The Dangers Roaches Bring To Jacksonville Homes

With spiny legs and long antennae, cockroaches aren’t a pretty sight – and for Jacksonville homeowners, there are quite a few species you’ll need to watch out for:

American cockroaches: Also called palmetto bugs, American cockroaches are giant roaches you’ll find in your home.

German cockroaches: German cockroaches are the most common roach species worldwide and can be recognized by the horizontal stripes behind their heads.

Asian cockroaches: While sometimes mistaken for German cockroaches, Asian roaches prefer to live outdoors and have longer wings.

Brown-banded cockroaches: One of the smaller roach species, brown-banded cockroaches, have light brown or tan bands that stretch across their bodies.

Smoky brown cockroaches: Smoky brown cockroaches are always on the lookout for a water or moisture source, and they have mahogany-colored bodies with shiny heads.

Florida woods cockroaches: While they may look wingless, Florida woods roaches do have tiny wings and prefer to stay outdoors if they can.

Australian cockroaches: With reddish-brown coloring and yellow markings on their heads, Australian cockroaches are drawn to food, moisture, and Florida’s humidity.

Regardless of which species may be invading your Jacksonville home, cockroaches aren’t positive. Here’s what you should know about where cockroach infestations happen, how dangerous these pests are, and how to handle an active roach infestation.

Do Cockroaches Only Invade Dirty Homes In Jacksonville, FL?

When it comes to cockroach infestations, most people believe that roach infestations only happen to dirty, grimy homes and that you’ll be safe as long as you keep up with your housekeeping. While dirty and unhygienic houses provide roaches with easier access to food and water, these pests aren’t picky about where they make their homes. Cockroaches can survive off of almost nothing and may eat items like hair or books if they have to. Any home or business, including the immaculate ones, is at risk for a cockroach infestation – especially if these roaches are migrating from somewhere nearby.

How Dangerous Are Cockroaches In Jacksonville, FL?

Unfortunately, cockroaches are more than just unsettling to look at – they also pose a health hazard to you and your family. Before they enter your home or business, roaches may hang out in unsanitary places and pick up harmful pathogens or bacteria that they’ll then bring into your home. If you’ve got roaches, then you’ve got quite a few health concerns to worry about.

They Spread Diseases And Bacteria

Unlike some pests, cockroaches don’t bite, but they still have the potential to spread bacteria. Roaches have heavy leg spines that they may scratch you with, but if they’re in your home long enough, they could also contaminate food or certain surfaces. Even though roaches aren’t linked to any specific disease outbreaks, they are known to carry harmful bacterias – like salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. There’s also evidence suggesting that cockroaches may play a role in spreading or carrying certain intestinal diseases like cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever.

They Can Cause Allergic Reactions And Asthma Attacks

Along with the potential to contaminate your food or your family with dangerous bacteria, cockroaches can be harmful in another way – they may trigger asthmatic symptoms or allergic reactions in people. Some of the enzymes in cockroach saliva, discarded skin, and even their droppings are known to cause allergic reactions in many people, especially smaller children. If you already have asthma, a cockroach infestation could trigger your symptoms or cause them to get more severe until the infestation is cleared out.

The Best Way To Handle A Cockroach Infestation In Jacksonville, FL

When they discover a cockroach infestation, many people try to get rid of these roaches on their own, but this isn’t always a good idea. Not only are some roaches resistant to pesticides and over-the-counter treatments, but they reproduce quickly and hide well. Even if you eliminate some of the infestations, the surviving roaches will find a new hiding spot and continue to multiply.

Fortunately, in the war against roaches, you’ve got Lindsey Pest Services on your side. Our trained professionals understand how to combat cockroaches and to get rid of them permanently. If you’re noticing signs of a cockroach infestation or you’re just looking to learn more, don’t hesitate to call us at Lindsey Pest Services for more information about our cockroach control program.