The sight of a bunch of cockroaches scurrying away as you turn on the lights is enough to turn the stomach of pretty much anyone. Unfortunately for homeowners, that is a sign of a dangerous and disgusting infestation that needs elimination as soon as possible. Cockroaches multiply rapidly, carry multiple transferable diseases, and can make your house feel downright unlivable in a short time.

If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation in your house, it pays to get familiar with a few basic cockroach facts, learn how to deter cockroaches from invading your home, and find some excellent options for pest control in Sacramento.

How To Identify A Cockroach

Most cockroaches have a brown to reddish oval shape body, ranging between 3/4 to 3 inches in length.

In our warm California climate, you’re likely to run into one of the following three species:

• German cockroaches: Light brown and up to 5/8 inches in length, are easily identifiable by two dark lines that run along their bodies, from wings to the head. You’ll usually find them in warm, moist places, under the sinks or dishwashers.
• Oriental cockroaches: Are often referred to as “water bugs,” are almost black and up to 1 1/4 inches in length. You’ll usually find them by the drain pipes, wood piles, or in the basement.
• American cockroaches: They can grow up to 1 1/2 inches in length and are usually brown to reddish-brown. American cockroaches can fly, which makes them harder to control.

All cockroaches in Sacramento are nocturnal and prefer darker moisture-rich places. They can run extremely fast, up to 12 feet per second, and squeeze through the tiniest openings by flattening their bodies.

Why Cockroaches Are Considered Such A Health Risk

Cockroaches in your house can present multiple health risks. They contaminate food, and the feces they drop as they move around your house are severe allergens and can trigger asthma in children. Cockroaches do not bite, but a scratch from their sharp legs will likely become infected.

Cockroaches carry multiple dangerous diseases transferable to humans, such as E. coli and salmonella, cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.

Getting rid of an established cockroach colony is not an easy task. It’s very beneficial to learn how to deter cockroaches from intruding on your house in the first place.

Four Naturally Effective Cockroach Prevention Tips

Following these simple tips will make your house a lot less appealing to cockroaches:

1. Seal all the small openings on the outside of the house; cockroaches can squeeze through tiny spaces.
2. Avoid damp areas inside the house and fix any leaking pipes; cockroaches prefer moist warm areas.
3. Keep food stored in sealed glass and plastic containers; cockroaches will not stick around without an accessible food source. And don’t leave pet food in bowls; it will attract insects.
4. Clear out clutter from storage closets, shelves, and drawers; cockroaches prefer dark places where they can stay out of sight.

Despite following these tips, if you suspect a cockroach infestation, it’s time to get in touch with an experienced Sacramento pest control professional.

The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

A properly trained pest control service professional will evaluate the extent of the infestation, develop a plan to get rid of cockroaches at your home, and help you make your house invincible to another cockroach infestation.

If you’re coping with a cockroach infestation, contact Local Pest Solutions. With over fifteen years of experience in the pest control industry, our experienced service professionals will answer your questions and rid your house of these unwelcome intruders! Call for your free inspection.