Oriental cockroaches in Anaheim are a bigger problem than you might think, and the last thing you want is for an infestation to take root in your home. When it comes to getting rid of oriental cockroaches, here's what Anaheim homeowners should know about identifying them, whether they bite, why you should check damp areas for oriental cockroaches, and how pest control in Anaheim can help.
How To Identify Oriental Cockroaches
With so many different types of cockroaches in Anaheim, it can be challenging to identify the ones plaguing your home. Still, there are a couple of key ways to tell oriental cockroaches apart from the rest.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to distinguish them from other roaches is their coloring – oriental cockroaches have mahogany-colored bodies with glossy, oily sheens that make them look shiny at first glance. Size is also a factor in identifying these roaches. While they grow bigger than German cockroaches at around an inch long, they're still smaller than American roaches. Finally, while both males and females have wing pads, oriental roaches aren't capable of flight, so you shouldn't see them flying around your home.
Do Oriental Cockroaches Bite?
Do cockroaches bite, and more specifically, do oriental cockroaches bite? While there are plenty of reasons to be afraid of oriental cockroaches, their bite isn't one of them. It's very uncommon for oriental cockroaches to bite people unless the infestation has spiraled completely out of control.
Even in the rare case of a cockroach bite, these pests are not venomous or poisonous. Their bite is not medically dangerous unless you're allergic to cockroaches. If you step on a cockroach or try to pick one up, it's more likely that they will try to scratch you than bite. Cockroaches have heavily spined legs, which could knick you if you're too close.
The most significant danger associated with oriental cockroaches is the pathogens and bacteria they carry. These pests can make you sick when they scratch you or contaminate your food with bacteria.
Oriental cockroaches also emit an enzyme that can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in some people, especially young children and older adults. As the infestation worsens, these symptoms will increase and result in additional health problems for your family.
Always Check Damp Areas For Oriental Roaches
While most cockroaches need moisture to survive, oriental cockroaches are especially drawn to damp environments. As a result, they're often found in sewers, drains, and other unsanitary spots where they can pick up moisture or feed on organic, rotting materials.
As a result of frequenting these areas, oriental cockroaches also pick up a variety of pathogens and bacteria, which they can bring into your home. They contaminate your home with pathogens like streptococcus, staphylococcus, or salmonella – which is what will make you sick.
Cockroaches are well known for their secretive nature. These dangerous pests can flatten their bodies to hide in the thinnest cracks and crevices. They often go undetected in homes for long periods of time, so it's important to know the signs of a cockroach infestation as well as where to go looking for one.
Because they love moist areas so much, it's not uncommon for oriental roaches to spend time in the damp or poorly ventilated areas of your home. Basements with too much humidity, hot water heaters, bathrooms, and kitchens are all hot spots for oriental cockroach activity – but these pests can survive in almost any room they choose as long as there is moisture nearby. If you have a moisture problem in your home, you're also more likely to deal with an oriental cockroach infestation. Be sure to regularly check areas with excess moisture for signs of oriental cockroaches and other pests.
Pest Control For Anaheim Homes
Given how hard they are to get rid of and how dangerous they may be for your health, the best way to get rid of cockroaches and oriental cockroaches in Anaheim is with professional help from A-1 Bonded Termite.
Our specialists have been combating cockroaches of all types and infestations of all sizes for years in Anaheim. We won't leave until we have taken care of the existing problem and helped you put plans in place to prevent future issues. If you're worried that you may have oriental cockroaches or another type of roach infestation in your home, there's only one thing to do – contact us today at A-1 Bonded Termite to learn more about how we can help solve your cockroach problem.