What You Should Know About The Dangers Of Cockroaches In Your Las Vegas Home

When you’re a Las Vegas homeowner, there are just some things you don’t want to gamble on. One of those things is pest activity; specifically, in this case, cockroach infestation. Cockroaches can cause widespread contamination, seriously threatening the health of you and your loved ones. But, before we get into all of the dangers, let’s review some of the more common cockroach species in Las Vegas.

American Cockroach

• Also known as water bugs, Bombay canary, or palmetto bugs
• Have wings and can fly short distances
• Largest house-infesting roach
• Measures from 1-3 inches long
• Reddish-brown in color with a distinct yellow figure-eight pattern behind the head

Oriental Cockroach

• Sometimes referred to as water bugs or black beetle cockroaches
• Males have wings, females don't; neither can fly
• Smooth, shiny, dark brown bodies; about 1 inch long
• Go under doors and through gaps in siding, pipes, sewers, and drains
• Live at or below ground level and give off a musty odor

German Cockroach

• Hate light and cannot fly; breed in dark, damp spaces
• Oval shaped body about ½ - ¾ long
• Prefer to reside indoors and feed on human food sources
• Smallest sized cockroach species
• Yellowish-brown color with two black stripes across the back of the head to the base of wings

The Dangers Of Cockroaches

You’re probably aware of the fact that cockroaches are bad, but do you know how bad exactly? Cockroaches feed on organic food sources. This can include decaying matter, sewage, and other filthy areas that are beyond unsanitary. As they travel around from one dirty area to the next, they pick up all kinds of germs and pathogens. Then, when these nuisance pests infest your Las Vegas home, they bring these pathogens inside and spread them all around your space, unbeknownst to you and your loved ones.

In addition to contaminating your home with germs and bacteria picked up from who knows where they also leave droppings all-around your property. These droppings include feces, saliva, and shed skin, all of which contain allergens. When these allergens become airborne, they can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Not only that, but cockroach contamination can expose you to a long list of adverse health conditions, including:

• Cholera
• Dysentery
• Leprosy
• Parasitic worms
• Plague
• Poliomyelitis
• Stomach sickness
• Typhoid fever
• Viral diseases

If you are experiencing a cockroach infestation in your home, you may pick up on a musky odor, various droppings, and egg casings. But, a lot of the time, infestation goes largely undetected. That’s why your best approach is a precaution. There are several things you can do to minimize your exposure to cockroach activity.

Helpful Tips For Preventing Cockroaches

• Avoid leaving food out, pet food included.
• Wipe up spills and clean up messes as they occur.
• Keep food in sealed, air-tight containers.
• Dispose of trash regularly and store it outside in a sealed bin.
• Keep household appliances clean and remember to sweep underneath them often.
• Vacuum/mop the floors regularly.
• Keep your property clean and free of clutter
• Eliminate sources of humidity and excess moisture.
• Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and downspouts.
• Install dehumidifiers in moisture-rich areas.
• Seal spaces around wires, cables, pipes, and other utilities.
• Use weather stripping around windows and doors.

If you think you may be experiencing cockroach activity in your Las Vegas home, don’t attempt to handle it by yourself. It’s not worth putting your family’s health at risk. The safest choice you can make for you, your property, and your loved ones is to contact the pest professionals. Here at Pest Control Solutions, we provide thorough cockroach control and prevention services that you can rely on throughout the year. Call us today and we’ll schedule your initial home pest control or commercial pest control inspection right away.