The Turks and Caicos Islands are an absolute paradise, but unfortunately, even paradise has roaches. Cockroaches are notoriously resilient pests that find their way inside in search of food, water, and shelter. Our tropical climate provides cockroaches with ample sources of moisture, meaning they love it here as much as we do. "What do cockroaches look like?" you may be wondering. Here are some roach ID points to keep in mind:
Body - broad, flattened abdomens with six long legs
Color- reddish-brown to dark brown
Features - two large eyes, two ocelli, and two long antennae
Head – small in size, covered by a hard exterior
Mouth – directed down and backward
Size – about as large as a thumbnail, sometimes larger
Now that we’re familiar with the basic characteristics of cockroaches, let’s review what else we know about these disgusting insects. For starters, we know that we don’t want to see them in our homes. They’re pests that typically evoke a reaction of alarm and disgust. It’s obvious that cockroaches are bad, but do you know how bad?
Cockroaches are some of the most unsanitary pests in the area. They crawl around in filth, travel through sewage, and feed on decaying matter, all while picking up a slew of germs and pathogens along the way. When they infest our property, they can spread those pathogens all around. From crawling around on and contaminating vulnerable surfaces to leaving harmful droppings all around the house, the germs they bring are widespread.
Most of the time we’re not even aware of the contamination. It happens right under our noses, exposing us to a long list of diseases without us even knowing. Here are some of the common adverse health consequences of a cockroach infestation: allergies, asthma, cholera, dysentery, leprosy, parasitic worms, poliomyelitis, stomach sickness, typhoid fever, and viral diseases.
These health conditions are serious and some can be fatal if left untreated. You’re probably wondering how to tell if you have cockroaches in your home. It’s important to be aware of any indications so that you can address the problem as soon as possible. If there are cockroaches in your home, you may spot egg casings and droppings in active areas, and you may detect a musky, unpleasant odor. Noticing these signs is usually indicative of a larger cockroach infestation.
If you don’t spot any of these signs, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You should still do everything you can to be proactive in order to minimize your exposure to and reduce your chances of experiencing cockroach activity. If you want to play a part in protecting your property from these unsanitary pests, here are some useful preventative tips to keep in mind.
- Apply weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Don’t leave any food out, pet food included.
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and downspouts.
- Install dehumidifiers in moisture-rich areas.
- Keep your household appliances clean.
- Keep your property clean and free of clutter.
- Reduce sources of humidity and excess moisture.
- Seal spaces around wires, cables, pipes, and other utilities that enter from the outdoors.
- Store your food in sealed, air-tight containers.
- Sweep beneath the stove and fridge.
- Take out the trash regularly and store it outside in a sealed bin.
- Thoroughly inspect anything before bringing it into your home.
- Vacuum the floors on a regular basis.
- Wipe up messes and spills as promptly as possible.
Your preventative efforts can have a big impact on keeping cockroaches off your property, however, none of them are as reliable as getting help from pest professionals. Whether you currently detect signs of cockroach activity, or you want to be proactive in securing year-round protection, contact us today. The team at Parkway Pest Solutions is highly experienced in comprehensive cockroach control and prevention services and we provide lasting results you can count on. Protect your property, your health, and the health of your loved ones. Call us today.