Roaches are a common pest problem for many apartment tenants. They are not only unsanitary and unpleasant to look at, but they can also carry diseases as well as trigger allergies. According to the Census Bureau, 14 million housing units have reported roaches in the last twelve months. With 14 million reports in the last year, it’s clear that roaches are a common pest that almost anyone can encounter but with proper preventative measures and the help of your local Pacific Northwest pest control technicians, roaches can be eliminated in your apartment.
How Common Are Roaches In Apartments
Roaches are highly adaptable pests that can thrive in many environments, including apartments. In densely populated cities where many people live in close quarters, roach infestations are especially common. In fact, a study conducted by the National Center for Healthy Housing found that nearly one in five households in urban areas has a roach infestation.
Some of the reasons roaches are common are because they are attracted to warmth, moisture, and food, making apartments an ideal habitat. They can easily spread from one unit to another through cracks, crevices, and pipes and since apartments are filled with people, they become a constant food source for roaches to feed on.
Health Hazards Associated with Roaches
Roaches are known to carry a variety of diseases and bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella. They can spread these pathogens by contaminating food and surfaces with feces, regurgitated food, and body parts. In addition, roaches can trigger allergies and asthma in some people.
People who suffer from allergies and asthma may experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and runny nose when exposed to roaches. A few roaches may not cause a problem, but since roaches can release pheromones that attract other roaches an infestation can quickly escalate increasing the odds of human exposure and leading to allergic reactions.
Preventing Roach Infestations
The best way to prevent a roach infestation is to keep your apartment clean and free of food debris. This means regularly wiping down counters and surfaces, storing food in airtight containers, and properly disposing of garbage. You should also fix any leaks and remove any standing water, as roaches are attracted to moist environments.
If you already have a roach infestation, it is important to take action quickly to prevent it from spreading. Over-the-counter pesticides and traps can be effective for small roach infestations, but for larger infestations, it is best to seek the help of a professional pest control service.
Professional pest control services use a combination of insecticides and bait stations to eliminate roaches. They may also seal cracks and crevices to prevent roaches from entering your apartment. Keep in mind that roaches can develop resistance to certain chemicals over time, so it is important to use a variety of treatments to ensure their elimination.
Roach infestations are a common problem in apartments, but they can be prevented and eliminated with proper sanitation, pest control measures, and everyone working together to get rid of them. Since roaches can carry diseases and trigger allergies it is important to take them seriously and act quickly to prevent a larger infestation. By keeping your apartment clean, fixing leaks, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can eliminate roaches and maintain a healthy living environment.
