With February drawing to a close, warm weather is finally on the horizon! As much as we love the idea of finally being able to say hello to spring, this time of year also means the onset of allergies and asthma for those of you affected. You need to stay as healthy as possible so you can go play outside, and your issues could actually be caused by cockroaches and not just pollen! Stay healthy with these tips on cockroach prevention.
Cockroaches Carry Bacteria
“Often times when people are experiencing allergy and asthma symptoms, they automatically chalk it up to the time of year without considering that their stuffy nose and itchy eyes could actually be triggered by the presence of cockroaches in their home,” said Curtis Rand, V.P. of Rose Pest Solutions. “In addition to exacerbating asthma and allergy symptoms, cockroaches are also capable of spreading 33 kinds of bacteria, including Salmonella and E.coli. This makes it all the more important to take the necessary steps to eliminate food, water and harborage sites for cockroaches within the home.”
How to Keep your Home Unwelcoming to Pests
Cleanliness is the best practice and the first step to take in protecting your health and your home against cockroaches. Roes Pest Solutions recommends the following tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) for cockroach prevention:
- Kitchen: Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors meticulously clean every day. Clean dishes crumbs and spills right away, store food in airtight containers and always avoid leaving food out-including pet food. Vacuum any crumbs stuck in corners and around cabinets, and regularly clean cabinets out with soap and water. Check under sinks and clean under appliances for moisture issues and quickly address any found.
- Bathroom: Cockroaches are attracted to moisture and can only survive for a week without water, so always wipe up standing water around sinks, tubs and toilets. Fix leaky faucets and ensure sinks are clear of water before bedtime-cockroaches are nocturnal and will typically emerge to search for water and food at night when the house is dark and quiet.
- Basement: Eliminate clutter where possible to reduce hiding spaces for cockroaches. Basement windows and areas where weather-stripping has become worn are frequent points of access for cockroaches, so homeowners should be sure to seal any cracks or crevices using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
Not sure if what you’re seeing are signs of cockroaches? Freaked out in general by pantry pests? We get it. We’re more than happy to help. Get in touch with Rose Pest Solutions today!
