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Month: January 2020

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Pest Library

NEW YORK CITY’S ULTIMATE COCKROACH CONTROL GUIDE

Many species of cockroaches prefer living with humans to living out in the wild, which is particularly problematic here in New York City, where there is a population of over 8.5 million people. With 3.5 million housing units all compacted in such a condensed area, cockroaches have a seemingly limitless number of places to live. A problem this big demands a big solution; fortunately, we have the ultimate guide to New York cockroach prevention! Ready to dive in? Let’s break this down.

3 COMMON COCKROACHES IN NEW YORK CITY

Not every species of cockroach is a home invader. The three common species of cockroach you need to worry about are the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach:

  • The American cockroach is 1-1/4″ to 2-1/8″ long and reddish-brown, and its head is outlined by a yellowish band. This cockroach is the largest species here in North America.
  • The German cockroach is about 1/2″ long and a light brown to tan color. These cockroaches are the most common species worldwide; you’re able to find them invading homes on nearly every continent.
  • The Oriental cockroach is 1″ long when fully grown, with a shiny black body. This cockroach is a less common but equally prevalent threat here in New York City. Despite its name, it is thought the Oriental cockroach originates from Africa rather than Asia.

Despite their differences, all cockroaches pose a unique and serious risk to the families whose homes they invade. Cockroaches are capable of carrying and transmitting 33 different kinds of bacteria, 7 human pathogens, and 6 dangerous parasitic pests. That’s a lot of ways for you and your family to get sick.

WHAT ATTRACTS COCKROACHES TO NYC HOMES

Most pests invade homes by accident, or to escape inclement weather. Cockroaches are a bit different; they invade because our homes are more comfortable to them than any other abode in the wild. With many places to hide and a nearly infinite amount of food and water sources available, our homes provide cockroaches with everything they need to survive and thrive.

HOW TO IDENTIFY & SEAL POTENTIAL COCKROACH ENTRY POINTS

Cockroaches can get into your home or apartment building in several ways, and due to their flexible exoskeletons can squeeze through tiny openings. To prevent cockroaches from invading, start with a thorough inspection of the exterior of your home. Fill in any cracks or gaps you find using a caulking gun. Common places you will find openings include in your foundation, around window and door frames, and around utility piping.

WHY PROFESSIONAL COCKROACH CONTROL BEATS OUT DIY

Getting cockroaches out of your home is a lot more complicated than preventing them in the first place. With extensive knowledge and the right equipment, you may be able to handle a cockroach problem on your own. However, without the right tools, eliminating roaches in your house will quickly prove to be a strain on your mental health and wallet. Time and again, homeowners tell us horror stories about how their DIY methods for exterminating cockroaches went wrong, due to either not using a chemical-based product correctly or a natural-based deterrent not working at all.

At Broadway Pest Services, we know precisely how to deal with cockroaches: no guesswork, no wasted money – just results. If you are sharing your New York City home with disgusting cockroaches, we are here to help. Quality cockroach control has never been easier! Give us a call or reach out to us through our website, and we will send out one of our highly trained pest technicians with a quick and effective solution to your cockroach problem. Schedule cockroach control services today!

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Pest Library

PREVENTION IS KEY WHEN IT COMES TO RODENTS IN NYC

There are many different species of rodents across the United States; thankfully, only a couple of rodent species are common NYC property invaders: rats and mice. Rats are much larger than mice and are typically dark brown, gray, or black in color. They also have triangular heads, long, hairless tails, and slender bodies. House mice have pointed snouts and large, rounded ears, as well as hairy, body-length tails.

Both rats and mice are more likely to invade NYC properties during the colder months. No matter what type of rodent invades your NYC commercial or residential property, they are sure to cause many problems.

PROBLEMS INVADING RODENTS CAUSE

While some rodents might look cute, it’s important to remember that these pests are capable of causing many problems in your home or business building. Rodents are among the most problematic pests you can find on your property, which means early prevention is important.

Some of the main reasons why you don’t want mice or rats inhabiting your NYC property include:

  • One of the most irritating aspects of rodents is that they can invade your property through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Mice can squeeze through gaps the size of a nickel! One way you can help keep mice and rats out of your NYC property is to locate and seal any small gaps you find around the exterior of your building with caulk or steel wool.
  • Rodents spread bacteria and parasites; unfortunately, rodents often carry disease-causing bacteria, which can lead to serious health concerns. Some of the diseases rodents can spread include plague, hantavirus, and salmonella.
  • Rodents multiply at a rapid rate. If one rodent invades your property, it could take less than 2 months for your home or business to be overrun by dozens of rodents.
  • Rodents chew – a lot. Rodents have a set of front teeth that never stop growing. In order to keep their teeth worn down, rodents will chew on almost anything they come across. Wires, pipes, furniture, and structural beams are common targets.

HOW TO MINIMIZE RODENT PROBLEMS

Rodents invade NYC homes and businesses for three reasons: food, water, and shelter. You can help prevent rodent problems on your property by removing these resources and implementing prevention methods to keep rodents out. Here are a few ways you can avoid attracting rodents to your home or business building:

  • Reduce clutter on the interior and exterior of your property.
  • Keep sticks, leaves, and other debris cleared away from your building.
  • Pick up pet food when it’s not being eaten.
  • Store your food products in plastic containers.
  • Clean crumbs up off your floors and counters.
  • Equip your trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
  • Seal potential entry points around the exterior of your property.

WHY PROFESSIONAL RODENT CONTROL IS CRUCIAL

No form of DIY prevention is 100%; even if you implement all of the rodent-prevention strategies listed above, mice and rats might still find a way to invade. If rodents do get into your property, the safest and most effective way to remove them is to call the pest control technicians here at Broadway Exterminating. Don’t wait for mice or rats to start causing problems in your NYC home or business. Our skilled pest professionals will provide you with all the latest rodent control technologies to ensure your property remains rodent-free throughout every season. No matter what pest control problems you’re facing, we have what it takes to provide you with effective, long-term solutions. Contact Broadway Exterminating to learn more about all of the pest control services we provide.