This is why cockroaches are in your kitchen. How to keep them out of your Charlotte home
If you’re trying to beat the heat in Charlotte, some cockroaches might be keeping you company.
Some cockroach species prefer indoor spaces during spring and summer, but others, like American and Australian roaches, can invade your home at any time of the year, Kristin Dodd, the manager of Carolina Pest Management, told The Charlotte Observer in June.
While cockroaches don’t bite, they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, including Salmonella and poliomyelitis, the virus that causes polio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cockroaches are also a source of allergens, which can trigger respiratory illnesses like asthma, according to the American Lung Association.
Why do cockroaches enter your home?
Cockroaches can get inside homes through any opening that is accessible to them, said Dodd.
“You’ll see them come in through windows and doors that aren’t sealed properly, or through plumbing,” Dodd said. “It doesn’t take a large opening for them to get through.”
Once inside, cockroaches like to hide in dark, damp places including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, Dodd said, adding that some roaches gravitate “anywhere that there’s food available,” like trash cans and dog bowls.
Signs of a cockroach infestation
Here are some signs that cockroaches may be in your home, according to the National Pest Management Association:
Droppings in dim areas of your home
Presence of egg capsules, which are about 8 millimeters long and dark-colored
A musty smell around
How to keep cockroaches out
The National Pest Management Association recommends these tips to help keep cockroaches away from your home:
Seal cracks in walls and gaps near electric sockets
Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors free of clutter and crumbs
Don’t let dishes pile up
Avoid leaving food out in the open and store it in airtight containers
Vacuum at least once a week to remove food particles
Ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup
If you suspect cockroaches are in your home, you should contact a licensed pest control professional.
