OTIS | Pest Control Tips To Keep Cockroaches Out!

Feb 21, 2023

If there is one type of pest that homeowners and apartment dwellers dread coming face to face with, then it is almost certainly cockroaches. Cockroaches are incredibly dirty pests that can very quickly result in an infestation that takes over your entire property if the correct precautions are not taken, including setting up service with pest control in Knoxville.

Not only are cockroaches filthy, but they are also dangerous to your health. Their feces are known to trigger allergies, and they can increase the severity of the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially in children or older people. Cockroaches are also capable of transmitting disease. They are known to spread up to 33 different types of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and as many as seven other human pathogens, including typhoid and salmonellosis.

Unfortunately, if you live in an apartment building, cockroaches are more likely. This is because even if you clean regularly and take the appropriate pest control steps, you can't be guaranteed that your neighbors do the same. Cockroaches prefer a warm, humid place with a readily available source of food and water. Eliminating this food source will discourage them and help towards preventing cockroach infestations. Removing cockroaches from your home is not a do-it-yourself project! These critters are well known for their resilience, and you are going to need professional pest control in Knoxville to get the job done!

Identifying a Cockroach Infestation

In the majority of cases, the first sign of a Cockroach infestation is when you spot one scuttling across the floor in search of a dark spot when you turn on the light. They are incredibly fast-moving, so the sight of one can be pretty startling, but you may miss them! If you haven't yet seen a cockroach, you might still see some other signs of a cockroach problem on your hands. These include small droppings in dimly lit areas, discarded egg capsules, and a musty odor caused by secreted pheromones. If you think you have discovered any of these signs, it is best to contact professional pest control in Knoxville immediately.

There are hundreds of different species around the globe, but in terms of the ones you are most likely to encounter here in Tennessee, we can narrow it down to three common types:

  1. American Cockroach - These are typically red-brown in color with a yellow figure of 8 pattern on their head. They have six legs, an oval body shape, and range between 1.25 and 2.25 inches in length.
  2. German Cockroach - German cockroaches are much smaller in size, usually only about a half inch in length. They are a light tan color with two darker parallel strips on their backs.
  3. Oriental Cockroach - Despite the name, these shiny black cockroaches are believed to have originated in Africa. They have an oval shape and are approximately 1 inch long.

  4. On some occasions, pest control in Knoxville will come across other species, including the Australian cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, and smoky brown cockroach, but these are much less common in this neck of the woods!


    Getting Rid of a Cockroach Infestation

    As previously noted, cockroaches are not something that you should attempt to handle on your own. They have a unique ability to live for approximately a week without their head, making it very tricky to eradicate them. It is important to engage the services of professional pest control in Knoxville. However, there are some steps you can take to help prevent them from coming back into your home once pest control Knoxville has exterminated them!

    The first step you can take is called barrier exclusion. In simple terms, this means stopping the cockroaches from entering your home via small cracks and gaps. Seal up any potential entry points using silicone-based caulk, paying particular attention to places like drains, cracks in walls, gaps near electrical sockets, and light switches. The next step is eliminating potential food sources from your home by ramping up your cleanliness levels. It is important to keep floors and countertops free from clutter and crumbs. Clean dishes immediately after use, wipe up spills quickly, and make sure all food is stored securely in airtight containers. You can also take additional steps, like regular vacuuming and ensuring that crawl spaces are well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up since cockroaches enjoy dark damp spaces.


    Remember, if you have cockroaches or any other pest problems, it is important to address the issue head-on. Hire professional pest control in Knoxville to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

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    Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

    Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.

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