Introduction: Understanding Cockroach Behavior
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in homes and businesses in Marietta, Georgia. Known for their survival instincts, cockroaches have survived for millions of years! Check out this article on will cockroaches outlive humans? The behavior of these insects also seeks conditions with food sources, water, and shelter.
This blog will answer the question what do cockroaches eat? and what are the signs of cockroaches, and how do you get rid of cockroaches? If you live in Marietta, Atlanta or anywhere else in Georgia, it’s essential to protect your home from attracting these pests.
What Do Cockroaches Eat?
These insects are scavengers and they will eat a wide variety of just about everything and they can survive without food! There are a variety of cockroach species such as german cockroaches, american cockroaches and smokey brown cockroaches. They can survive in a variety of environments, from kitchens to sewers.
The fact that they hang around pretty gross environments, these insects can carry some nasty diseases. Learn more about how cockroaches can affect your health here. Here is a short list of cockroaches dietary preferences:
- Food Scraps – Leftover crumbs, bacon grease, and spilled drinks are attractive to cockroaches. This includes human food such as candy, pizza, pasta, fruit juice. and plant material.
- Dog Food and Pet Food – Be cautious about leaving pet food out, as cockroaches love dog or cat food and will contaminate it if left unattended.
- Paper and Glue – Cockroaches are not picky eaters. They can even consume non-food items, such as wallpaper glue cardboard boxes, and glue in book bindings. They will devour almost anything containing starch, sugar or protein.
- Soap and Shampoo – Cockroaches have been known to ingest non food items such as lotion, toothpaste, and even soap.
- Dead Insects – Cockroaches will eat other dead bugs and insects or each other! They also feed on their own droppings, this process is called proctoral feeding. So if you have other insects in your home, they might end up as a meal for cockroaches.
Cockroaches will hunt for organic matter around areas where it is readily available, including kitchens, bathrooms, and trash cans. Their feeding habits spread disease and health hazards in your living space, regularly cleaning these areas is crucial.
Signs of Cockroaches in Your Home
If you think cockroaches have entered your home, look for some clear signs of their activity:
1. Smell and Odors – An indicator of a cockroach infestation is a musty and funky odor. This scent comes from bodily fluids, and if you start to notice a dank smell, there may be roach activity in the area.
2. Live or Dead Cockroaches – Seeing cockroach activity in the daytime could be a sign of large infestation, because they are primarily nocturnal. If you come across dead carcasses, it’s a red flag that there’s a problem lurking in your home.
3. Egg Casings (Oothecae) – Cockroaches lay their eggs in oval shaped casings called oothecae. These casings can be found in dark cracks and voids such as under counters, behind dishwashers and bathroom cabinets. Each ootheca can contain up to 40 eggs, so if you find one, you might be dealing with many more roaches soon.
4. Damage to Food Packaging or Furniture – Cockroaches are not only harmful to your health but can also damage your possessions. If you find holes in food packaging or bite marks on books or furniture, it’s time to take action.
5. Cockroach Droppings or Poop – Cockroaches leave poop that looks like coarse ground pepper and can be confused with mouse droppings.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Cockroaches
Once you’ve identified the signs of cockroach activity, it’s paramount to take steps preventing them from getting out of control. Here’s how:
- Seal Entry Points and Gaps – Cockroaches can enter your home through tiny cracks and crevices in windows, wood trim and more. Make sure to seal these gaps, especially around windows, doors, and plumbing with quality caulk or weather stripping.
- Cleaning – Keeping your home cleaned and sanitized, especially your kitchen and bathroom, is necessary . Regularly wipe down surfaces, vacuum floors, and make sure food is stored securely.
- Sticky Traps – You can place cockroach traps or baits in areas where you suspect activity to monitor the situation. These products are designed to attract and kill cockroaches.
Effective Pest Control – If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a cockroach exterminator company near you. In Marietta, Atlanta and Roswell Ga, there are several local and effective cockroach control services equipped to handle your needs.
Smart Solutions – Protect Your Home from Cockroaches
Knowing what cockroaches eat and recognizing the signs of cockroaches is the first step toward taking exterminating a pest problem. Cockroaches are invasive pests, but with effort, proper sanitation, and good pest control service, you can prevent infestations.
If you live in Marietta or Atlanta, GA, and have a cockroach problem, don’t wait until it gets out of control—take steps treat your home and contact Smart Solutions Wildlife Removal and Pest Control. Learn more about our cockroach services and pest control services here.
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are a reputable and highly rated Google Verified pest control service in your area to tackle the problem head-on.
Remember: A clean and treated home is a pest-free home!
