You don’t have to be in the pest control business to know that cockroaches are some of the most common pests here in the New York City area. Odds are, you probably encounter them more often than you know or would care to admit. However, as long as you aren’t encountering them in your home, you are probably okay. Of the many cockroach species that live in this city, some of the more common home invaders are Oriental cockroaches. Despite their name, these roaches are thought to be of African origin. Regardless of where they are from, when they come into our homes, they become dangerous pests. As such, it is important for you to know what you can do to help keep Oriental cockroaches out of your New York City home.

WHAT DO ORIENTAL COCKROACHES LOOK LIKE?

Oriental cockroaches, sometimes called waterbugs due to their penchant for living in damp areas, are small roaches that grow to be about an inch long. They have shiny-black, oval-shaped bodies, and, unlike some other cockroach species, have underdeveloped wings that prevent them from flying. As previously stated, Oriental cockroaches like to live in damp areas. You can often find them in kitchens and bathrooms, hiding behind large appliances or around leaking pipes and fixtures.

ARE ORIENTAL COCKROACHES DANGEROUS?

Yes, Oriental cockroaches are considered to be dangerous pests to have around your home. This is because Oriental cockroaches can spread a variety of harmful bacteria and human pathogens. Because of their penchant for living in damp areas, Oriental cockroaches often make their homes in drain pipes and sewer systems. While in these locations, they can pick up all sorts of contaminants on their bodies and spine-covered legs. Then, when they venture into our homes, they bring those contaminants with them, spreading them to the various surfaces throughout. Some diseases that Oriental cockroaches have been known to spread include salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, gastroenteritis, dysentery, leprosy, listeriosis, and giardia. Furthermore, Oriental cockroaches can also trigger allergies in young children, the elderly, and at-risk people.

WHAT ATTRACTS ORIENTAL COCKROACHES INTO HOMES?

Oriental cockroaches are attracted to potential food sources and moisture-friendly areas. Removing potential food sources and addressing any moisture issues in your home goes a long way in keeping Oriental cockroaches out. To accomplish these goals, you should:

• Store food in airtight containers or the fridge.
• Take out the trash regularly and store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Wipe up spills from countertops and floors immediately.
• Pick up uneaten pet food after your pet has finished eating.
• Fix any leaking pipes or fixtures.
• Use dehumidifiers to address any moisture issues in your home.
• Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
• Install weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors.

WHAT TO DO IF ORIENTAL COCKROACHES INFEST YOUR NEW YORK CITY PROPERTY?

Even with preventative measures taken, you could still find yourself dealing with an Oriental cockroach infestation around your property. If this is the case, contact the professionals here at Broadway Pest Services right away.

Here at Broadway Pest Services, our certified pest technicians come fully equipped with the experience and expertise to effectively eliminate any cockroach infestation with which you are dealing. Furthermore, not only will we eliminate any current cockroaches from within the property, but we will also work with you to better protect your New York City home from future infestations.

Cockroaches are dangerous pests to have living inside of your home. So, don’t put you and your family at risk by allowing them to stay. Give us a call today and let Broadway Pest Services take care of the problem for you!