Why Your Cockroach Infestation Will Get Worse (And Worse) Until It’s Treated

Cockroaches breed rapidly

One of the major reasons that a cockroach infestation is such a problem is because these pests breed rapidly. Even if only one or two cockroaches get into your house initially, it won’t take long before the roach population grows very large.

Although it varies by species, cockroaches go from hatching to being adults capable of reproducing in about three to twelve months. Once the females begin to reproduce, they create egg cases, called oothecae, that can hold 10 to 50 eggs, depending on the species. Female cockroaches produce about one ootheca per month.

You don’t have to do the math to recognize that even a small cockroach infestation will quickly grow into a large one due to their breeding habits. The more cockroaches that hatch and mature, the more eggs will be laid each month.

Cockroaches are excellent at hiding

If cockroaches lived out in the open in your house, it would be fairly easy to detect the start of an infestation and get rid of it. Unfortunately, these nocturnal pests do not like being exposed. They prefer to remain out of sight where you won’t notice them.

Not only do cockroaches prefer to hide, but they’re also very good at it. They don’t simply stay under your refrigerator, where you could easily pull the appliance out and find them. Instead, they find places to hide that are out of the way and difficult to access. They like damp, dark hiding spots, such as under sinks, and even sometimes hide in drains and other areas that are almost impossible to access without taking pieces of your house apart.

Cockroaches don’t die without a fight

You’ve probably heard stories about how cockroaches can survive a nuclear bomb. Although that’s an urban legend, it came about because there’s a kernel of truth. Cockroaches can withstand high amounts of radiation. Although you’re not likely to use radiation to try to get rid of a cockroach problem in your home, you should be aware that cockroaches don’t go down without a fight.

In addition to being tolerant to high radiation doses, cockroaches can withstand many DIY treatment methods. They have developed a resistance to many chemicals, so over-the-counter sprays rarely work to eliminate them. They can live for up to 45 minutes without air, so trying to submerge them in water to get rid of them probably won’t work for you unless you’re incredibly patient.

If they can’t be eliminated by those means, should you try to starve them or deprive them of water? Although every creature requires food and water to survive, some creatures need these necessities less often than others. Cockroaches can survive up to three months without food and up to a month without water. These pests have adapted to harsh environments and situations and are challenging to eliminate.

Cockroaches are a year-round problem

Cockroaches are most active in the warmest months of the year. They like hot, humid weather and are most likely to move around and reproduce rapidly from about May through September in Midwestern cities. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about these pests from October to April.

As the weather starts cooling off in the fall, cockroaches are more likely to find their way indoors while looking for warmth and shelter. Although they may not be as active in the winter, it’s more likely that they’ll establish themselves inside your home in these months.

Once the weather warms back up, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise when they become more active, and their population grows even more rapidly inside your house.

Why you don’t want cockroaches in your home

If cockroaches were a nuisance pest, you wouldn’t want them in your house, but you wouldn’t have to be too concerned if you found them there. Unfortunately, cockroaches present many problems for homeowners. Although they won’t damage your house other than leaving their droppings around, they are a serious risk to your family’s health.

Cockroaches spread dozens of bacterial diseases and have also been known to carry parasites, viruses, and other pathogens. If cockroaches move into your residence, it’s entirely possible a family member could become sick because of them. In addition to the diseases they spread, cockroaches can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms through their saliva and waste.

How to get rid of a cockroach infestation

If cockroaches get into your home, you must get rid of them as quickly as possible. They will not go away on their own; they will expose your family to agents of illness, and their population will continue to grow exponentially until you do something about them.

Because they are so difficult to eliminate, the most effective way to get rid of cockroaches is with professional pest control. Miller Pest & Termite provides the home pest control services necessary to protect your home and family from these dangerous pests. Our Miller Guard plan eliminates and prevents cockroaches and 28 other pests with premium applications, targeted treatments, and no hidden fees. At the first sign of a cockroach infestation, contact Miller Pest & Termite to request a free quote!