Identify Common Roaches in the Chicagoland Area
Are you a homeowner in the Chicagoland area and have noticed unwelcome visitors in your home?
Roaches are not only unpleasant to encounter, but they also pose health risks and can damage your property. At Ampest Exterminating, we understand your concerns and are here to help. We'll walk you through identifying common roaches found in Chicago and share how our expert roach control services can protect your home
German Cockroach
- Size: About 1/2 to 5/8 inches long
- Color: Light brown to tan with two dark stripes on the back
- Features: Wings, but rarely fly
- Habitat: Commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other warm, moist areas
American Cockroach
- Size: 1-1/2 to 2 inches long
- Color: Reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of the head
- Features: Wings, and can fly short distances
- Habitat: Often found in basements, sewers, and other damp, dark spaces
Oriental Cockroach
- Size: About 1 inch long
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Features: Short wings, cannot fly
- Habitat: Prefers cool, damp environments such as basements, drains, and crawl spaces
Roaches and Health Concerns: Why Roach Control Matters
Roaches are not only a nuisance; they transmit diseases, contaminate food, and even set off allergies and asthma in your home. Here are some of the reasons roaches have been labeled unwelcome invaders.
Roaches act as carriers of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
As they crawl through contaminated areas, such as sewers and garbage, they pick up harmful microorganisms on their bodies and legs. As soon as they enter your home, they will cover a large area, contaminating surfaces, utensils, and food, along the way, potentially spreading dangerous diseases such as:
- Salmonellosis: Caused by the Salmonella bacteria, this infection leads to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
- E. coli Infections: E. coli bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, even kidney failure.
- Dysentery: A bacterial or parasitic infection that results in severe diarrhea with blood or mucus, abdominal pain, and fever.
Roach infestations can significantly impact individuals with allergies and asthma. Roaches produce allergens in the form of their feces, saliva, and shed skin particles. Those allergens can quickly transmit by air and worsen asthma symptoms. Common reactions to roach allergens include:
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Skin rashes
- Breathing difficulties, particularly for asthmatics
Breathing in the now contaminated air can lead to respiratory issues, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Roaches are nocturnal, they feed on virtually anything they can find, including human and pet food. As they forage for sustenance, they can contaminate food in the following ways:
- Direct contact: Roaches crawl on and feed on your stored food, leaving behind traces of bacteria, viruses, and parasites they've picked up from unsanitary environments like sewers and garbage bins.
- Fecal matter: Roaches defecate on food and surfaces where food is prepared, depositing harmful pathogens in the process.
- Regurgitation: Roaches may regurgitate digestive enzymes onto food during the consumption process, contaminating it with bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Shed skin and egg casings: Roaches shed their skin and leave behind egg casings, which can contaminate food and surfaces they come into contact with.
Eating contaminated food can result in a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever that can be signs of gastrointestinal infections or the diseases previously detailed.
Prioritize Your Family's Health with Ampest Exterminating
Having gone through all the health risks associated with roach infestations, it's obvious why acting promptly and decisively around roach infestations is crucial. Trust Ampest Exterminating and Wildlife Control to provide expert roach control services that safeguard your family's health and well-being. Our experienced team will eliminate the roaches in your home and help you implement preventive measures to avoid future infestations.
Protect your family from the health risks of roaches. Contact Ampest Exterminating today at 630-543-3100 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Want to learn more about roaches? Go to the Homeowners guide on our blog
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