes or paper packaging should be transferred into sturdy, sealed containers. Any foods that have passed their expiration dates should be thrown away. Keep pet food in a sealed container, and wash out pet bowls frequently.
Reducing moisture in your home can help to prevent cockroaches and other pests from finding it attractive. Repair leaks under sinks and other appliances, and consider installing a dehumidifier in damp crawl spaces.
If cockroaches have made an unwelcome visit to your home or apartment, call California’s trusted, friendly pest, rodent, mosquito, and termite control and removal expert, Clark, at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.
Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.
Clark’s commitment to safety
Clark Pest Control remains committed to safeguarding your home from pests during these challenging times. Our service technicians use such personal protective equipment as gloves, masks, and respirators, they practice social distancing, and they adhere strictly to all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when servicing inside or outside your home.