We can call him Sir Cockroach, but he is certainly no gentleman. His manners are atrocious! He will enter your home without an invitation and make himself at home, never leaving. He will even bring his pregnant wife and all his relatives back to your place for a swinging party. Here’s a peek at the average Raleigh guest list:
Cockroaches That Live In Raleigh
American cockroach - They are the largest roach in the United States, measuring up to two inches long. Their bodies are brown with a yellowish figure eight marking. They can fly short distances.
German cockroach -These are tan or light brown, with a slightly metallic sheen. They measure at ¾ inches. They have wings, but do not fly.
Wood cockroach - Varying in size from ½ inch, to 1.5 inches, spending on their sex. Both have wings, but only the male can fly. They are dark brown with a whitish-yellow color on the edges of their wings.
Roaches carry some nasty germs as they scamper across your counter and on your food. Salmonellosis, E.coli infection, and giardia are just a few illnesses they can spread. Also, they are known to be an asthma and allergy trigger for many people. According to the EPA, children are more susceptible to allergies.
Why They Come And Won't Leave
So, have you figured out how Sir Cockroach got into the house? Did he use the hide-a-key, or maybe come in through the backdoor? Well, however he did it, you can be sure he told all his friends. Let’s figure it out so we can put an end to the open-door policy. Here are some ways he may have come in:
They can be brought in unknowingly via a cardboard box, or a piece of second-hand furniture. They may even hitch a ride in your purse or suitcase. Maybe even from the grocery store. YUCK!
If you live in an apartment or duplex, it’s as simple as crawling through the wall from the adjacent dwelling.
Cracks in walls, defective door sweeps, and widows with damaged or missing screens may be entry points.
Sir Roach likes dark, damp, and hidden places to socialize. The local Roach Pub is usually in places like between walls, under large appliances, basements, and woodpiles. They love forgotten places that are full of clutter and debris. But when he decides to go out to eat, your countertops, cabinet, cookie jars, and kitchen floors offer up sumptuous five-star dining. It’s best to store all food in air-tight containers as a preventive measure. Moisture is important to Mr. and Mrs. Roach, they will prefer romantic dampness to stimulate their egg making activities.
DIY Fails
There are so many different products for roaches on the market that you will spend days researching the best and safest methods. From traps to liquid concentrates, from granules to boric acid, all are temporary solutions. Locating and targeting the nesting areas are difficult for the average DIYer. These products are caustic, and need to be handled correctly so that your loved ones are not adversely affected. You can also try these less invasive methods.
Fabric softener sheets.
Coffee grounds.
Cayenne pepper.
Bay leaves.
Catnip.
You will discover that DIY methods are expensive and short-lived. You may get temporary results and feel like you have triumphed, but it won’t be long before they return.
Call The Guys Who Know What To Do
We want to help keep your family safe from the dangers associated with cockroaches. At Pest & Termite Consultants, we have what it takes to do just that. We are a locally owned business with over 30 years of experience. We have been around since 1993, and have crashed many of Mr. Roaches’ parties. We proudly offer residential and commercial services to the Raleigh area. Give us a call today for a free cockroach elimination estimate.