Cockroaches

Cockroaches are insects that have survived the test of time; they have been around for millions of years. Their adaptability and ability to eat almost anything is why they are so successful. 

While most cockroaches living worldwide live well away from people, a handful of species have adapted to living with people. Our Boston, Massachusetts, homes provide them with the warmth, moisture, and food they need to thrive. 

We identify cockroaches by their flat, oval shape, long antennae, and six spiny legs. Cockroaches are typically dark in color, with some species having identifying markings. Most cockroaches have wings, but only a few use them to fly. Most cockroaches prefer to use their legs to run from place to place. 

To learn helpful information about cockroaches and why acquiring professional cockroach control in Boston is necessary to keep these pests out of your home, continue reading here.

The significant health risks that cockroaches pose make it vital to keep cockroaches out of our homes and away from our families. Cockroaches are scavengers that regularly live in unsanitary conditions. On their bodies and in their saliva and excrement, they carry various pathogens, parasites, and bacteria that can make people ill. Cockroach infestations are often the root cause of allergies and can trigger asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Food contamination is also a considerable concern when these pests live in our homes.

Cockroaches are common household pests because these insects have adapted to living with people. Keeping them out of our homes is difficult because there are so many entry points for them to utilize. Attracted by food odors and moisture, cockroaches move their flat bodies through any small cracks or crevices that they come across. Some common entry points include:

• Cracks in foundations

• Gaps under doors

• Spaces around windows

• Torn screens

• Spaces around pipes

• Vents

Cockroaches also excel at hitchhiking. They move into our homes in or on things like deliveries, firewood, secondhand furniture or appliances, and bags or purses. In multi-unit buildings, cockroaches crawl through wall voids, cracks in ceilings, vents, and drains, easily moving from one unit to another. 

Cockroaches live wherever their basic needs can easiest be met. Unfortunately, our homes provide cockroaches with an environment where they can thrive. Our kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and utility rooms provide them with shelter, warmth, food, and water. Once inside, they will make themselves at home, and as long as there is access to their basic needs, they won’t be in any hurry to leave.

Cockroaches are nocturnal pests and, therefore, are active at night. During the day, they hide in our houses in dark, quiet spaces. Favorite hideouts include:

• Cracks in walls

• Spaces behind wallpaper

• Gaps behind trim or backsplash

• Cardboard boxes

• Behind or under large appliances

• Inside vents

Most homeowners don’t realize they share their homes with these unsavory pests until the infestation becomes too large and the cockroaches can no longer conceal their presence during the day. Scheduling regular pest control services is the best way to identify a cockroach problem before they take over your home. The faster you identify an infestation, the better!

When cockroaches in Boston find their way into your home, you must take action and eliminate them as quickly as possible. The easiest way to solve a cockroach infestation is to contact a local pest control professional. At General Environmental Services, we know the different kinds of cockroaches that live in and around our Boston area homes. After contacting us, we will come to your home, identify the cockroaches present, and perform effective treatments. Get in touch to learn about our superior pest control solutions and our satisfaction guarantee. 

To prepare for your cockroach treatment, please view our cockroach control preparation sheet.

Use practical prevention tips to help avoid a cockroach infestation in your Boston home.

• Regularly vacuum and sweep your home to remove food debris.

• Store your family’s food in the fridge or airtight containers.

• Remove as much clutter from your home as possible.

• Inspect secondhand items and items that have been inside for hitchhiking cockroaches before bringing them inside.

• Repair leaky pipes and fixtures

• Use dehumidifiers to lower humidity levels.

• Seal cracks, gaps, and other openings that you discover in your home’s exterior.

The best prevention tip is to partner with us at General Environmental Services so we can provide you with the best local home pest control possible!