What Jacksonville Homeowners Need to Know
You finally arrive home after a super long drive and rush into the bathroom because you simply can’t hold it any longer. Fumbling about, you quickly close the door behind you, but to your surprise and horror, you discover you’re not alone! There’s a big roach floating right in the toilet!
Disgusted by its very sight, you immediately flush, waiting impatiently for it to go down the drain and that makes you wonder if roaches can drown. After all, it was just floating in the water, frantically paddling, with no way to get out. Now, you begin to think of how long it had been there in the first place. Then, you suddenly realize it may not have been alone!
Is It Possible for a Roach to Drown?
Such a scenario is unpleasant to think about, to say the least. But we’ve all heard a lot of weird things about these common pests. And while some are true, others are misnomers or outright false. So, let’s get back to the original question, can roaches drown?
The short answer is, yes, roaches can drown, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Cockroaches are surprisingly resilient creatures with a variety of survival mechanisms. One of these is their ability to hold their breath for a significant amount of time—up to 40 minutes!
This means simply submerging a roach in water won’t immediately kill it. However, if they are unable to find air for an extended period, they will eventually drown. For instance, flushing a cockroach down the toilet may be effective, as prolonged water immersion can lead to drowning.
Signs of a Roach Infestation
What you really have to worry about is pests secretly invading your home. Unfortunately, most insects and rodents can do this for weeks or months before being discovered. So, detecting a roach problem early is crucial in managing and eliminating the infestation. Here are some signs homeowners should watch out for:
- Droppings. Cockroach droppings are a clear indicator of their presence. The droppings are small, black, and pepper-like. Larger species, such as the American cockroach, leave behind larger, cylindrical droppings. Check for droppings in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and under sinks.
- Unpleasant odors. A strong, musty odor is often a sign of a significant cockroach infestation. Roaches secrete a variety of substances that produce these odors, which can permeate through the home if the infestation is severe.
- Egg casings. Roaches lay their eggs in casings called oothecae. These are small, brown, and oval-shaped. Finding these egg casings around your home, particularly in dark and moist areas, is also a strong indicator of a roach problem.
- Shed skins. As roaches grow, they shed their exoskeleton several times. Finding these shed skins, which look like empty shells of the insects, is another sign of an infestation.
- Live roaches. Seeing live roaches is the most obvious sign. Roaches are nocturnal, so spotting them during the day may indicate a heavy infestation. Pay attention to areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
- Smear marks. In areas where water is abundant, roaches leave behind brownish smear marks. Look for these marks on walls, floors, and around entry points.
- Damage to food packaging. Roaches are scavengers and will chew through food packaging. If you notice damaged packaging or food with small bite marks, it could be a sign of their presence.
And let’s not forget nests. Though cockroaches don’t build nests like some pests, they do gather in areas that provide food, moisture, and shelter. Common nesting sites include behind refrigerators, under sinks, and within wall cavities.
Prevention and Control
The old saying about an ounce of prevention makes even more of a difference when it comes to defending your home from pests – whether they’re insects or rodents (and especially roaches).
Property owners can’t simply ignore the fact pests are always a threat. Remember, any type of pest only needs three basic things: food, water, and shelter. And guess what? Your home provides these needs and does so daily. Now, here are some things you can do to keep roaches and other pests at bay:
- Maintain cleanliness. Keep your home clean and free of food debris. Regularly clean under appliances and furniture.
- Seal entry points. Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices where roaches may enter.
- Store food properly. Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Eliminate moisture. Fix leaks and reduce humidity levels to make your home less attractive to roaches.
- Use baits and traps. Place baits and traps in areas where roaches are likely to travel.
- Consult professionals. For severe infestations, consider seeking help from pest control professionals.
By being vigilant and taking proactive measures, homeowners can effectively manage and eliminate roach infestations. Remember, early detection is key to preventing a minor issue from becoming a major problem.
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Worried about roaches? Trad’s Pest Control is Jacksonville’s trusted pest control expert. Get immediate relief – call us today!
Protect your family and home from roaches. Trad’s Pest Control offers reliable pest control services. Learn more and schedule your service now!