Cockroaches

Determining whether one cockroach is a single occurrence or an indication of an infestation, homeowners should consider the following signals:

• Plain Sight: Homeowners are able to see cockroaches fleeing to dark areas.
• Dropping Sighting: Similar to mice, American cockroaches also leave droppings in dim areas. Different from mice, however, cockroach droppings are small droppings are blunt on the ends and have ridges on the sides. If you are not sure which species the droppings belong to, contact Foundation Pest Control.
• Egg Sighting: American cockroach egg capsules appear dark in color and size approximately 8 mm long. They are commonly found in home basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, behind appliances, or beneath cabinets. The egg capsules are often glued to surfaces in close vicinity to food sources.
• Odor: American cockroaches protrude a foul or moldy odor.

This is not an exhaustive list of cockroach infestation. If you suspect cockroaches have entered your home, contact Foundation Pest Control as soon as possible.

Cockroaches pose an extreme threat to human life; especially when they have a prolonged presence in a residential dwelling. Since they travel through unsanitary measures, such as through sewage and in areas of filth, cockroaches carry multiple sources of germs and bacteria. Such bacteria includes E. Coli, Salmonella, parasitic worms, and human pathogens.

The germs are transferred on their travel paths, as well as the food and surfaces they come into contact with.

Additionally, American cockroach droppings contain allergen proteins that provoke asthma attacks and allergic reactions. These proteins are also found in the urine and saliva of American cockroaches.

The grimy character of the American cockroach also promotes irritability of annual allergies and asthma symptoms in children

Maintaining clean and sanitation methods of your home on a regularly basis are the best way to prevent the entrance of cockroaches into your home. The kitchen is the main room to focus on when detail cleaning. Food should not be left out for long periods of time or overnight. Used dishes should be cleaned and returned to their storage place on a daily basis, rather than stacking up in a sink overnight. All counters, surfaces, stove tops, and appliances should be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. Limit food consumption to one room as roaches seek even the slightest crumb drops. Make sure all uneaten or partially consumed food (including pet food) is sealed tightly. Remove cardboard and paper items from your home as these cockroaches use these materials for shelter. Ensure that entry points such as utility pipes and other potential crawl spaces are sealed closed. Inside trash bins should be concealed and its surrounding area should be clean. Indoor trash bins should also be emptied to outdoor trashcans on a regular basis.  Outdoor trash bins should be kept as far away from the home as possible.

While the kitchen is the room that requires the most attention, all of the rooms should be vacuumed, deep cleaned, and sanitized on a regular basis. Roaches cannot manifest egg and fruition in clean and sanitized areas.

The U.S. is home to nearly 70 different species of cockroaches. In Tennessee, though, we “luck out” -- we’ve only got four major types in the area: Brown Banded Cockroach, American Cockroach, German Cockroach and the Oriental Cockroach.

Regardless of the type, though, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: no one likes the idea of cockroaches roaming their home or office. Read on to learn more about these common household pests then get in touch to schedule a free consultation.