Cockroaches are common pests in Santa Barbara but can be difficult to manage. These sturdy insects can seem invincible. Although they can withstand a lot, cockroaches are no match for Jhonny’s Pest Control. Our cockroach control in Santa Barbara is designed to get rid of even the toughest infestations and leave your home pest-free for good.
How To Identify A Cockroach Infestation
The easiest way to tell if you have a cockroach infestation is if you see a cockroach in your home. Three types of roaches invade Santa Barbara homes: German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
German cockroaches are about 1/2 inch long. They have light brown bodies with two darker stripes on their backs. German cockroaches have wings, but they rarely fly.
Brown-banded cockroaches are also about a 1/2 inch long. They’re brown with two lighter brown stripes on their backs. These roaches are more likely to be found in higher locations, such as cabinets or near ceilings than other species. Male brown-banded cockroaches can fly.
American cockroaches are the largest species, usually 1 to 2 inches long. They’re reddish-brown with a yellow figure-eight-like shape on the back of their heads. American roaches can fly like German cockroaches but are more likely to run.
Seeing a cockroach might be the most obvious sign of an infestation, but it isn’t the only one. Roaches like to stay out of sight, so there are other things you should watch out for if you suspect an infestation. Cockroaches leave behind fecal matter, which may be cylindrical or just dark specks and smears. They also lay eggs in capsules, which they stick to furniture and other surfaces around the home. You might find shed skins and notice a musty odor produced by the cockroaches’ pheromones.
Cockroach infestations can grow quickly, so cockroach removal must happen as early as possible.
How Cockroaches Spread Around Dangerous Pathogens
Cockroaches have a reputation for being dirty pests, and they’ve earned it. Roaches pick up dozens of pathogens as they travel around sewers, across decaying matter, and into your home. These include salmonella and E. coli bacteria, as well as the viruses causing cholera, dysentery, and many other diseases. These are not insects you want in your house.
Additionally, some people experience asthma and allergy symptoms in the presence of cockroaches caused by their saliva, urine, and fecal matter. Cockroach infestations quickly become dangerous, as the longer they’re in your home, the more likely you’ll be exposed to illness and irritations. Home remedies aren’t enough; you need professional pest control for cockroaches.
How And Why Cockroaches Invade Homes
Cockroaches often enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter. They’ll eat just about anything, but kitchens are a primary target. Cockroaches also love humidity and will seek out areas with high moisture levels. To prevent a cockroach infestation, you need to make your home less attractive and less accessible to cockroaches. Try these tips to keep cockroaches out of your home:
- Store food in solid, airtight containers
- Clean up spills immediately, and don’t leave food sitting out
- Dispose of trash properly and keep the receptacles clean
- Address anything causing excess moisture
- Seal any cracks or gaps in the walls
- Install screens over drains and vents
Keeping food put away, your home clean and dry, and all extra entry points sealed off will help keep cockroaches out of your home. If they still show up, contact a professional cockroach exterminator for treatment.
Professional Cockroach Control Is The Best Solution
With Jhonny’s Pest Control, you can get high-quality pest control without breaking the bank. Our service visits always begin with a thorough inspection, during which we look for any factors that could be contributing to a cockroach infestation. We’ll work with you to create the treatment plan that will be the most effective for your home. In addition to totally clearing out infestations, our local cockroach control services are safe and eco-friendly. Call Jhonny’s Pest Control today to learn more about your future with a cockroach-free home.