How to Get Rid of Roaches in Tallahassee, FL

The warm, subtropical climate in Tallahassee invites many different cockroach species to take up residence. While most of them prefer to live outdoors, some species routinely infest homes and businesses when given the chance. All species of cockroaches pose serious health risks to people. Many species can carry up to 33 different bacteria causing illnesses like diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever. The first sign of a cockroach infestation is cause for an emergent resolution to protect the health and safety of the building’s inhabitants.

What kind of cockroaches are in Tallahassee?

Some roaches in Florida prefer to live outdoors. But even these pests can sometimes find their way indoors looking for food and bring loads of bacteria with them. Some of the species commonly found in the Tallahassee area include:

American Cockroach
Smokey Brown Cockroach
Florida Woods Cockroach
Australian Cockroach
sian Cockroach
German Cockroach
Brownbanded Cockroach

Where do cockroaches live in homes?

Where cockroaches like to hang out depends on the species. Some species like the American cockroach enter the homes in search of food and water. They can congregate in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, attics, and basements.

Florida wood cockroaches like to gather in damp areas like bathrooms and crawl spaces. On the other hand, German cockroaches are more likely to be found where human food is available.

Why do cockroaches infest homes?

Cockroaches are opportunistic creatures. They have survived more than 300 million years on this planet by adapting to a wide variety of environments and food sources. Unfortunately, the human habitat provides an excellent supply of food and water to sustain the species of cockroaches.

Some species of roaches in Florida enter the home through small openings in doors and windows, or through drains and plumbing. Other species like the German cockroach tend to come into the home by accident in boxes or bags or even old appliances. Once they are in the home, it becomes easy for them to establish themselves and reproduce.

Signs of a Roach Infestation

Luckily, roaches, although nocturnal, leave plenty of evidence of their presence. There are few surefire ways to tell if you have a burgeoning cockroach infestation.

Roach Droppings

Where there are roaches, there will be plenty of roach feces. These off-putting pests are nothing if they are not gross. Roach droppings are dark in color and look like coffee grinds or specs of black pepper.

Foul Smell

If you smell something decaying in your home, then an infestation may be to blame. Cockroaches emit oleic acid – a chemical released during decomposition. Some believe that this is a handy evolutionary feature that has helped cockroaches sustain over hundreds of millions of years.

Presence of Roaches or Moltings

Roaches are nocturnal, meaning that they are active at night. If you see a roach in your home or business during daylight hours, there is a good chance that it is not the only one. Immediately investigate your home for the presence of an infestation.

Allergies or Asthma

If you are experiencing what seems like seasonal allergies or asthma that seem to come out of nowhere, it could be caused by cockroaches. Cockroaches naturally carry a protein that many are allergic to. You do not need to come into contact with cockroaches to be exposed to their proteins and possibly experience coughing, itchy or runny nose, postnasal drip, and skin rashes.

How can I get rid of cockroaches in my home?

When it comes to eradicating a cockroach infestation, it is best to contact a professional pest control company. While there are products available to DIY an extermination, cockroaches are notoriously hardy and adaptable and, therefore, difficult to get rid of. Trying to completely eliminate cockroaches on your own is going to be frustrating, challenging, and expensive.

While there are some small things that you can do to prevent an infestation, you will need professional help to get rid of them once they infest. You can deter these pests by keeping sanitary living conditions. Get rid of the clutter, don’t leave dirty dishes or food containers lying around, and thoroughly clean behind sinks and under and behind appliances.

How can I prevent cockroaches from getting into my home?

Cockroaches are incredibly tough to get rid of without professional training in pest control methodology. Your best defense against cockroaches is by preventing them from infesting in the first place. Use these tips to lower the chance of a cockroach infestation in your home.

Reduce Clutter– Cockroaches love to hide within clutter. They gravitate towards cardboard boxes and papers that are placed in areas with low foot traffic like attics and garages.
Keep It Clean– Spilled drinks, crumbs, fallen food, and pet food attract cockroaches.
Repair Leaking Water– Many cockroaches will follow utility and water lines to gain access into your home. Seal gaps around water hoses leading into your dishwasher and pipes that lead into sinks.
Dehumidify– Use a dehumidifier in your home. By removing excess moisture within your home, you’ll be making the environment less appealing to cockroaches.
Seal Gaps– Seal up cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home to block potential entry points.
Crawlspace Encapsulation– By sealing your crawlspace, pests like cockroaches will be deterred from entering and infesting.

How can Capelouto Termite and Pest Control get rid of cockroaches in my home?

Cockroaches pose a serious health risk and you should eliminate them quickly with the help of the pest control professionals at Capelouto. Contact Capelouto Termite and Pest Control today to get rid of the cockroaches in your home and prevent them from returning.

Call us or fill out the contact form on this page to get started!