COCKROACH

WE KILL COCKROACHES IN BUSINESS AND HOMES.

Like ants and spiders, cockroaches are common household pests. Our homes provide them with everything they could ever want, like moisture, warmth, and access to food. If you see an oval-shaped cockroach skitter across a floor or counter in your Ohio home, it is likely an American cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, German cockroach, or Oriental cockroach. All four of the above species are part of the handful of cockroaches that have developed close relationships with people and regularly find their way into man-made structures.

There are two main ways that cockroaches can find a way into your Cleveland-area home; either using their own six legs or by hitchhiking in things like furniture, electronics, and boxes. Once inside, it is easy for them to find dark, quiet hiding spots that they emerge from in the evening to forage for food. German, Oriental, and American cockroaches hide in areas of your home that are warm and humid, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, utility rooms, and basements. In contrast, brown-banded cockroaches prefer a dry, hot environment like attics, the tops of cabinets, and spaces behind trim or baseboards. No matter the species, how they got in, or where they are hiding, the fact remains they are dangerous in your home. Cockroaches spread diseases, parasites, viruses, contaminate food, and produce allergens that cause skin rashes and breathing difficulties.

Cockroach Prevention Tips

Cockroaches can become a problem in any of our homes, as they provide food, water, and shelter. To help keep cockroaches out, inspect your home's exterior and seal up any openings you find. It is also essential to always check items coming into your home for roaches. Maintain a clean kitchen and regularly vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces to reduce their access to food. To reduce moisture in your house, quickly repair leaky pipes and faucets and make sure your home is adequately ventilated. Reduce the cockroach's ability to hide by making certain drawers, cabinets, closets, and other storage areas are organized and free of excess clutter.