Seeing Roaches In Your Home? Get Some Key Facts

You would be forgiven for thinking that roaches are only found in the "dankest, darkest, dirtiest, and most unsanitary" homes and places. The fact is that even the most well-maintained homes and businesses can suffer the wrath of this common pest.

if it is one thing a roach knows how to do, it is survive

FIRST, AN INTRODUCTION

Cockroaches are among some of the longest surviving species on Earth. There are preserved samples of roaches dating back to over 40-50 million years ago, with direct ancestors dating back to the Carboniferous period, some 300-350 million years ago. They are also in the same scientific order as termites. Consider this quote from Wikipedia, which give some scale of their age as a species -

According to one hypothesis, cockroaches were an ancient group of insects that arose during the Devonianepoch. Fossil roachoids that lived during that time differ from modern cockroaches in that they had long external ovipositors and are the ancestors of mantises, as well as modern cockroaches. As the body, hind wings and mouthparts are not preserved in fossils frequently, the relationship of these roachoids and modern cockroaches remains disputed. The first fossils of modern cockroaches with internal ovipositors appeared in the early Cretaceous. A recent phylogenetic analysis suggests that cockroaches originated at least in the Jurassic.

Some would swear that roaches have survived all this time just to hide in their kitchen cabinets and scavenge their peanut butter. Clearly, this insect has been around and knows how to survive.

ROACHES IN MY HOME? Roaches can live in a variety of environments, and the temperate region of the Carolinas is a region where they can thrive. They are often found in areas that offer protection, such as small, dark spaces. They are excellent at fitting into the smallest cracks and holes and react to agitation so quickly that it makes them difficult to both find and deal with. In your home, they are commonly found where the smell of food would lead them; kitchen cabinets, drawers, trash, etc. But they certainly aren't limited to those areas.

Since they can survive well without food for extended periods, it isn't uncommon to find a roach in spots with no nearby food source at all, as they attempt to locate new food sources. Though there are thousands of species of cockroaches, there are only a few of these species that are associated with humans. They can live off human and animal food, and leave an odor and also pathogenic microbes on surfaces. To show just how good roaches are at hiding, it is estimated that approximately 20–48% of homes with no visible sign of cockroaches have detectable cockroach allergens in dust. They are there, you just don't know it!

roaches can enter and hide in the most inconspicuous spaces

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN THEY CAUSE? Did you know that in some countries roaches may be eaten as a delicacy? In China, roaches are even raised for medicinal purposes. Be that as it may, roaches are known to contribute to a litany of health and sanitation problems. Roaches are linked with allergic reactions in many humans. It has also been shown that exposure to roaches in some people may lead to an increased chance of Asthma-related issues. Since roaches are known to eat almost anything, they have been shown to carry diseases such as Salmonella, Polio, Coli, Enterococcus. Additionally, cockroaches can carry parasitic worm larvae in their bodies. A person who inherits these intestinal worms may experience the following symptoms.

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Bloating

• Dysentery

As you can see, even though cockroaches may not be seen in your home or business, you take a considerable risk by not having preventative treatment to keep them at bay.

roaches can lead to numerous health-related issues if not treated

WHAT TO DO?

A preventative treatment program with Nelon-Cole is the best first step you can make in keeping your property cockroach free. The Carolinas are an excellent breeding ground for these common pests, and you need a pest control service that knows the Carolina region and our unique pest scenarios. Nelon-Cole offers programs for any budget. Whether you need a one-time inspection and application, or you want recurring quarterly protection, we are here to help. Remember, roaches are masters of stealth and survival - you may very well not see any signs of an infestation at all, but that doesn't mean they aren't doing their thing, out of site - out of mind. Our technicians are extensively trained at knowing how to find these and a myriad of other pest problems that might be a threat to your home or family. We employ the very latest techniques at control and prevention and are always happy to hear from you and discuss your concerns. Call us TODAY for a no-obligation consultation.

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