Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches have an oval-shaped body with six legs and antennae. Some species have more developed wings than others, with their flying abilities varying. These pests are scavengers and decomposers, so they help to break down organic matter and return nutrients to the ground. 

Common species in our area include German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and American cockroaches.

German cockroaches are the smallest ranging between 1/2 to 5/8 an inch, and are the most common species. They are also very challenging to get rid of and require knowledgeable, professional assistance. 

In contrast, American cockroaches are the largest species growing up to two inches long, and Oriental cockroaches fall in the middle at about 1 inch long.

Having cockroaches in your home creates an unsafe environment for everyone. Cockroaches frequent places such as sewers and dumpsters, where they pick up dangerous bacteria and pathogens, so they can spread diseases when they infest a home. The diseases spread by cockroaches include dysentery, cholera, giardia, E. coli infection, gastroenteritis, listeriosis, salmonellosis, and typhoid fever.

Not only do cockroaches spread disease, but they can also cause contamination and produce allergens, so it's essential to address an infestation immediately.

Like other pests, cockroaches enter residential properties looking for food and conducive conditions to take shelter. You could be providing cockroaches with ample food opportunities with unsecured garbage, poorly stored food, and just about any other organic material.

You might also be making it easier for cockroaches to get into your home if there are entry points like missing or damaged screens, uncovered drains and vents, and cracks in the foundation.

Kitchens are common hot spots for cockroaches because they are voracious eaters. However, cockroaches are also attracted to dark and damp areas, so you will likely find them in areas such as the basement, garage, and bathrooms.

To get rid of cockroaches in your home, you can rely on Sleep Tight Extermination. While prevention for cockroaches is included in our general home pest control offerings, they require specific treatments to remove active infestations.

We will perform an inspection, checking common harborage areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Before treatment is implemented, prep includes removing items from kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

The methods we use may vary but can include spraying baseboards and behind the appliance and setting sticky traps.

Reach out to our team at Sleep Tight Extermination to learn more about how we can help you with cockroaches in your Chicago home.

Don't let cockroaches become a problem in your home again; use these prevention tips to make your home less attractive to this pest:

• Seal cracks and gaps in your home's exterior and place covers on drains and vents
• Address poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
• Use dehumidifiers in areas of the home where necessary
• Remove food sources in your home by keeping it clear of food debris and residue, storing food in air-tight containers, and securing garbage
• Keep your yard and home clutter-free by removing harborage areas, making it easier to clean

Sleep Tight Extermination can also help with prevention, so call us today to get started with the Chicago cockroach control solutions you need!