The Surge of Summertime Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a common summer pest in Springfield and Sterling VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sDid you know that cockroaches are more active than ever in the summertime? While roaches are certainly a year-round pest, the summer heat encourages them out even more. Here in Virginia, both homeowners and business owners deal with cockroach problems, especially in the summer months. Although roaches breed year-round, the reproduction rate goes up during the summer. They also will come inside to escape the heat, making an infestation more likely during these months than ever. To learn more about the surge of roaches in the summer and what all you can do to keep them away, keep reading for tips from Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Cockroaches in Virginia Summertime

Cockroaches are one of the most common pest problems in residential and commercial properties. They also can adapt to a wide variety of climates and environments. So why are they more populous in the summer? Most roach species are drawn to warm or moist environments, which is why they frequently inhabit bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Many cockroaches are less active in the winter, but rising temperatures encourage them to resume activity. When there is extreme heat, cockroaches that otherwise stay outdoors will flood inside in search of food, water, and shelter. This is why we get so many calls for roach infestations in the summer.

Prevention Tips for Cockroaches

A cockroach problem is anyone’s worst nightmare. To avoid the frustration of a roach infestation in your property this summer, follow these tips to keep them out:

  1. Clean your property regularly. Make sure your kitchens and bathrooms are free of any spills or crumbs. Avoid clutter and messes.
  2. Thoroughly inspect the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  3. Always pick up pet bowls after feeding times, and avoid leaving the pet food out overnight or for days at a time.
  4. Securely store food items in airtight containers, and refrigerate any unsealed food.
  5. Ensure your garbage is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when full.
  6. Quickly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems that attract roaches.

Need to Control a Summer Cockroach Infestation?

Seeing just one cockroach in your property is usually a bad sign there are many, many more nearby. If you are dealing with a cockroach problem this summer, it’s not just their presence you need to worry about. Certain roaches carry bacteria and germs that can contaminate food and sicken members of your family. They also are tied to allergic reactions! To get rid of a summer roach problem, contact your local cockroach exterminators for assistance.

10 Facts You Didn’t Know About the German Cockroach

German cockroaches are one of the most common infestations in the Leesburg and Alexandria VA area - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sThe German cockroach is infamous for infesting homes, multi-unit housing, businesses, restaurants, and many other types of buildings. In addition to simply being a gross infestation to deal with, German roaches spread bacteria and human pathogens that can be dangerous. These roaches can breed at rapid speed, making it important to enlist the help of a professional exterminator as soon as you notice the signs of a problem.

The experts at Formerly Connor’s an Ehrlich Company share our top ten German cockroach facts to keep in mind.

German Cockroach Facts to Remember

German cockroaches are one of the most feared pest problems. It’s important to know how to identify them through their appearance and behaviors:

  1. German cockroaches can carry salmonella and other diseases that may be dangerous to humans.
  2. German cockroach skins are tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
  3. A good way to identify them is the pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
  4. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
  5. German cockroaches have an extraordinary rate of reproduction. One female cockroach and her offspring can theoretically produce hundreds of thousands of offspring a year!
  6. They are most commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens or bathrooms.
  7. German cockroaches prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
  8. They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad called the arolium on their feet.
  9. German cockroaches prefer to spend their lives hidden and protected. One sighting of a roach can mean many more are hidden inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and more.
  10. German roaches are almost entirely found indoors. They can survive outdoors in warm weather, but it’s rare. 

Preventing German Cockroach Infestations

There are several ways you can lessen the risk of getting a German cockroach infestation. Some of our best cockroach prevention tips include:

  • Always keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Properly clean your space on a regular basis, eliminate clutter, and be wary of carrying in old items before inspecting them for German roaches.
  • On a regular basis, clean out areas that are typically dark and rarely disturbed.
  • Promptly address leaks or excess moisture in the home, such as standing water.

How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches

As soon as you spot a German cockroach, it’s time to call a professional exterminator. These roaches can be dangerous and spread quickly throughout your home or business, necessitating an expert’s assistance to get rid of them completely. At Formerly Connor’s an Ehrlich Company, our exterminators will control any active German cockroach infestation and prevent new ones from starting.

How to Pest-Proof Your Home This Winter

A rodent is one of many common winter pests to infest Richmond VA and Ashburn VA homes in the winter months - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sYou may think that pests are only a problem in the spring and summer, but infestations can happen in Virginia winters, too! While many pests and insects indeed die off in the cold weather, there are several that stick around. In fact, many pests look to invade homes to escape dropping temperatures in the winter. To prevent winter pests in your home, keep reading to learn top tips from the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

Common Winter Pests

Overwintering pests will enter homes in the colder months to wait out the freezing temperatures. Some of the most common winter insects are ants, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs. These insects typically won’t be seen until the springtime. In addition to these insects, there are a number of other winter pests that may invade your Virginia home this time of year:

  • Rodents: The house mouse and Norway rat will squeeze their way inside in the winter.
  • Spiders: House spiders will hide indoors in dark, secluded corners.
  • Cockroaches: German cockroaches hitchhike indoors in grocery bags and boxes.
  • Bed bugs: Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug infestations are common in the winter

5 Tips to Prevent Winter Pest Problems

Preventing winter pests requires many of the same efforts of preventing pests year-round. Five ways you can prevent winter pests include:

  1. Seal cracks and crevices outside your property to keep pests from making their way inside.
  2. Place screens over vents and chimneys to eliminate entry points inside the property.
  3. Store firewood away from the home and eliminate clutter in your yard to discourage nesting.
  4. Eliminate sources of excess moisture by promptly fixing leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  5. Promptly clean up spills, dispose of garbage regularly, and avoid excess clutter.

Do You Need Winter Pest Control?

To save yourself from the surprise and frustration of a pest infestation during the winter, it’s important to know how to protect your property. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are common pest infestations in the winter, which is why it’s so important to implement winter pest control into your home maintenance routine. If you need help or want to learn more about how to prevent winter pests, give the experts at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s a call today!