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Get help with co*ckroaches
Without a doubt, one of the most troublesome pest problems is a co*ckroach that infests apartments. In general, there are two groups of co*ckroaches that become problems in apartments, the domestic co*ckroaches and the peridomestic co*ckroaches. Domestic co*ckroaches are those that live almost entirely inside a structure. The common domestic co*ckroaches are the German co*ckroaches and the brown banded co*ckroaches. These co*ckroach species generally get inside apartments by being brought inside with some infested item or moving into a previously non-infested apartment from a nearby infested apartment or storage room via through cracks and gaps that provide access.
The peridomestic co*ckroaches are much less frequently encountered in apartments; however, at times they can create problems for occupants. The principal reason is that while peridomestic co*ckroaches can get inside apartments, they usually occur in the lower levels of the apartment building since they generally prefer moist habitats such as basem*nts, drains and sewer pipes leading into the apartment building. Another common cause is plumbing leaks. The two most common peridomestic co*ckroaches are the American co*ckroach and the Oriental co*ckroach.
Whatever the species, co*ckroaches create problems in many ways. Their presence gives residents and visitors the impression of filth and poor housekeeping, so they are a nuisance and an embarrassment. In addition, co*ckroaches are a health related problem. co*ckroaches create problems by transporting bacteria and other disease microorganisms that are found on their bodies, plus their presence often results in asthma and other related allergies. Problems with allergies are especially pronounced in children. Yet another co*ckroach-related problem is the contamination of foods when co*ckroaches get into stored and prepared foods.
Reduce co*ckroaches in Apartments
One may ask – “what are the things I can do to help reduce co*ckroaches in my apartment?” The answer is to involve your apartment manager in the efforts needed to reduce or eliminate the contributing factors that support co*ckroach populations. Some of the important contributing factors are:
- Maintaining a clean and sanitary home environment. This involves vacuuming and regular house cleaning, especially the kitchen. Remove and clean food scraps that may provide a source of food for co*ckroaches. It is very important to regularly clean stoves, other cooking surfaces, between cabinets and appliances, under refrigerators and inside cabinets.
- Removing and eliminating water co*ckroaches need for survival. This is a particularly important way to help with peridomestic co*ckroach control since these co*ckroach species are more dependent than other species upon humidity and moisture requirements found outdoors.
- Removing, organizing and cleaning up clutter, piles of newspaper grocery sacks, cardboard or anything else that will provide protective, hiding places for co*ckroaches.
- Sealing cracks, gaps and holes in walls, cabinets, around the floor-wall junction and around pipes. Also, make sure that drains have tight fitting mesh or other drain covering devices to prevent Oriental and American co*ckroaches from getting inside.
When co*ckroaches appear, always contact your apartment manager for assistance. More than likely the apartment complex has a service agreement with a pest management company such as Western Pest Services. When problems are noted, the Western co*ckroach specialist will conduct an inspection and prepare a pest management plan that includes techniques for cleaning up, exclusion, reducing co*ckroach hiding places, and using registered co*ckroach traps, baits and insecticide products. co*ckroaches are one of the most important enemies in apartments, so let the professionals at Western provide a science-based control program that works for you. Contact us today.
FAQs
Call Your Apartment Manager
Is it normal for an apartment to have roaches? ›
They are commonly carried into apartments through groceries, stored goods or shared laundry facilities. They can also find their way in from an adjacent apartment. These common apartment roaches are about one-half of an inch in length and light tan in color.
Should you pay rent if you have roaches? ›
Living with pests like roaches is considered a health hazard, meaning roach issues must be dealt with immediately. If a tenant approaches you with evidence of roaches at the property and you do not act to fix it within a reasonable amount of time, they could reasonably break their lease or withhold rent.
Is 2 roaches an infestation? ›
Number Of Roaches In An Infestation. You might be seeing two to ten co*ckroaches in a day. But if it exceeds ten, you should start worrying. This may be an indication that you're not only having a co*ckroach problem but an infestation.
How long does it take to get rid of roaches? ›
The infestation won't die overnight, either. It can take around two to three weeks to eliminate all of the roaches in your home. However, you still have options when it comes to stopping an infestation, and taking prompt action can quickly rid your home of unwanted pests.
Why am I seeing roaches in my clean apartment? ›
Cracks and gaps: co*ckroaches like to shelter in the gaps between pipes and electrical systems and the cracks in walls and moldings. Other food sources: co*ckroaches feed on decaying organic matter, not just human foods. Cardboard, book bindings, grease spots, and dead insects might attract these pests to your home.
Should I tell my landlord if I see a co*ckroach? ›
Both you and your landlord have the responsibility of keeping your rented property pest-free. It is best to communicate with your landlord immediately if you have any bug or rodent problems. Also should agree on the best course of action to prevent this issue from worsening.
Is it OK to live with roaches? ›
co*ckroaches in the home environment are a health hazard not only because of the risks posed by co*ckroach antigens to asthma sufferers, but also because they can carry disease-causing germs and because some of the methods traditionally used to eliminate them cause additional health hazards.
What constitutes a roach infestation? ›
co*ckroach Infestation Signs
co*ckroaches do not like light, so seeing one during the day can be a sign of a heavy infestation. Other signs of an infestation include: Cracks near dark hiding places that have small black specks, or co*ckroach droppings. Fecal matter which appears as dark spots or smears anywhere.
Why does my brand new apartment have roaches? ›
Lack of sanitation is one of the most common contributors to a co*ckroach issue. If there are dirty dishes, old food scraps, or open garbage bins left out with roaches nearby, the roaches will likely find it. Even pet food attracts roaches, so it's best to close and put pet food away so the co*ckroaches can't get to it.
The best way to get rid of co*ckroaches is by contacting a pest control technician.
What should I do if I see one co*ckroach? ›
If you saw one, it is more than likely that roach has friends near by! Get things cleaned up and then call the pest control people and get rid of them. co*ckroaches are usually found where there is old food, dirt, and places to hide.
Why am I suddenly seeing roaches? ›
Food & Grime
The dirtier your home, the more likely you are to have a roach infestation. Crumbs, spills, and food that has been left out are a great way to end up with a roach infestation quickly. The key to keeping roaches out is to keep your home, but most importantly your kitchen, as spotless as possible.
What smell do roaches hate? ›
Mint is a fragrance that is consistently effective in repelling roaches. Grow fresh mint plants in your home or yard or mix peppermint, winter mint, or spearmint essential oils in a spray bottle with water and spraying around baseboards, windows, and doors.
Will cleaning make roaches go away? ›
co*ckroach prevention in the kitchen is one of the most effective ways to keep roaches away. Be vigilant about cleaning up spills and teach kids to do so, too. Keep cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners and paper towels, ready. Take out garbage daily or store it in a sealed container.
Do roaches come out after cleaning? ›
After professional co*ckroach pest control services treat your home, you should see a reduction in co*ckroaches, their nesting materials, and typical signs of infestation. However, don't be surprised if you see remaining roaches fleeing your property.
Should I be worried if I see one co*ckroach in my apartment? ›
Answer: While one co*ckroach doesn't make up an infestation - doing nothing or failing to see that one co*ckroach usually means an infestation is looming in the future unless Integrated Pest Management actions are taken and a thorough inspection conducted to make sure that one co*ckroach seen isn't one from a larger group ...
Why do I have roaches in my clean house? ›
Moisture. Roaches need moisture to survive and this search for water will bring them into even the cleanest of homes. Leaky pipes and faucets are one of the most common attractants for co*ckroaches and is one of the main reasons you often see them in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
