Why Are There Roaches In My Jacksonville Home, And How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

How Can I Be Sure Its Roaches In My Home?

Cockroaches prefer a warm, humid climate, making Jacksonville the perfect environment for these pests to thrive. Florida is home to many types of cockroaches, including the following species:

• American cockroaches
• German cockroaches
• Asian cockroaches
• Australian cockroaches
• Surinam cockroaches

Now that you know the cockroaches you can find here in Jacksonville, how can you tell if you're dealing with one of these cockroaches or another pest entirely? Here are some of the most common signs of a cockroach infestation:

• Cockroach Sightings. Seeing cockroaches in your home is the most definite sign of a problem.
• Droppings. Finding dark, pepper-like droppings on your counters or in your cabinets and drawers may indicate cockroach activity.
• Shed Skins. Coming across discarded cockroach exoskeletons, legs, or wings can clearly indicate a cockroach problem.
• Odor. Another telltale sign that cockroaches are present is a mild, musty smell.

Can Roaches In My House Really Make Me Sick?

The answer to this question is yes! There are many health risks associated with cockroaches, ranging from illnesses to allergic reactions.

Cockroaches can spread 33 different kinds of bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli, six parasitic worms, and seven other types of human pathogens. These pests are responsible for spreading food poisoning, the stomach flu, cholera, dysentery, and other infections.

Some people will have an allergic reaction to cockroach saliva, excrement, and shed skins, especially children; cockroaches can also trigger asthma attacks.

What Is Attracting Roaches Into My House?

Cockroaches are attracted to our homes for the same reason that other pests are: easy access to food, water, and shelter.

• Food is a big motivator for cockroaches. Some common food sources for cockroaches in our homes include dirty dishes in the sink, food crumbs or spills, garbage in unsealed trash cans, and even pet food bowls left out overnight.
• Cockroaches also need moisture to survive and prefer to live in warm, damp places. Leaky pipes, pipe condensation, and stagnant water sources around your property can all attract cockroaches to your home.
• If your home has entry points they can exploit, cockroaches will take advantage of those vulnerabilities to get inside. Additionally, roaches are more likely to congregate in areas with plenty of hiding spots, so if you have excess clutter in your home or yard, you are more likely to have issues with cockroaches.

If your house provides cockroaches with everything they need to survive, those roaches will have every reason to come inside and no reason to leave.

What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Roaches In My House?

While there are effective ways to prevent a cockroach infestation, such as sealing potential entry points, removing potential food sources, and addressing moisture issues, the most surefire way to get rid of cockroaches in Jacksonville is to sign up for professional cockroach control services from Lindsey Pest Services.

If you're interested in learning more about our Jacksonville cockroach control options or want to schedule a service, reach out to us today!