Creepy, gross, disgusting, and dangerous. These words can be used to describe many insects that you will see in your home, but they may most accurately describe the cockroach. You may think that because you live in New Haven County and it is cold for extended periods of time, cockroaches aren’t really a concern. But cockroaches are survivors, and many species of cockroaches can withstand freezing temperatures, hold their breath for 40 minutes, and live for a week without their heads. Learn more about cockroaches in your New Haven County home and what you can do to keep your home and family safe and cockroach-free.
Common New Haven County Cockroaches
There are four species of cockroach that you are most likely to see in Connecticut:
- American cockroach: American cockroaches are reddish-brown in color with a yellow figure-8 pattern on their back. They are usually found in sewers and basements, but can also be found congregated in kitchens or bathrooms in search of food. They are most active in warm temperatures but can survive much lower temperatures.
- Brown-banded cockroach: They are brown with noticeable banding on their wings. They prefer warmer, drier locations and can usually be found in cabinets, bathrooms, and behind picture frames. Their egg cases are often hidden under furniture.
- German cockroach: German cockroaches are light brown to tan in color. They prefer warm, humid places like bathrooms or basements, but also can be found in kitchens and other places where food is common. This is the most common species of cockroach worldwide.
- Oriental cockroach: These are large cockroaches that are shiny black in color. They are typically found in sewers and will enter structures through drains.
Why Are Cockroaches So Dangerous?
Not only are cockroaches creepy to look at, but they can also pose a serious health risk. They can contaminate food and surfaces within your home. As they crawl around, they transmit at least 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They can also spread multiple types of parasitic worms and other human pathogens. Their droppings, saliva, and shed skin can also trigger asthma and allergy attacks, most often in children.
Why Are Cockroaches So Hard To Get Rid Of?
Cockroaches have been around for over a million years. Over this time, they have adapted to become one of the most resilient insects on the planet. These adaptations are also what makes them so difficult to control in your home:
- Size: Roaches can slip through an opening no bigger than the thickness of a quarter. This makes it easy for them to hide from danger in small cracks, and hard to remove once they are in your home.
- Speed: Cockroaches can run up to three miles per hour. Even newborn roaches that are about the size of a dust speck can reach almost that speed. This makes them hard to catch and eliminate.
- Feeding habits: Roaches can survive for two weeks without water and a month without food. They are omnivorous, so they are not limited to a specific type of food source.
- Breeding: One female roach and her offspring will produce up to 30,000 roaches in one year.
Let The Experts At Rescue 1 Pest & Termite Control Help With Your Cockroach Problem
The best way to deal with these hardy and dangerous pests is to call the professionals at Rescue 1 Pest & Termite Control. Our trained technicians will inspect your home and help you develop a plan to eliminate and prevent cockroaches and other pests in your home. Reach out to us to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control plans. The experts at Rescue 1 Pest & Termite Control are standing by; call us today!