One of the most common household pests, cockroaches, can give even the bravest of us the creeps. These lightning-fast experts at hide-and-seek manage to infiltrate our homes and multiply exponentially before we’re able to react. Learn more about these ancient pests and how to get rid of them from your home once and for all.

Cockroaches 101

Cockroaches are one of the oldest insect groups living today, and there are roughly 4,500 different varieties, around 30 of which that are known for their inhabitation of human structures. The best known varieties are the German and the American cockroaches, both of which are found frequently in American homes. Common varieties can live roughly one year as adults and can live through a host of seemingly impossible circumstances, including high levels of radiation, being decapitated, being submerged in water for half an hour, and more. In the one year of their lives, cockroaches can produce up to 10,000 offspring, and some females only need to mate once to continue giving birth for life.

Why They’re Pests

Cockroaches move in to your home to feast on your food and give birth to their numerous offspring. They sneak around at night, hiding where you can’t find them, and can cause quite a bit of alarm should you happen to come across one. These bugs seem to come from nowhere and end up taking over your house, which makes anyone want to call the exterminator right away.

The Dangers of Infestation

Outside of being outright creepy, roaches carry a host of bacteria and have an amazing talent for finding their way into any accessible food source. Having a roach infestation can lead to you having food that either has roaches in it or has been contaminated by roaches. Infestations can also lead to an increase in allergens in your home, which can be very dangerous if someone sensitive lives there. Roaches are the #2 source of allergens in our homes, second only to house dust.

Cockroach Extermination and Control

Because they are such expert hiders and prolific breeders, it is very important to hire a professional extermination team to take care of your cockroach problem. Do-it-yourself cockroach extermination has a very low rate of success, and it can create major messes or force you to leave unsightly traps around your otherwise tasteful home. Professional extermination companies use the most effective pesticides to make sure that you, your children, and your pets are safeguarded while making sure that the roaches die.