Idaho is home to four main species of cockroaches: German, American, Oriental and brown-banded. Oriental cockroaches are very hardy and can deal with the cold temperatures better than other species of cockroaches. When it gets too cold outside, they will come inside. If cockroaches have food, water, and a humid environment to live in, they will easily live throughout the cold winter season. The Oriental cockroach is also known as the water bug or black beetle. It is a large roach measuring an inch long. They are dark brown in color and their bodies are glossy. The females have a wider body, while the males are narrower. The males also have wings that are more developed. They can live for a month without food, but without water, they will die within two weeks.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches can be dangerous because they travel through filthy places and live and eat in filthy conditions. The filth they collect from sewers, bathrooms, garbage disposals, kitchens, bathrooms, and other outdoor areas is what makes them dangerous. They will spread this filth to supplies of food, preparation surfaces, utensils, dishes, and other surfaces. Cockroaches contaminate far more food than they are able to eat. Cockroaches carry disease-producing organisms like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. These are carried on their legs and bodies and leave them behind as they crawl through our home. Cockroaches can also cause allergic responses through excrement and shed skin as it contains allergens that can cause skin rashes, congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and asthma.

Cockroach Prevention

Cockroaches can make you and your family very sick. Good sanitation and reducing places for them to live are key to keeping them out of your home. You will also need to make sure your home is clean and dry by fixing water leaks. Sealing any opening they will use to get in. These include gaps under doors and siding, around pipes, drains or sewers. Keep rotting leaves and other debris out of your yard to reduce places for them to hide. Because cockroaches love trash so much it’s important to keep trash cans sealed tightly. As soon as you suspect you have a roach problem you can use baits. Baits can be effective for smaller infestations, but professionals are highly recommended to deal with a cockroach infestation of any size.

Signs of a Heavy Oriental Roach Infestation

There is no magic number for how many cockroaches mean an infestation but a strong odor will be your first indication. Oriental cockroaches are often identified by the very powerful, musty, foul-smelling odor they emit. Seeing them during the day is a bad sign because it indicates a large infestation. You may notice coffee grind-like feces found under sinks, in drawers, and in cabinets. You may also see dark brown or reddish egg capsules.

Cockroach Control

Because cockroaches are so adaptable, they have successfully adjusted to living with humans. They breed very quickly and can become very difficult to control on your own. The best way to deal with cockroaches is to pick up the phone and contact professional pest control. Contact Rentokil today!