If you are dealing with a cockroach problem in your home, it will be very stressful. No one wants to live in a home with cockroaches. You might be wondering when you should call in a professional to help get rid of them.
Let’s check out when should I call an exterminator for roaches. Personally, if I did not go the DIY route, I would call an exterminator at the first sign of a cockroach in my home.
If you notice roach poop, dead cockroaches, or you see any live roaches this means you have a roach problem and you need to move fast.
It’s important to act quickly if you find cockroaches in your home, as they can be a health hazard by spreading diseases and triggering allergies or asthma attacks.
While some DIY solutions can be effective in dealing with minor cockroach infestations, if you are not careful with insecticides it can pose a risk to your family members and pets.
Many people just opt for a professional exterminator, so they do not have to deal with the hassle. The good thing is an exterminator has the expertise to get rid of cockroaches.
Signs of Roach Infestation
Knowing when to call an exterminator for roaches begins by being aware of the signs of a cockroach infestation. Roaches breed quickly so you will want to get an exterminator out that same week.
Visible Roaches
The easiest way to know if you have cockroaches is to see one in your home. Roaches are nocturnal creatures, so spotting them during the daytime may suggest a cockroach infestation.
Keep an eye out for them near hiding spots like under refrigerators, sinks, old bookcases and cabinets, and around pipes or electrical wiring. Move the refrigerator or stove to look behind them for roaches.
Droppings
Look for roach droppings or better known as cockroach poop under the kitchen sink or in your cupboards. Cockroach droppings can also be found behind appliances.
These droppings have a small, granular appearance and resemble coffee grounds or black pepper. If you find some and it looks to be a lot of roach droppings, you are in trouble, it’s time to take action and consult an exterminator.
Egg Casings
Lastly, if you find egg casings (oothecae) in your home, you know that roaches are multiplying quickly. Keep an eye out for these oblong, brownish casings in dark and secluded spaces.
Each casing contains multiple eggs, allowing the roach population to quickly multiply if do nothing.
Being vigilant and acting on these signs will help you to get rid of a roach infestation fast. Remember, it’s essential to call an exterminator as soon as you spot even one roach because where there is one there are many more.
Why Calling an Exterminator Is Important
Dealing with roaches in your home really sucks. Calling an exterminator when you first notice them is the key to getting rid of your roach problem.
Health Risks
Roaches carry various harmful pathogens and allergens that can jeopardize your health. If a roach comes into contact with your food or surfaces in your home, and you eat the food you can get sick.
Roaches are known to transmit bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, causing food poisoning and many other health issues. Plus, cockroaches can easily trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
You do not want your family’s health to be at risk. A pest control company can help you get rid of roaches.
Property Damage
Roaches don’t just put your health at risk, they can also damage your property. These insects are known to chew on various materials, including electrical wiring, books, and furniture.
If you do nothing and let the roach population, get out of control, this could result in costly repairs, malfunctions, or even fires.
When to Call a Cockroach Exterminator
Size of Cockroach Infestation
You need to figure out how bad is your cockroach problem. That may be tough to do since cockroaches hide during the day. If you see one or two and you do not want to pay for a cockroach exterminator then you can use our DIY cockroach kit.
However, if you have seen a bunch of roaches, it is probably time to call a professional exterminator.
To know if you have a cockroach infestation you will see a bunch of roach poop, egg casings, you might smell a musty odor, and you will start seeing roaches during the day. Trust your instincts, and if it appears to be too many roaches, contact a good cockroach exterminator for help.
You can also buy some glue traps for insects at your local hardware store. You just put them down in the areas you think you have cockroaches and boom, in the morning you will see what you have.
New Home Purchase or Moving
Before settling into your new home, make it a priority to enlist the services of an exterminator. This quick check could save you from potential headaches down the road by uncovering any roach infestations before they become major problems!
This step ensures that you’re not walking into a nightmare right off the bat and can save you from potential headaches and stress later.
Here is some sound advice if you’re moving and have a roach problem in your current home, it’s key for you to get rid of them before taking them to your new place. Taking this precautionary step will help you start fresh in your new home without the worry of roaches.
Choosing the Right Exterminator
You need to find the right company for the job so what is the best way to find cockroach exterminators that will not rip you off? You can check out our link to local pest control companies that can help you.
I. License and Insurance
You need to make sure the pest control company is licensed and insured. A licensed cockroach exterminator is qualified to do pest control in your area and meets the necessary professional standards.
In addition, insurance ensures that you’re covered in case of any accidents or damage during the extermination process.
II. Reviews and Recommendations
You should first go to Google and look at their reviews online. If they have a 5-star and everyone is raving about them then that is the company to use.
You can also get recommendations from friends or family members.
Prevention and Maintenance
Here are a few things you can do to keep roaches out and to keep them from wanting to come into the home.
Cleanliness and Sanitation
You need to keep the home clean and take out the trash in your home. You should also do the following:
- Regularly clean your kitchen, including countertops, floors, and appliances. Roaches are highly attracted to food left out overnight and crumbs.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Roaches can easily access leftover food particles on plates and utensils.
- Seal and store food in air-tight containers. Avoid leaving open food packages, as this will definitely attract roaches.
- Empty and clean your garbage bins frequently, as they can provide an ideal food source and breeding ground for roaches.
- Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaky faucets and pipes. Roaches need water to survive and are attracted to damp areas.
Sealing Entry Points
You need to make sure everything coming into your home is sealed up. Doors, windows, and anything running through the walls need to be tight and sealed.
- Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps in walls, window seals, and doors. Seal these openings with caulk or other appropriate materials.
- Check for openings around utility lines and pipes entering your home.
- Add door sweeps to exterior doors, ensuring there are no gaps for roaches to crawl through.
- Examine and repair damaged window screens, as these can also serve as entry points for roaches.
Conclusion
It is simple, you call an exterminator as soon as you see a roach in your home. The sooner the better before these bugs get out of hand.
To know if you have roaches, look for actual roaches scurrying on the floor or on your kitchen countertops. You can also check cabinets and behind appliances for cockroach poop or egg casings.
Keep your home clean and sealed up to keep the roaches from coming into the home. Then you never have to worry about calling an exterminator.
