Say Goodbye To Cockroaches: The Most Effective Treatment For Your Tampa Home

Cockroaches are scavengers and often spend considerable time in unsanitary areas like sewers and garbage, only to bring the dangerous pathogens they pick up back into our homes.

If you have spotted even one of these dangerous pests, it is time to learn the most common species you will likely encounter, understand their health risks, find out when to call in experts, and apply our practical tips for a cockroach-free home.

If you are struggling with an infestation, you can count on Haskell Termite & Pest Control for reliable pest control in Tampa.

Types Of Cockroaches: Identifying Common Species

In Tampa, you are most likely to encounter one of the following species of cockroaches:

• German cockroaches: This species is widespread and troublesome. They are small, light brown, or tan, with two distinctive dark parallel stripes behind the head. German roaches tend to prefer warm and humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms. They reproduce fast, with a female capable of producing hundreds of offspring in her lifetime. They can hide in small cracks and crevices, are nocturnal, and are challenging to eliminate.

• American cockroaches: This species is one of the largest you might bump into. They have a reddish-brown color with a yellowish figure-eight pattern behind the head. They also prefer warm and damp environments like sewers and basements.

• Brown-banded cockroaches: Smaller than most, these roaches are usually brown or tan with lighter bands across their wings and abdomen. They prefer warmer temperatures and drier conditions and are common in homes, especially in bedrooms and closets.

All three cockroach species can contaminate food, trigger allergies, and spread diseases. If you see signs of cockroaches in your home, you must understand why they pose significant health risks.

Health Risks: Cockroaches Spread Disease And Trigger Allergies

Cockroaches are more than unsightly; they also pose significant health risks. They carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites they can transfer onto surfaces, like salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus, leading to food poisoning.

The allergens in their saliva, feces, and shed skins can worsen asthma symptoms, and any exposure can lead to anything from coughing to difficulty breathing. 

Some of the best roach pest control strategies include keeping your home clean and sanitary, eliminating the food and water sources that could draw them in, and relying on effective pest control measures when prevention measures are insufficient.

Professional Cockroach Extermination: When To Call The Experts

Because cockroaches are very unsanitary and potentially dangerous, the best time to call the experts is when you see even one of these invaders. Cockroaches are social, and you are unlikely to deal with only a few of them.

And even if you are only in the early stages of an infestation, it is only a matter of time until you end up with a widespread problem that will be more challenging to eliminate. A professional pest control company like Haskell Termite & Pest Control has effective cockroach control products to get rid of them safely and for good.

Preventing Cockroach Infestations: Tips For A Roach-Free Home

After successful elimination, it is time to focus on prevention strategies. Here is how to deter cockroaches safely and effectively year-round:

• Eliminate dirty water sources: Clogged drains, leaky pipes, and humid and isolated areas are magnets for cockroaches. We recommend fixing them and reducing moisture levels whenever possible.

• Keep food away: Cockroaches are not picky. They will eat anything from top-quality pantry items to feces and glue. Still, keep all ingredients in sturdy boxes, empty garbage cans regularly, and clean your dishes daily.

• Keep all trash bins closed: Ensure cockroaches can't access garbage cans, as decomposing food is one of their main attractants.

Sometimes, you can do your best and still struggle with cockroaches in your home. If you need safe and effective treatments to eliminate an infestation, Haskell Termite & Pest Control can help.

Cockroaches are some of the worst invaders in Tampa homes, but it is possible to eliminate them and prevent them from returning.