Weak housekeeping is often blamed for Cockroach infestations. Although cleaning floors, kitchens, and bathrooms are critical for reducing cockroach food sources, cockroaches may get inside and create an infestation for other reasons. These bugs may get inside through cracks and openings in the home's exterior, penetrate by drains or sewage pipes, and a few types of cockroaches can fly within while drawn to lights.
Cockroaches are one of the most common pest problems, but they are also one of the most difficult to eradicate. Infestations are difficult to eradicate because the insects hide in a variety of locations, breed rapidly, have a high reproductive capacity, and can develop pesticide resistance.
Cockroaches also contaminate food with E. coli and Salmonella bacteria, so ignoring these pests is risky. Over time, exposure to cockroach poop and dead roach body parts can cause allergies and asthma attacks.
The time it takes to rid your home of a cockroach infestation is primarily determined by the species and scale of the infestation. Many over-the-counter drugs used by homeowners are often unsuccessful against cockroach infestations. These pests are highly adaptable and may also be resistant to certain home pest control methods.
Before being adults, cockroaches go through egg and nymphal periods. Female cockroach eggs are covered by oothecae, which are tough egg cases. The number of nymphs in the oothecae of cockroach species varies depending on the species. The time it takes for eggs to hatch into nymphs varies between species and is often affected by environmental factors.
Egg
Female cockroaches lay egg cases called oothecae. Oothecae contain several eggs that are encased in a protein material that hardens into a solid, durable casing over time. Some cockroach species lose the egg case, while others hold it before the eggs hatch.
Nymph
Cockroach eggs hatch as a result of the pressure exerted by the hatchlings inside. This immature type of cockroach is known as a nymph or baby cockroach after emerging from the egg case, or ootheca. Initially, nymphs are light white in color. They expand due to the absorption of air and harden and darken within hours.
Cockroach nymphs are grayish-brown in color and gradually darken after each molt. The time it takes from nymph to adult varies from months to more than a year. Cockroach nymphs are similar to adult cockroaches. Cockroach nymphs molt many times. After their last molt, they emerge as fully grown adults.
Adult
When the nymph stage is complete, the adult cockroach appears. Many species differentiate adults from nymphs by their greater stature and the appearance of wings. A few cockroach species, such as the Madagascar hissing cockroach, do not have wings even as adults.
Cockroaches will devastate your house. Here's what you need to know to win the cockroach management war:
Entry: Cockroaches can reach your home from a variety of entry points, including cracks and crevices, vents, and sewer and drain pipes. We also put them in on items such as shopping bags, boxes, purses, and even our own bodies!
Ideal Environment: Your house is an ideal breeding ground for some cockroach pest species. They will stay busy all year if they have enough food, warmth, water, and nesting sites.
Reproduction: Cockroaches have a high rate of reproduction. There may be dozens, much more hiding and multiplying behind the walls with every one you see.
Evasiveness: Since cockroaches are mostly active at night, you still haven't seen them all. The presence of a few cockroaches during the day could indicate that they were pushed out due to overcrowding, indicating a major infestation.
Allergies/Asthma: The debris left behind by discarded cockroach skins, dead bodies, and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and the elderly.
Do it yourself ineffectiveness: Cockroaches hide better than you can find them, and their larvae are naturally resistant to certain over-the-counter insecticides. Cockroach management can be a losing cause without the proper tools, supplies, and know-how.
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