Cockroaches (aka Roaches) are relatively large insects that that live on forest floors and similar habitats throughout the world. There are over 3,500 species of cockroaches, but only 4 four species that commonly live and breed in our homes and work places. These 4 are the:

• German Cockroach
• Brown Banded Cockroach
• Oriental Cockroach
• American Cockroach.

Cockroaches infest the human dwellings of all ethnic groups and all economic classes. Roaches often invade non-infested residences by 'hitchhiking' in egg cartons, soft drink cartons, bags of potatoes, beer cases, or even through used furniture or appliances. Once introduced into the home, these cockroaches generally start to populate in the kitchen and bathroom.

Occurrence Of Cockroaches In Western New York

The most common type of cockroach sharing human homes in Western New York is the German Cockroach. These insects grow to about 5/8 inch long. They may be recognized by their light brown color, with two dark streaks on the thorax, although the female is darker in color. Both sexes have wings as long as their bodies and very long antennae.

German Cockroach Life Cycle

Female German cockroaches (unlike most other species of roaches) produce an egg capsule which they carry (protruding from their abdomen) until it is ready to split open. Each female may produce for to six capsules in her lifetime, with each capsule containing 30 to 40 eggs. These eggs hatch in 28 to 30 days, and the hatchlings (nymphs) develop over a  40 to 125 day period, depending upon conditions. Female roaches live about 200 days, over which time they may produce more offspring than any other species, but males do not live quite as long - it does not take long to develop a serious cockrach infestation.

Cockroach Activity & Hazard

Cockroaches have no season. They are transported by people and household furnishings.

Cockroaches have been found to harbor Staphyloccus, Coliform, and have been implicated in cases of Salmonella food poisoning. Many people who are allergic to house dust are also allergic to cockroaches, as crushed body fragments and feces become part of house dust. People continually exposed to cockroach infestations have been found to experience a higher number of allergies and/or asthma.

Cockroaches come out of hiding at night and commit a long list of felonies including spreading dirt and infections from their bodies to our food, cooking utensils, plates, counter tops, etc. They carry the bacteria that cause a range of illnesses, including diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever, food poisoning, etc. as well as causing allergies and breathing problems in humans. They leave foul smelling droppings that stain our fabrics and they destroy our fabrics papers and other organics with their ferocious mandibles. Often the most obvious sign of a roach infestation is the mess and destruction that they leave behind. If you see activity in the day time, you probably have a large infestation!

An Effective Roach Control Plan For Your Home

Considering their relatively large size, roaches can hide in tiny spaces and be very difficult to find. so a successful protection program requires that they are all found and eradicated. The reputation of your pest control company and the services that they offer should be heavily factored into your purchasing decision.

Good Riddance will take steps to kill all existing roaches in your home. The primary treatment method consists of a baiting process in conjunction with the use of a reproductive growth hormone regulator, that causes infertility. In some situations chemical treatment is also necessary. The key to successfully eliminating roaches is locating and selectively treating them directly. Good Riddance diagnostics include:

• Human Inspection – our experienced operatives can detect their presence by visual inspection (the first thing we do) 
• Listening Devices – we can actually hear the pests inside your home's structure
• Boroscope – allows us to see inside wall cavities and tight spaces
• Moisture Meters – helps us identify areas prone to infestation
• Baiting Process - in conjunction with a reproductive sterilant to prevent insect reproduction
• Chemical Treatment - removes your immediate roach problem and helps prevent re-invasion.

Your Personal Roach Prevention Plan:

A number of steps can be taken personally by homeowners to reduce the potential for roach infestations:

1. Cockroaches prefer to hide within 5 feet or less of their food and water source so keep all potential food in sealed containers, do not leave pet food out overnight, keep garbage in a sealed container and remove it before going to bed.
2. Cockroaches will even eat paper and glue, so do not allow old papers to pile up.
3. A clean home will not sustain as many cockroaches as a home that is cluttered and dirty because there is less food for the cockroaches to eat!
4. Humidity and harborage areas are very important factors that promote cockroach infestations - repair water leaks, insulate sweating pipes or other areas of condensation, and remove any standing water. Patch holes around pipes, seal up all cracks and spaces beneath baseboards with caulk.
5. Prevent cockrach access into your home by using fly screening on windows and vents and applying weather stripping around doors. 

If You Suspect You Have A Cockroach Infestation Do Not Delay
Your Family's Health Is At Risk
Call 716-824-2847 For Guaranteed Prompt & Professional Action

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