5 Frightening Facts About Cockroaches

Cockroach on white background

Cockroach on white background

If you see a cockroach in your home, you probably won’t need to be persuaded to call an exterminator. Cockroaches are repulsive and difficult to eliminate by yourself. But here are five facts that might make you even more motivated to contact an experienced exterminator like Active Pest Control.

Cockroaches Are Quick

A human’s average walking speed is 2.5 to 4 mph. Some roaches can run over 3 miles per hour. In fact, they’re one of the fastest insects on the planet. They won’t hesitate to run or fly at you to create an opening for their escape. It’s best to avoid coming in contact with cockroaches. They’re known or suspected carriers of the bacteria that cause dysentery, typhoid fever, Salmonellosis, cholera and other illnesses.

They’re Hard to Kill

Cockroach exoskeletons are incredibly strong. They can withstand a force equivalent to 900 times their own body weight. So don’t count on being able to just hit a roach with a broom and squash it. If you have a cockroach infestation in your home, don’t attempt to kill the roaches on your own. Effectively eliminating a cockroach infestation is nearly impossible without help from a professional exterminator.

If You Kill One, it Attracts More

Like many other insects, cockroaches are attracted to certain scents. The smell that’s most compelling to them is, surprisingly, the smell of a dead roach. A dead roach produces a smell that entomologists call the “death stench”. Cockroaches are social creatures, so when a dead roach is discovered, other roaches tend to investigate so they can let the rest of the colony know that it may be in danger. After alerting the colony, they may begin feeding on the carcass of the deceased. 

A Cockroach Can Live for Weeks Without a Head

Think cockroaches can’t get any more disgusting or creepy? Think again! A cockroach can survive for a few weeks without a head. Because they breathe through a system of tubes that filters air in and out of the sides of the body, they only need their head to consume food and water. While a cockroach can regenerate limbs, it can’t grow back its head. It will survive for a few headless weeks until it dies of hunger or thirst.

A Cockroach Can Survive for More Than a Half Hour Without Air

A cockroach is able to hold its breath for 40 to 45 minutes, making any plans to suffocate roaches a non-starter. This is just another example of how tough they are to kill.

Best Cockroach Exterminators in Georgia

If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation, don’t hesitate to hire professional exterminators. The experts at Active Pest Control have been providing fast, reliable cockroach extermination in Georgia since 1985. Contact us today for a free quote!

 

Pests: The Unexpected Gift Under Your Christmas Tree

Pests: The Unexpected Gift Under Your Christmas Tree in Atlanta GA - Active Pest ControlImagine the following: You are sitting on your couch, enjoying your Hallmark Christmas movie when all of a sudden you are overrun by countless numbers of bugs and other creepy crawlies! While this may sound like a scene straight from a horror movie, it is actually a very real possibility. Live Christmas trees that are brought inside are a thriving ecosystem for certain insects and spiders. In fact, entomologists have reported that a single tree can contain up to 25,000 insects at a time. No one wants to deal with a pest infestation in their homes, especially during the holidays. To learn how to prevent Christmas tree insects in your Atlanta GA home this holiday season, read on for tips with Active Pest Control!

Common Insects Found in Christmas Trees

A Christmas tree’s thick branches and tree stand full of water provide the perfect harborage and moisture source for large roaches, such as American and smoky brown roaches. Hidden amongst the branches is an insect that may go unseen, called the Christmas Tree aphid, Cinara spp. These aphids, as the name implies, live on Christmas trees. They live hidden in the branches of conifer trees, feeding on the sap and multiplying rapidly. These aphids can live in large populations on the Christmas tree that you bring into your home, and as the tree starts to dry out and die, they can abandon the tree in search of other food supplies. While they won’t survive for long, most people do not want hundreds of aphids running around their home.

Spiders can also hide in the branches of your tree waiting to feed on some unsuspecting aphid or roach that has set up shop on this beautiful tree you call your own. Bringing the tree inside, of course, brings the spiders in and can encourage them to spread throughout your home in search of food. Some other typical Christmas tree insects are mites, bark beetles, sawflies, moths, and even praying mantises. Although most of these insects are harmless, they can cause a lot of frustration for any homeowner that has to deal with an infestation during the busiest time of the year.

How to Prevent Pests This Holiday Season

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid the frustration of dealing with Christmas tree pests in your home during the holiday season. The 5 main ways you can prevent a Christmas tree pest infestation:

  1. Inspect your tree. Before choosing a tree, inspect it for irregularities, spots, damaged branches or trunk, or signs of pests.
  2. Shake it out! On your own or with the assistance of an attendant, vigorously shake out the tree before bringing it home with you.
  3. Leave the tree in the garage initially. Store the Christmas tree in your garage or a covered area for a few days to settle.
  4. Spray it down. Consider using a hose to spray down your tree before bringing it indoors.
  5. Use a vacuum to clean up. Regularly inspect your tree, vacuum up falling needles, and, if necessary, vacuum up any pests.

Need Help With Christmas Tree Pests?

If you bring home a Christmas tree only to realize it’s seriously infested with insects, it’s recommended to replace it. It’s important to not spray any pesticides on your tree because aerosols are flammable, which may interfere with the lights and decorations. For more tips on how to prevent Christmas tree pests or if you need help getting rid of them in your home this holiday season, contact the experts at Active Pest Control today!

What’s That Bug in Your Bathroom?

What silverfish look like in Atlanta GA - Active Pest ControlThe bathroom is the place where we go to get clean. The last thing we want is for our bathrooms to be teeming with unwanted critters! Many kinds of pests are attracted to the moisture and humidity that accumulates in our bathrooms, whether that be for hospitable temperatures, water to drink, or to prey on the insects that are gathering there. Read on to learn from the experts at Active Pest Control about the types of pests that congregate in our Atlanta bathrooms.

Common Pests Found in the Bathroom

These three pests are some of the most common bathroom-dwellers in Atlanta GA:

  1. Ants: Some ants are attracted to the sweet scents of perfumes, body washes, shampoos, and other hygiene and beauty products in our bathrooms. They stick around for the standing water in our showers and sinks.
  2. Cockroaches: Roaches thrive in dark and humid environments, so if you have leaky pipes in the cabinets under your sink, you are creating the ideal home for roaches. They will also go so far as to eat soap and toothpaste!
  3. Silverfish: Silverfish are attracted to the same qualities in our bathrooms as roaches. However, they have a much harder time climbing smooth surfaces, so if you’re having trouble identifying the pests at the bottom of your shower or sink, you might be dealing with silverfish.

Centipedes, spiders, and drain flies are all also commonly found in bathrooms in our area.

How to Prevent Pests in Your Bathroom

Keeping pests out of your bathroom starts with keeping things dry. Here are some extra measures that you can adopt into your regular cleaning routine:

  • Wipe up standing water on countertops, water fixtures, and the floor
  • Keep your bathroom properly ventilated—opening windows and using a fan can help reduce moisture on your walls caused by a hot shower
  • Regularly check your plumbing fixtures for cracks or leaks
  • Clean up residue from toothpaste, soap, or other hygiene products often

Following these steps should significantly reduce your liability for a pest outbreak in your bathroom. These tenets apply throughout your house, too—excess moisture and unnecessary filth always attract pests!

Keeping Your Bathroom Pest-Free in Atlanta GA

If you’re having trouble keeping pests out of your bathroom in Atlanta, talk to your local pest control company about your problem. At Active Pest Control, we train our technicians to perform comprehensive inspections, finding every potential source of excess moisture or other pest-inviting vulnerabilities. For more information on our services or a free quote, contact us today!

Do Cockroaches Only Come Out at Night?

CockroachesA cockroach found in Atlanta GA - Active Pest Control are some of the grossest pests that we deal with here in Atlanta GA. A cockroach infestation is often the sign of an unkempt kitchen or bathroom. These pests feed on any food source that they can find in your home, from crumbs to leftovers, to pet food, to all kinds of decaying natural matter. The problem with roaches is that they often move discreetly, so you may not find them until your problem is out of hand.

So, do cockroaches only come out at night? And what does it mean if you find them in your home during the day? The roach experts at Active Pest Control have the answers—read on to learn!

Are Cockroaches Nocturnal Insects?

Yes, cockroaches are nocturnal, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll never see them during the day. Like most insects, they spend a majority of the day in states of inactivity or very minimal activity. They will spend this time resting in dark, moist places in or around your home, which could be:

  • Underneath sinks and inside cabinets
  • Near plumbing fixtures
  • Behind wallpaper and in wall paneling
  • Underneath mats and rugs
  • In piles of trash or clutter, and more

Once the sun sets, the roaches will take to the floors and walls to scavenge for any sort of foot materials that they can find.

Why Do Cockroaches Come Out During the Day?

Seeing roaches crawling around inside your home usually means that there is a serious infestation going on. The roach resting places have possibly become so overcrowded that they have started staggering times of activity. In order to find enough food to eat, they will have to go against their bodies’ natural patterns of sleep and activity to sustain themselves.

When you find roaches in your house during the day, you’ll likely jump to take any measures you can to get rid of them. Unfortunately, roaches are some of the most resilient pests on the planet and take serious strategy and power to eradicate. People often find that cheap insecticides and traps to use on your own fall far short of dealing with their cockroach infestation.

Cockroach Infestations in Atlanta GA

Some ways to prevent cockroach infestations include keeping a clean bathroom and kitchen, sealing your food and storing it properly, routinely checking for leaks in plumbing fixtures, and other measures associated with general cleanliness. Once an infestation actually develops in your home, the work is best left to a professional pest control company. At Active Pest Control, we pride ourselves on eliminating roach infestations safely and quickly, as well as teaching our customers how to prevent future roach outbreaks for good. For a free quote, contact us today!

Why Does Cockroach Activity Spike in the Summer?

Cockroaches are common in Atlanta GA summertime - Active Pest ControlIf you’re wondering when “cockroach season” is, we’re in the midst of it! Summertime sees a growth in cockroach infestations and populations, especially here in the Atlanta GA area. Although roaches can survive in many different climates and environments, they generally prefer warm, humid temperatures. As soon as summer rolls around, roaches are more likely to be on the hunt for food. While they breed year-round, the reproduction rate goes up during the summer. Keep reading to learn about summertime cockroach activity as well as what you can do to prevent it with tips from Active Pest Control.

The Season of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a common household pest all year long. So why are they more populous in the summertime? Most roach species are drawn to warm or moist environments, which is why they frequently inhabit bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Many cockroaches lie dormant in the wintertime, but rising temperatures encourage them to resume activity. In cases of extreme heat, cockroaches that otherwise stay outdoors will flood inside in search of food, water, and relief from the heat. This is why we get so many calls for roach infestations this time of year!

How to Keep Cockroaches Out

No one wants to deal with a cockroach problem in the summer, or any time of year for that matter. Our best summertime cockroach prevention tips are as follows.

  • Inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  • Keep a clean kitchen and bathroom. Wipe or clean up any spills or messes as soon as possible.
  • After feeding your pets, pick up pet bowls and avoid leaving food out overnight or for days at a time.
  • Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate unsealed food. Ensure your garbage is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
  • Avoid leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  • Because cockroaches love moisture, promptly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters.

Summertime Cockroach Control

Cockroaches are certainly a nuisance, but they can be dangerous too. Not only are they difficult to get rid of, roaches can carry and spread a number of harmful bacteria and germs. Even seeing one roach often indicates there are many more hidden nearby. Unfortunately, DIY cockroach control is fruitless. Always contact the licensed roach exterminators at Active Pest Control if you are dealing with a summertime cockroach infestation.

Are Seasonal Allergies Triggered by Pests?

Cockroaches may trigger your seasonal allergies in Atlanta GA - Active Pest ControlSpringtime in Georgia is beloved, but seasonal allergies can be a serious pain. Millions of people suffer from stuffy noses and itchy eyes every year. However, what if it’s more than the trees and blooms causing your flare-ups? Believe it or not, pest allergens are a major trigger for allergies and asthma. Some types of pests, including roaches and dust mites, can be troublesome for people with allergies. May is National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month! The team here at Active Pest Control is committed to keeping our customers safe from all dangers of pests–allergies included. Read on to learn our top tips for preventing pest allergens in your home.

Pests & Seasonal Allergies

Over the past few decades, research has shown that certain types of pests may trigger allergies in people. The main culprit? The cockroach! Roach droppings, saliva, shed skin, and other parts contain allergen proteins. When you have a cockroach problem in your home or business, those allergens can contribute to allergic reactions and trigger asthma symptoms, particularly in children!

Along with cockroaches, some species of stinging insects (yellow jackets, wasps, fire ants, and more) can cause reactions in people. Symptoms range from itching and hives to more serious conditions. In any case, it’s important to act immediately and seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction: swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

6 Steps to Remove Pest Allergens

To prevent pest allergens, you need to prevent pests altogether! Simple pest prevention methods can work to reduce the number of pest allergens in your home. Our top tips include:

  1. Seal cracks and holes in your property, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  2. Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  3. Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid on the can.
  4. Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and free of moisture problems.
  5. Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  6. Vacuum and dust your property as often as reasonably possible.

How to Prevent Pest-Related Allergies

Pest infestations can be hazardous for a number of reasons. If you want to avoid the many dangers of pests year-round, allergies included, it’s best to team up with your local exterminators. At Active Pest Control, we are dedicated to keeping our communities pest-free and families safe from the dangers pests bring all year long. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

10 Facts About the German Cockroach

German cockroaches are one of the most common infestations in Atlanta GA - Active Pest Control

German cockroaches are never a welcome sight, no matter where you are. They’re a small type of cockroach – you’ve probably seen them before, and maybe wondered if they were young cockroaches that would eventually grow large. They won’t get big, but they will reproduce rapidly, and you’ll start seeing them in bigger and bigger groups.

Have you spotted these common cockroaches in your home or business? If so, knowledge is power.

Here are ten quick facts about German cockroaches that you should know:

  1. German cockroaches reproduce extremely quickly.
  2. They lay an egg case called an “ootheca.”
  3. It takes a German cockroach six weeks to six months to reach maturity.
  4. German cockroaches spread dangerous bacteria.
  5. Their favorite conditions are high temperature and high humidity.
  6. They can climb smooth, flat surfaces easily.
  7. Most German cockroaches spend their entire lives hidden and protected.
  8. They spread to new places easily.
  9. They can trigger asthma and allergy attacks.
  10. German roaches have two dark stripes that run down their backs.

Keep reading to dive deeper into each of these facts.

Listen and Learn about German Cockroaches

Say Goodbye to Pest Problems for Good!

Top 10 German Cockroach Facts You Should Know

These small roaches can turn into a huge problem quickly when they infest an area. If you see one or two roaches occasionally, or you spot a group of roaches in the kitchen or bathroom at night when you turn on the light, you can feel certain there are many more lurking in the walls and other hidden areas.

Fact #1: German cockroaches reproduce extremely quickly.

  • German cockroaches have an extraordinary rate of reproduction. In fact, they’re the fastest-reproducing type of roach. One female cockroach and her offspring can produce thousands of new roaches over the course of a year.

Fact #2: They lay an egg case called an “ootheca.”

  • closeup of an "ootheca," egg capsule of a german cockroach, that will hatch dozens of offspring
    This is what a German cockroach egg capsule, or “ootheca,” looks like. In about one month, this will hatch about 30-40 juvenile roaches.

    The ootheca of the German cockroach is an egg case that contains 30–40 eggs. It takes the ootheca about a month to hatch, at which point you’ll start to notice tiny German cockroaches running around.

Fact #3: It takes a German cockroach six weeks to six months to reach maturity.

  • Baby roaches have a round body, whereas mature German cockroaches have an elongated body.

Fact #4: German cockroaches spread dangerous bacteria.

  • German cockroaches traffic in filth, including their own droppings. Anywhere they go, they’re likely to track germs and bacteria they’ve come in contact with. They’ve been known to spread salmonella and other diseases that are harmful to humans, which is what makes German cockroaches in the kitchen such a serious problem.

Fact #5: Their favorite conditions are high temperature and high humidity.

  • They may still infest areas with cooler temperatures and low humidity, but high temperatures and humidity provide the ideal conditions for them to reproduce.

Fact #6: They can climb smooth, flat surfaces easily.

  • They have a sticky pad on their feet called an arolium that allows them to go anywhere they want, spreading germs and bacteria throughout.

Fact #7: Most German cockroaches spend their entire lives hidden and protected.

  • This old adage is most definitely true when it comes to German cockroaches: “If you can see a few, there are many more you can’t see.” German cockroaches will hide inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and in many other surprising places. Most German cockroaches go their entire lives without being seen by a person.

Fact #8: They spread to new places easily.

  • mature and juvenile german cockroaches inside home
    A gathering of German cockroaches inside a home – the smaller ones are juvenile roaches that haven’t reached maturity yet.

    German cockroaches are a common (and stubborn) problem in apartment and condo complexes due to their ability to spread throughout the walls. One or two cockroaches can also easily hitch a ride from one location in a box, bag, or on clothing and travel to a new location to start a new infestation.

Fact #9: They can trigger asthma and allergy attacks.

  • Even if the roaches are gone, the shed skins they’ve left behind can cause issues. They’ve been known to cause severe asthmatic reactions in some people.

Fact #10: German roaches have two dark stripes that run down their backs.

  • Aside from their small size, you can also recognize German cockroaches by the two parallel black lines that run down their back from the bottom of their head.

German Cockroach Prevention Tips

German cockroaches are difficult to prevent because they’re so skilled at survival. They reproduce extremely quickly, and they’ll eat pretty much anything. German cockroach prevention requires a combination of situational awareness and preventative pest control.

To keep German cockroaches out of your home, make sure to keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.

Also, be aware that German cockroaches are common in many areas. It’s easier than you think to bring one back with you without realizing it. Always be sure to inspect second-hand items before bringing them into your home.

Professional German Roach Control

If you’re dealing with a German cockroach infestation, it’s crucial to enlist the help of a professional cockroach exterminator as soon as possible. German cockroaches aren’t just difficult to control, they can be dangerous, too!

At Active Pest Control, we know how to implement cockroach control and prevention to keep you safe from German cockroaches year-round. Give us a call to schedule professional roach service, or for a free estimate.

Prevent Winter Pests in Your Home

A rodent is one of the many types of winter pests that may invade your GA home in the winter months - Active Pest ControlEveryone knows pests are a problem in the spring and summer months, but what about in the winter? Unfortunately, pests don’t disappear with the colder weather. In fact, many pests will look for ways to enter homes to escape the dropping temperatures, which is why infestations are common in Georgia winters. To protect your property from pest problems in the winter, it’s important to implement pest control and prevention.

Winter Pest Infestations

Certain insects will enter a state of diapause in the winter to wait out the cold months in favor of warmer weather. These include stink bugs, cluster flies, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles. Other pests to be wary of in the winter months include:

  • Rats & mice. House mice and Norway rats in particular are known to squeeze their way indoors during the cold months.
  • Cockroaches. The German cockroach will hitchhike inside in boxes and can spread right under your nose.
  • Spiders. House spiders are typically harmless and can be found in dark, secluded areas of the home.
  • Bed bugs. Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug problems are a threat during the winter.

How to Prevent Winter Pests

To protect your property from winter pests, it’s important to implement preventative measures into your home maintenance routine. This includes thoroughly inspecting your home on a regular basis to locate vulnerabilities. One of the most important measures you can take is to seal cracks and crevices outside your property to keep pests from making their way inside. In addition, you should place screens over vents and chimneys, store firewood away from your property line, promptly fix leaks or broken pipes, and keep a clean home to prevent winter pests.

Is Winter Pest Control Necessary?

Just like you, pests want to escape the cold temperatures during the winter. In their hunt for food and shelter, they may enter your home easier than you want to believe. It’s crucial to implement preventative steps to prevent pests in the winter. Active Pest Control can be trusted to help protect your property from winter pests and other pest problems throughout the entire year. Call our team today to learn more about our winter pest control services!

Keeping Cockroaches Out

They slip out of cracks at night to eat the rotten sludge between your stove and counter. Their disease-covered feet sink into the butter someone left out on your sideboard. They leave feces on the inside of your toaster. Grossed out yet? You should be. Cockroaches are probably the most disgusting creatures the world has ever known. But what’s worse is they are notoriously hard to get rid of. Some cockroaches are able to survive an entire month without food, and cockroaches in general are extremely adaptable to many environments. Legend has it that they could survive a nuclear war, though this is a bit of an exaggeration. They can withstand radiation poisoning for a relatively long period, but they will ultimately succumb to its effects.

Keeping Roaches Out

Yes, they may be hard to get rid of but keeping them out in the first place is possible with a little hard work.

  • Repair any water leaks in pipes, sinks, appliances, etc. Dry up any standing water around tubs, toilets, or anywhere else wetness can be found. Place fans or dehumidifiers in places that are moist or humid.
  • Carefully clean your kitchen, paying close attention to hard-to-reach places such as between the stove and counter, underneath the refrigerator, and inside your toaster.
  • Wipe out cupboards and drawers with a soapy cloth.
  • Don’t leave dirty dishes on the counter. If you can’t wash them right away, place them in a sink full of soapy water.
  • Store all food in the refrigerator or inside sturdy containers with tightly fitted lids.
  • Vacuum thoroughly, especially where there are food remnants present. Don’t forget areas such as underneath couch cushions and behind beds.
  • Only put pet food down at mealtimes, otherwise; store the food in a container with a lid.
  • Carefully inspect the outside of your home, looking for gaps and cracks. Pay attention to areas where appliances, pipes, or wires enter the home. Seal up any holes using a caulking gun.
  • Check all screens and door sweeps and make sure they are in good repair.
  • Make sure mulch, trees, bushes, and other vegetation are kept at least a foot or more from your home. Roaches and other pests use these as bridges.
  • Dry up any standing water near your foundation. If you have birdbaths, place them as far from your house as possible.
  • Do not leave pet food, or any other food, outdoors. Clean your grill area after each use. If you have bird feeders, consider removing them or placing them far from your home.
  • Make sure all garbage containers have tightly fitted lids and store them away from your home.

Once They Have Infested:

It may be possible to keep cockroaches out on your own. However, once they have breached your defenses and taken root in your house, they can be extremely difficult to eradicate without professional help. Keep in mind that, if you have seen one cockroach there are most likely hundreds, if not thousands, more living in your walls. Here at Active Pest Control, we offer several pest plans to help you live pest-free. With almost 40 years of pest control experience, Active Pest Control can get rid of cockroaches for you. Don’t wake up to cockroach footprints in your butter. Get help today.