Mosquito Squads Myth Month: Cockroaches

There will always be myths surrounding pests of high concern, either for fun or lacking facts, but we want to set the record straight. Keeping our customers informed about their pests helps us do our job better.

Mosquito Squad wanted to inform you of some myths about a pest favorite: Cockroaches. 

Can cockroaches survive without eating?

Not forever, but for a while, yes. Cockroaches are very resilient, which is another reason you want to avoid them in your home. Eventually, they will die of dehydration or starvation as they can no longer eat or drink. This would typically take a week for dehydration or up to a month for them to starve.

Cockroaches can feed on nearly anything, so it’s unlikely for this to be a successful extermination method. Just like other pests, your home can provide an abundance of food for them, no matter how clean it may be. Related and even odder, they can survive without their head, but again, not forever.

Are cockroaches fast?

Compared to other pests, yes. Their speed is part of the reason they’re hard to eliminate, which is why it’s best to stay ahead of the game. Once inside, they’ll slip from crack to crevice, invading your space.

By treating the cracks and crevices, including the entry points of your home, such as windows, vents, and doorways, we can decrease the chance of pests like cockroaches ever getting inside. 

Are Cockroaches only in dirty homes?

We may assume cockroaches are only found in dirty areas because of the infestations we hear about. But cockroaches can be found wherever there is a food source. Dirty or clean, if they can find something to eat, they’ll bide their time and make a home out of yours. 

Dirty areas increase the chance of an infestation, but this doesn’t negate that cockroaches can be anywhere. Places like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces are full of cracks and crevices to hide from human activity and access food. It’s all about paying attention to your home, spotting the signs, and hopefully taking preventative measures. 

Do cockroaches cause allergies?

Not directly, but cockroaches, like other pests, carry their own bacteria and pathogens, aggravating allergies and even asthma. Cockroaches leave nearly undetectable traces as they creep about. 

How can I get rid of Cockroaches?

Cockroaches aren’t impossible to kill, but once inside, they’re hard to get out, which is where pest control comes to help. Cockroaches have their fair share of predators like centipedes and maybe your cat (if it's brave enough); not to mention a good stomp with a shoe, but those are slow-moving treatments when you want those roaches out forever.

Treating for cockroaches isn’t just about getting rid of them. Mosquito Squad is here for that preventative care as well as those emergency moments. With our Home Shield treatments, we work outside to protect your home and are always available for inside treatment if the pests have made it in. Treatments are meant to prevent pests from encroaching on your space to begin with, saving you the horror and hassle of discovering you have an infestation.