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All You Need To Know About Cockroaches
All You Need To Know About Cockroaches
Many people are absolutely freaked out about the idea of having cockroaches in their home, and for good reason. Not only they are disgusting to see, but they are also destructive, resilient and can cause health issues. They are usually associated with filth and clutter, and can spread very fast.
There are many species out there, some being beneficial for the environment, while others being considered pests. They vary in size depending on the species, but usually have six legs, two antennae and wings. Most species have a bad odour, while others even produce sound. They are small in general, but they also have the ability to get even smaller by flattening their flexible bodies. This allows them to fit even through the tinniest holes, which makes them very hard to catch.
What Do Cockroaches Feed On?
The worst thing about these pests is that they are omnivore. So this means that they will feed on just about anything they can find. Whatever a human eats, the cockroach will consume as well. Their favourite meals consist of sweets, starches and animal protein, but they also enjoy greasy foods and stuff that is mouldy or fermented. And some species even like alcoholic beverages, such as beer.
So if you are consuming the “standard Australian diet” consisting of a lot of meats, fried greasy foods, sweets and alcohol, you have great chances of attracting cockroaches to your home.
“Oh, but I don’t eat junk food. My diet consists only of healthy foods”. Eating healthy is great for your body, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have cockroaches in your home. When they don’t find their favourite sources of food, they turn to eating books, paper, wallpaper paste, the glue from stamps and more.
And when it comes to protein, they will get it from dead insects, animal leather and even human hair and finger nails. And in the worst case scenario if nothing else is available, they will eat each other. Scary creatures indeed. While they are able to chew dead skin and hair, their jaws are not strong enough to bite human skink. That would have been even worse!
How Long They Can Survive Without Food?
These nasty insects can survive for about 1 month without food, but only for 1 week without water. Some people even claimed that cockroaches can survive a nuclear explosion, but it was proven to be just a myth. This was actually tested in the popular show Mythbusters, and they found out that the insects die when exposed to 10,000 rads.
This is a huge number considering that most other creatures die from a dose of over 1,000 rads. So cockroaches can withstand extreme radiation indeed, but not the one caused by a nuclear explosion.
How Do You Get Cockroaches in Your Home?
There are many ways for these tiny insects to reach a home. Sometimes they may already be there when you move in. If that’s not the case, they can get inside through boxes, luggage or grocery bags.
But they can also travel along the pipes, moving from one apartment to another in search of food. So in order to avoid this from happening, make sure that all the pipes in your home are sealed perfectly. A small hole is enough for cockroaches to get through.
And least but not last, they can also get inside through sewers or drains. When a sewer system is changed or replaced, it forces the roaches to look for another shelter, and this usually is the closest home.
Can Cockroaches Fly?
While these insects have wings, they are not big fans of flying. In the nymph stage they do not have wings at all. Adults do have them and only use them to fly for short distances and when it’s really necessary, such as when jumping from a high place. Their strong point is running (they can reach speeds up to three miles per hour), so when they are in danger they prefer to just make a run for it instead of flying.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
While they do not bite humans directly, they can spread 33 types of bacteria, including the dangerous Salmonella and E. coli. Besides this, their droppings and shed skins can create asthma and allergy symptoms in children.
How To Get Rid of Cockroaches?
The best way would be to prevent them from appearing in the first place. And you can do that by storing and sealing all food properly. Not only this, but you should also clean the kitchen regularly and not allow crumbs and trash to build up. Throw away the garbage regularly and keep it in stored containers.
Also make sure to seal all cracks and holes in your home and block any possible entry points. Keep basements and crawl spaces ventilated and dry so cockroaches won’t live there and then get into your home.
Preventing them is very important, but what should you do if you already have cockroaches in your home? The best option in this case is to call a professional. Our technicians will inspect your home and will discover their food sources and crawl spaces.
Then we will apply the required substances in order to exterminate the existing insects. The pesticides we use are safe for humans and approved, and our technicians are accredited and well trained.
Safeguard Pest Control
Whether you have issues with cockroaches, bed bugs, termites, ants, flies, mosquitoes, lawn grubs, fleas, mice, rats, geckos or other pests, we are here to help. Our treatments suit all types of homes and all budgets. Contact us today and let us help you get rid of pests! Call 07 5477 6675 or send us an e-mail at info@safeguardpestcontrol.com.au
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