Cockroaches can gain entry into homes in a number of different ways. They can crawl through small cracks and crevices on the exterior of your house and they can be carried in via cardboard boxes, which can harbor a number of cockroaches. They typically hide in dark, damp and unseen areas. If left unchecked, the cockroach population will multiply rapidly.

What Causes Cockroach Infestation?
An infestation takes place when cockroaches multiply at a rapid pace under ideal conditions, which are generally moist, dark areas and an ample supply of food and water for the colony. Adult female cockroaches lay eggs contained within egg cases. These egg cases can vary in color and can contain between 16-50 eggs. Eggs hatch quickly into nymphs, which soon outnumber the adults.

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Cockroach Infestation Treatment
On top of laying eyes on an actual cockroach, signs of a cockroach infestation include shed cockroach skins, dead cockroach carcasses and a disturbing odor.

When these signs are noticed, it’s important to treat the infestation before it gets worse and begins causing additional problems. While there are some DIY methods for cockroach treatment, these methods can often fall short of complete control. Things like sticky traps have to be placed correctly to effectively remove cockroaches, and don’t treat the actual infestation. Roach infestations in apartments can be even more challenging due to the multiple dwellings in one building. That’s why the help of a trained pest control professional is important.

Cockroach Infestation Prevention
Good sanitation is a key method to help prevent cockroach infestations since cockroaches need food and water to live. When food and water sources in the home are reduced through proper sanitation, the likelihood of a cockroach infestation will be reduced too. Homeowners can accomplish this by properly disposing of food products, cleaning all areas where food is consumed as well as rinsing and disposing of food containers, bottles and cans.

Sealing cracks with caulk where cockroaches can enter your home will also help reduce the potential of cockroach infestation.

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Benefits of Professional Terminix ® Cockroach Control
Cockroaches are more than just gross and unsightly and you shouldn’t wait until you start to notice several cockroaches to take control measures. The pest control specialists at Terminix can help remove existing cockroaches and help prevent future ones from infesting your home.