If you've ever had cockroaches in your home, you know that this is one pest that can be nearly impossible to eliminate. Once you manage to best a roach infestation, you'll want to ensure it doesn't come back, and the best way to do that is with expert Columbus pest control. At 1st Response Pest Management, we use effective, eco-friendly methods and products to get rid of pests and keep them from coming back. Here are some ways we can help with cockroaches in your home, as well as things you should know about these tenacious pests.

How To Identify Cockroaches In Columbus

There are several different types of cockroaches, but the four most common cockroach species in Columbus include:

German Cockroaches: These are some of the smallest at only half an inch in length, but also the most common home-invading roach. They are tan to light-brown in color with two parallel stripes behind their head.
Oriental Cockroaches: Often called water bugs, oriental roaches are shiny and black and often mistaken for beetles because of the shape and sheen of their bodies. They grow to be around an inch in length and prefer to live in damp areas.
American Cockroaches: These are the largest of the area roaches and can grow up to three inches in length. They are reddish-brown with a yellow figure eight behind their heads.
Brown-banded Cockroaches: Unlike oriental roaches, brown-banded roaches prefer dry areas, preferably over 80 degrees. They are about the size of German cockroaches and have a pronounced banding across their wings.

Regardless of the species, cockroaches in your Columbus home require immediate action to stop the infestation and the dangers these pests bring into your home.

Why Are Cockroaches In Columbus Potentially Dangerous

There are a lot of questions people ask about cockroaches, but "can cockroaches hurt you?" has got to be one of the most common. Cockroaches don't bite or sting like many pests, but that doesn't mean that they are safe to have inside your home. Cockroaches are drawn to the decaying organic matter found in sewers and garbage and often travel through these places on their way into your home. While there, they can pick up pathogens like E. coli and salmonella on their barbed legs. They can transfer illnesses through direct contact or by contaminating food and other items around your home.

Cockroaches also shed their skins and excrement around your home. The proteins in these particles can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in many people, especially small children. The more infestations grow, the greater these allergens become. And it's not just your health at risk. Cockroaches are scavengers, and when they can't find enough food, they will resort to eating books, clothing, glue, or even toothpaste and wallpaper.

Should You Call Pest Control To Get Rid Of Roaches In Columbus?

Cockroaches are dangerous pests who are incredibly adept at survival. Not only are they excellent at hiding in out-of-the-way places, but they are actually resistant to many over-the-counter pesticides and can survive a surprising amount of hardship.

If you notice signs of a cockroach infestation in your home, it is important to seek out expert roach pest control as soon as possible. The longer roaches are able to persist in your home, the more risks you take, and the more challenging they become to eradicate. Don't be a sitting duck for cockroaches, instead look for quality pest control solutions.

How To Keep Roaches From Coming Back In Columbus

If you want to get rid of cockroaches for good, it's important to know how to prevent cockroaches in Columbus. It's not enough to simply eliminate these pests once. You'll need to take steps to keep them from coming back. Some of the best ways to do this involve limiting their access to food and water and minimizing the ways they can get inside your home. Try the following ways to deter cockroaches:

Keep tight-fitting lids on indoor and outdoor trash cans and compost bins.
Pick up uneaten pet food and clean up outdoor eating areas.
Keep floors and countertops clear of crumbs and spills, and don't let dirty dishes sit in the sink.
Fix leaky plumbing, address condensation, maintain drainage systems, and use dehumidifiers as needed.
Seal cracks and crevices in your exterior walls and foundation, and install weatherstripping on windows and doors to minimize entry points.

These tips can help, but the number one way to ensure cockroaches don't return to your Columbus home is to partner with pest control professionals. Keep roaches and other pests out of your home with help from 1st Response Pest Management. Reach out today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Columbus, and to request your free custom quote!