Household bugs are an unfortunate reality of Florida living. Yes, we get to enjoy year-round sunny days. Yes, I haven’t seen snowfall in my entire life. And yes, the beaches are great. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows if you’re not a fan of things that crawl and fly. The simple fact is our climate down here is perfect for both people AND insects, and as we move into summer it’s only going to get worse. If you’re hot, they’re hot, and they’re going to try and find a way inside to cool off. That’s why today we’ll go over the basics of Valrico roach pest control.
Valrico Roach Pest Control: What is a cockroach?
Just by saying the word “cockroach”, you invoke a sense of disgust in most people. They’re incredibly common pests, though. Some species have been with us for so long that it’s possible that they couldn’t survive without us. And down here in the swamplands of the south? Well, that’s more true now than ever before. After a winter where the temperature dipped below thirty less than ten times, you can bet that these roaches have kept breeding all winter long. So let’s discuss what exactly a cockroach is, just in case you’re somehow uninformed.
Cockroaches can reach over two inches in length, with tropical species like ours leaning towards the larger size. They have six legs, and two antennae, and some of them have wings. Most aren’t very strong fliers, thankfully. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies that are oily to the touch. They’ll be cool or warm depending on the temperature of the environment. The head of a roach is small and covered by a shield-like growth called a pronotum. Their mouth is directed down and backward.
Those six legs mentioned above allow them to quickly sprint across any surface. Wood floors, carpet, or sheer walls and ceilings. None of those is a challenge for a roach. They have specialized pads on their legs that are perfectly evolved for scaling anything short of sheer glass. And even then, get the class wet and the roach may have a fighting chance to climb it!
The males of most species are typically smaller than the females. The females, however, tend to lack wings. The eggs of roach are encased in cases known as oothecae, which are oval-shaped and brown in coloration. Now, let’s talk about the guys who will have you running for some Valrico roach pest control.
Valrico Roach Pest Control: The Most Common Infesters
Now, the giant tropical species I mentioned above? Honestly, they’re the least of your worries. Sure, you’ll see them scurrying around compost heaps and mulch beds, but they prefer to stay outside. Instead, there are two main species known to infest homes.
German Cockroaches
Remember when I mentioned these guys above? Well, this is why. The German Cockroach is the most common species in the United States. They breed horrifically rapidly, with each egg case laid by a female producing twenty to forty baby cockroaches. That means that even one female of this species in your home can pump out thirty thousand individuals in a single year. And the females of this species are unique in that they carry their pouches with them until they hatch. Because of this, German cockroaches are very successful breeders.
The German cockroach tends to be light-brown, noticeably lighter than other species, with two dark, parallel stripes that run down the body from the head to the wings. German cockroaches may love living near humans more than any other species of roach. They take quick advantage of our readily available food sources and breeding spaces. This includes spots like kitchens and bathrooms primarily, with cabinets underneath the sinks being hotbeds. They cannot fly, thankfully, but will flutter their wings when under duress.
Asian Cockroaches
Asian cockroaches are nearly identical to the German variety. However, they have slightly longer wings. Originally from Asia, these pests have spread quickly throughout the entire world. And yes, that includes the entire Southeastern United States. Do you know what that means? Bingo, these guys are in Florida. While not quite as prolific as the German cockroaches, these guys will have you looking for some Valrico roach pest control just as quickly. You’ll readily find them in garden beds, sheds, and underneath sinks should they stumble inside.
They’re strong fliers as well, able to go as far as 150 feet. Sometimes they come in through doors and windows if left open. The Asian species of cockroach will hatch as many young from their eggs, but the German roaches will produce more egg cases throughout her lifetime. But no matter which species you’re dealing with, both have the potential to explode in numbers.
Valrico Roach Pest Control: What to do when infested
Well, I’ll be honest. These two varieties are not the simple “clean up” kind of pest you may be hoping for. Sure, a few ants on the counter and an American cockroach once or twice a month may be normal. But you can scrub every inch of your home and throw everything but the kitchen sink away, and these guys can still infest your home.
German cockroaches especially love to create nests and breeding zones in wall voids and cracks. These places are near impossible to clear of an infestation for a layman. And don’t get me wrong, cleaning is never a bad thing. The less readily available food there is, the less their numbers will be able to explode. But one person can only do so much when facing an army of pests that can birth thirty thousand young in a year.
Instead, give us a call at 1-800-634-1313 and trust the professionals with years of training, experience, and good customer service on our side to help you deal with these horrible insects. Valrico roach pest control may seem an easy enough do-it-yourself job on the surface, but don’t be surprised when that same old infestation just keeps coming back again and again, these bugs are a lot craftier than you might think!
