Cockroaches are one of the most notorious household invaders, and by learning some basic cockroach facts you can better understand this pest – and learn how to keep them out of your home. If you aren’t careful, a cockroach infestation can get out of hand very quickly, and these massive populations are difficult to control even for the most experienced pest control professionals.

To ensure that an infestation doesn’t cause trouble in your home, you have to educate yourself on some essential cockroach facts. These facts can be the difference between a pest free home and a dramatic infestation. Read on to learn some cockroach facts that can help you prevent, identify, and eliminate cockroaches in your home.

Cockroaches Reproduce Rapidly

Cockroaches are a notorious pest because of how quickly reproduce. You may just see a few cockroaches at first, but if uncontrolled their colony will reach epic proportions in no time. In fact, by the time you see cockroaches around your home the infestation has already reach a serious level. These pests are nocturnal creatures, and they build their nests in areas that homeowners are unable to spot. Seeing cockroaches around your home is a sign that the population has already outgrown its nest, meaning a pest treatment is long over due.

The average cockroach lives for a year to a year and a half,  and during this time they can produce many young. The German cockroach is one of the most common types of species found in American homes, and the reproduction rates for this pest are staggering. These roaches lay many eggs at a time, normally they contain between 30 and 40 eggs. They hatch quickly, and in 10 to 12 weeks these new roaches reach the adult stage and start laying eggs of their own. One female German cockroach will reproduce as many as 6 times in her lifespan, resulting in up to 240 new roaches.

Cockroaches Can Make Your Loved Ones Sick

Cockroaches aren’t just a visual annoyance, they can cause serious medical emergencies for you and your loved ones. If anyone in your home suffers from asthma, they are much more likely to suffer from attacks in homes where cockroaches are present. Allergens that trigger asthma attacks are present on the body, saliva, and feces of these pests.

Asthma attacks aren’t the only medical concern associated with this pest. More than 30 types of bacteria, half a dozen types of parasites, and various other human pathogens have been discovered to be carried by roaches. E. coli and Salmonella, the two most common causes of food poisoning, have both been linked to cockroach infestation. You may think of food poisoning as something that’s gone overnight, but the effects of E. coli and Salmonella can be very serious, and many deaths are linked to these bacteria each year.

Knowledge Is Your Best Weapon

By being aware of important cockroach facts, you can quickly identify and eliminate a cockroach infestation your home. The longer you wait to get in touch with a pest control professional, the worse your problem will become. Don’t neglect to take care of this infestation quickly, especially since the health of your loved ones is at risk.

DIY removal tactics can be effective for some household intruders, but they are not match for cockroaches. Store bought sprays and traps will do little to remove your infestation. You may find dead roaches in the traps, but the vast majority of the population will never even come in contact with these devices. Getting in touch with a pest control company is the only way to 100% ensure that these pests are not a problem in your home.