Los Angeles’ sunny weather may attract people from all over, but it can also lure cockroaches too – including these four primary types:
- German cockroaches: Not only do they reproduce more quickly than other types, but German cockroaches are the most common kind of roach you’ll find in Los Angeles County.
- American cockroaches: Growing up to three inches long, American roaches are the largest house-infesting roach you’ll encounter.
- Brown-banded cockroaches: Preferring homes that don’t have air conditioning, brown-banded cockroaches are known for the light brown bands that stretch across their bodies and wings.
- Oriental cockroaches: With glossy, dark bodies, Oriental roaches grow almost as large as American cockroaches and prefer damp environments with a lot of moisture.
Regardless of which kind of cockroach you’re dealing with, these pests are built to survive. Since their bodies don’t require brain activity to function, they can survive up to a week without their heads. And, if you’re trying to drown them, they’re capable of holding their breath for up to forty minutes underwater.
A cockroach’s resilient nature only makes them more challenging for LA homeowners to combat. Here’s what you should know about how unsanitary cockroaches really are, why they’re so difficult to get rid of, and what to do if your home is already dealing with them.
Are Cockroaches Unsanitary In Los Angeles, CA?
Most people already know that cockroaches are gross, but they don’t realize just how unsanitary these pests can be – or what kind of harmful bacterias and pathogens they can bring into your home.
While some cockroach species may hang around outside before they invade your home, many of them also crawl through unsanitary drains and sewers. German cockroaches, for instance, prefer to breed inside of sewers and may pick up dangerous pathogens while they’re there.
Once inside your home, cockroaches can contaminate the surfaces of your home with salmonellosis, staphylococcus, and even streptococcus.
Why Are Cockroaches So Difficult To Control In Los Angeles, CA?
Unfortunately, cockroaches are one pest that you can’t eliminate with a do-it-yourself approach. Not only do roaches hide extremely well, but they also reproduce quickly. Even if you manage to kill off some of the infestation, the remaining survivors will usually just relocate to a better hiding spot and start regrowing their numbers.
It doesn’t help that cockroaches tend to be resistant to pesticides, so many over-the-counter sprays and baits aren’t effective against them.
Fortunately, there is one way to completely eliminate a cockroach infestation, and that’s with professional help – like those of us at HomeShield Pest Control. If you’re noticing live roaches or seeing signs of a cockroach infestation, don’t wait. Contact us at HomeShield Pest Control today for more advice and assistance.
How To Prevent Cockroaches In Los Angeles, CA
If you’re worried that your home could be at-risk for roaches, here are a couple of ways to deter their presence:
- Practice good sanitation by wiping off kitchen surfaces, cleaning up spills, and getting rid of food scraps
- Put away food and wash dirty dishes as soon as you can
- Seal off places where cockroaches may try to get in, like tiny cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation
- Declutter your home as often as possible
- Deal with moisture and drainage issues, like obstructed gutters or leaky faucets, quickly
- Keep yard debris as far from your home as possible and inspect items for roaches before you bring them inside
For help with cockroach prevention and other ongoing pest control services, contact HomeShield Pest Control.