Habits
American cockroaches are found in food processing areas and food storage areas, as well as other types of buildings. They are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive lower temperatures with the right conditions.
Habitat
American cockroaches are often found in sewers
and basements, particularly around pipes and
drains.
Threats
Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least
33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic
worms, and at least seven other kinds of human
pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies
as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these
into food or onto food surfaces. Germs that cockroaches eat from decaying
matter or sewage are protected while in their bodies and may remain
infective for several weeks longer than if they had been exposed to
cleaning agents, rinse water, or just sunlight and air. Recent medical
studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause lots of allergic reactions
in inner city children. They were even shown to cause asthma in children.
These allergens build up in deposits of droppings,
secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies of roaches.
Prevention:
Good sanitation and habitat reduction, along with vacuuming, surveillance, a baiting program, and some sealing of cracks can usually quickly reduce or eliminate a cockroach population.
Call today for a no cost inspection of your home. 1-800-560- ABELL (2235)
