Luckily, Floridians get to enjoy sunshine almost year round and have the benefit of the beach in our backyard. The only real problem we have is that we do have to keep an eye out for bugs looking for refuge in our homes, especially cockroaches and spiders. Royal Pest Services has put together facts about these pests as well as how to protect your home when pests look for refuge.
Cockroach Facts
Did you know there are about 30 species of cockroaches associated with human habitations? Among the best-known species are the American Cockroach, German Cockroach & Brown-Banded Cockroach.
Cockroaches feed on human food, pet food, and even garbage. They can also passively transport microbes on their body surfaces including those that are potentially dangerous to humans, particularly in environments such as hospitals. Cockroaches have been shown to be linked with allergic reactions in humans. One of the proteins that triggers allergic reactions has been identified as tropomyosin. These allergens have also been found to be linked with asthma. They can leave an offensive odor. No wonder humans want to get rid of any and all cockroaches from their homes!
Spider Facts
Few creatures are as feared as spiders. Yet, for the most part, spiders are harmless, generally beneficial and bite people
only when squeezed, crushed, or rolled on in bed. The bite of the Black Widow Spider or the Brown Recluse Spider can be very dangerous however, and these spiders should be avoided at all cost.
According to the experts at spiders.us, “It is important to remember that spiders are not bound by the territorial lines decided on by humans, therefore their distribution is subject to change. Occasionally, spiders can be found well outside of their known range due to being intentionally or accidentally transported by humans in cars, luggage, and other belongings.” For more information on common Florida Spider species, check out spiders.us
Cockroach & Spider Prevention
General preventive measures against household pests include:
- Keeping all food stored away in sealed containers
- Using garbage cans with a tight lid
- Frequent cleaning the kitchen
- Regular vacuuming
- Repairing any water leaks, such as dripping taps
- Seal off any entry points, such as holes around baseboards, in between kitchen cabinets, pipes, doors, and windows with some steel wool or copper mesh and some cement, putty or silicone caulk
- Routine pest control service
