What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Roaches In My Pompano Beach Home?

It can be alarming to see a cockroach scurry across your countertops. Although these tiny insects rarely bite people, they can still be dangerous. If you find a cockroach inside your house, you should call an experienced Pompano Beach pest control company as soon as possible. But in the meantime, here is everything that you need to know about the harm that cockroaches can cause when they invade your home.

How Do I Tell If It's Cockroaches In My House?

Cockroaches don't like to be around people or large animals. They will spend most of their time hiding out of sight. However, even if you don't see a live cockroach crawling through your house, there are still a few telltale signs that will alert you of their presence.

1. Egg Sacs

Cockroaches produce egg sacs that are called ootheca. These tiny capsules are around eight millimeters long and are dark brown. One ootheca can contain around 20 to 30 roach nymphs. The female cockroach will carry the ootheca around with her for a few days. She will then put it in a safe location. Many people find oothecae in their basements, attics, and kitchens.

2. Skin Casings

Cockroaches shed their skin as they grow. Throughout its life, a roach can molt about seven or eight times. If you see several skin casings throughout your home, there is a good chance that you have an infestation.

3. Roach Droppings

If a cockroach is in your home, you are certain to find its droppings at some point. Roach droppings look like small black specks that resemble coffee grounds or ground black pepper. 

4. Musty Smell

Cockroaches have pheromones in their feces that give off an unusual odor. The pheromones are used to attract other cockroaches. However, humans find this musty smell extremely off-putting. If you have suddenly noticed an unexplainable damp and musty odor in your home, you may have cockroaches inside.

5. Unexplained Smear Marks

Cockroaches have been known to leave behind dark smear marks when they crawl on certain surfaces. You will usually see these markings on baseboards and on the interior walls of your home.

Cockroaches tend to live in large groups. If you see a cockroach inside your home, there is a good chance that there are more lurking around nearby. 

Can Roaches In My House Really Make Me Sick?

Cockroaches in Pompano Beach are unhygienic creatures. They crawl through trash cans, inside dusty walls, and around food. While they are hanging out in some of the filthiest places in your home, they will pick up dangerous bacteria. 

Cockroaches have been known to carry a wide range of diseases and bacteria, including:

• Salmonella
• Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus
• E. coli

Any of the diseases and bacteria listed above can cause a person to become severely ill. 

What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Roaches?

Because they can get into various hard-to-reach places, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of cockroaches. However, there are a few things that you can try that can help eliminate them from your home, which include:

• Eliminate hiding spots by keeping your home free of clutter.
• Don't leave water droplets in the sink or on the nearby countertops. Also, make sure that none of your pipes or faucets are leaking.
• Keep all food in sealed containers.
• Seal any small cracks, crevices, or gaps leading into your home.

The tips listed above can help to eliminate roaches from your home if you are experiencing a light invasion. However, if you have a full-blown cockroach infestation, you will need the help of a professional pest control specialist to get them out of your home for good. 

If you have recently seen a cockroach in your Pompano Beach home, do not hesitate to contact Great Southern Environmental Services today. The sooner you tackle your cockroach problem, the better your chances are for a positive outcome.