German cockroaches are the most common species of cockroach found across the globe, including the city of Savannah. Cities and other areas where a large population is concentrated are especially top of the list in places that attract cockroaches.
Cockroaches are a more difficult pest to get rid of because they are highly adaptive. Being one of the oldest and most resilient creatures alive today, cockroaches can acclimate to many living conditions, which is made possible by their eating habits.
These pests are scavengers, meaning that they’ll feed on nearly anything—rotting food, feces, roadkill, other insects, and household items, such as paper and clothing—if it’s readily available. In homes facing a roach problem, this can put family and friends at risk of picking up disease-causing bacteria spread by these cockroaches.
Read on for more about the different cockroaches that invade homes in Savannah and how cockroaches are dangerous. Find helpful cockroach prevention tips for Savannah homes and learn the most effective cockroach control for Savannah homes.
The Different Types Of Cockroaches To Invade Homes
There are more than 4,600 species of cockroaches out there, but roughly 30 are known to invade homes. The United States is home to about 50 cockroaches. Aside from the German cockroach, the most common household offenders are the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the brown-band cockroach.
How Are Cockroaches In Savannah Dangerous?
Cockroaches in Savannah and elsewhere are dangerous for two key reasons: they endanger the health and safety of those who live in or frequent the home and damage household items and personal possessions.
Cockroaches pick up bacteria from the putrid food sources they feed on and carry this bacteria with them, which then falls on surfaces and contaminates food sources, such as pantry items, if these pests gain entry. Some of the bacteria that cockroaches are known to transmit cause diseases, which can make people sick, such as:
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Dysentery
Additionally, cockroaches cause damage to personal belongings and household items. In addition to actual food sources, cockroaches will eat products from natural materials, such as paper products, wallpaper, clothing, cardboard boxes, and furniture. If you have important documents or family heirlooms, such as a painting, none of it is safe from the wrath of cockroaches.
Useful Cockroach Prevention Tips For Savannah Homes
Aside from professional pest control services, one of the more effective ways to prevent a cockroach infestation is to avoid attracting these pests. Here are three suggestions to avoid drawing these pests to your Savannah home:
Keep your home clean, particularly the kitchen. Cockroaches are drawn to filth, with a high food concentration and moisture available. This is why they’re drawn to areas such as dumpsters and sewers. Keeping both the inside and outside of our home clean and free of food debris and trash can go a long way in dissuading these pests:
- Use natural deterrents, such as herbs and spices. Cockroaches detest certain smells, including coffee grounds, garlic, peppermint, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Using essential oils—mixing a few drops with water and spraying it throughout the home and near entry points—can also help deter them.
- Make repairs around the home. If cockroaches are getting into your home, they may be doing so through cracks in the foundation or damage to exterior-facing walls. Do a sweep of your home and fix any damage with caulk.
The Most Effective Cockroach Control For Savannah Homes
The safest, quickest, and most effective way to get rid of German cockroaches, and any species of cockroach, in your Savannah home, is with help from professional pest control services. Cockroaches are potentially dangerous, but Prestige Pest Control, headed by owner and founder Marty Jones, has been eliminating cockroaches and other pests in Statesboro and Savannah for the last 34 years—and we’d like to help you, too.
For questions on German cockroaches or other pests, call Prestige Pest Control today at (912) 551-8163.