Are Cockroach Infestations Worse in the Summertime?

Here in Las Vegas, cockroaches can be a frustrating household pest all year long. Because we live in a warmer climate, they are a frequent pest for homeowners and business owners alike. However, their population peaks in the summertime as the weather gets warmer than ever. A cockroach problem is the last thing you want to deal with in the summer, which is why it’s important to learn what you can do to keep them out in the first place. The team at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas is here to share expert information on summertime cockroach problems as well as tips to prevent them.

Do Roaches Prefer the Heat?

Cockroaches can survive in a variety of environments and climates. In fact, they’re infamous for their ability to withstand a number of atmospheres! That said, they still prefer warmth and are thus most common in the summertime. In addition to their attraction to the warmth, cockroaches are also drawn to sources of moisture. This is why they are most commonly seen in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces. Because infestations can be so large in the summer, it’s important to know what to do to avoid them.

How to Avoid a Cockroach Infestation

Preventing cockroaches from finding your property attractive is the best way to avoid an infestation. Our top roach prevention tips are:

  1. Inspecting the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  2. Keeping a clean kitchen and bathroom. Wipe or clean up any spills or messes as soon as possible.
  3. Picking up pet food bowls after mealtimes. Try to avoid leaving food out overnight or for days at a time.
  4. Securely storing all food in tight-fitting airtight containers, and refrigerating unsealed food.
  5. Ensuring your garbage cans are sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when needed.
  6. Avoiding leaving piles of clutter or junk both inside and outside of your property.
  7. Promptly fixing any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems.

How to Deal With a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroach infestations are known for being gross, but they can also be very dangerous. Roaches spread germs and bacteria, and can even trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. DIY cockroach control is never a good idea due to the size of the infestations. Always contact your local cockroach exterminator for help with infestations.

What Pests Trigger Springtime Allergies?

Cockroaches can cause allergies in Henderson and Las Vegas NV - Western Exterminator of Las VegasAllergies are a fact of life in the springtime. Chances are, you or someone you know is dealing with an onslaught of allergy symptoms, from a runny nose to itchy eyes. But what if it’s more than just the weather and trees blooming that is triggering your allergies? With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the team at Rentokil is here to shine light on the dangers of allergies exacerbated by pests. Pest allergens are a result of certain types of pests in your home, making it important to know how to prevent them! Keep reading to learn how to avoid pest and springtime allergies.

Allergies Caused by Pests

Pest infestations can be dangerous for many reasons, including allergies! Cockroaches are one of the biggest contributors to allergies, especially in children. droppings, saliva, shed skins, and other parts contain allergen proteins that cause allergic reactions and can exacerbate asthma as well. Other pests that are known to cause allergic reactions include stinging insects–yellow jackets, fire ants, wasps, and more. Their sting can cause a wide range of reactions in people, from itching and hives to shortness of breath in a more severe allergic reaction*.

**If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or trouble breathing, call 911 or get medical attention immediately!

How to Prevent Pest-Triggered Allergies

To avoid making your allergies even worse this season, it’s important to reduce allergens in your home as much as possible. Basic pest prevention goes a long way to eliminate these allergens:

  • Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  • Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  • Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  • Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  • Vacuum and dust your property frequently.
  • Keep pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

Long-Term Pest Allergy Prevention

The best way to avoid allergies from pests is to make sure you are protected against pest problems all year wrong! To keep roaches and stinging insects out, it’s best to team up with a professional exterminator. At Rentokil, we are committed to keeping our customers safe from the many dangers of pests–allergies included!

The German Cockroach: 10 Things to Know

German cockroaches are best identified by the two dark lines on their heads. Western Exterminator of Las VegasThere are several common types of cockroaches in the Las Vegas area, but none more prolific than the German cockroach. Not only does this roach species breed at a rapid speed, they also are capable of spreading disease and dangerous pathogens. Infestations are most common in homes, multi-family units, restaurants, schools, hotels, and more. Because they are such a troublesome pest to get rid of, it’s important to learn how to identify the German cockroach by its habits and behaviors.

The experts at Western Exterminator of Las Vegas share the top ten German cockroach facts to know.

German Cockroach Facts You Didn’t Know

Because German cockroaches are such a problem in the Las Vegas area, it’s important to understand their unique behaviors and habits to identify them by:

  1. German cockroaches are best identified by their pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
  2. These roaches are most commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens or bathrooms.
  3. German cockroaches typically prefer areas of high temperatures and high humidity.
  4. German roaches are almost entirely found indoors. While rare, they have been known to survive outdoors in warm weather.
  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. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach contains between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
  7. German cockroaches can carry or transmit diseases and pathogens that may be dangerous to humans.
  8. German cockroach infestations have been tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
  9. They are able to climb on smooth surfaces because they have a sticky pad on their feet; this sticky pad is called an arolium.
  10. German cockroaches prefer to spend their lives hidden and protected. They are known to hide inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and more.

Preventing German Cockroaches

No one wants to deal with a cockroach infestation, which is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent them in the first place! Some of the ways you can lessen the risk of a cockroach infestation include:

  • Keep all food in sealed containers, secure your garbage securely, and store pet food in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Regularly clean your surroundings, eliminate clutter, and be wary of carrying in old items before inspecting them for German roaches.
  • Promptly address leaks or excess moisture in the home, such as standing water.

German Cockroach Extermination

If you have German roaches in your home, you’re almost certainly going to need the help of a professional exterminator to get rid of them. Without the help of a professional, roaches can spread quickly throughout your entire property. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, our cockroach extermination will ensure complete removal of this pesky roach.

2020 Pest Season – 6 Pest Predictions

There are 6 pest problems to look for in 2020 - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas provides tips on preventing them in your Henderson NV home.Hindsight may be 20/20, but when it comes to pests this year, Rentokil is looking into its crystal ball to help homeowners proactively defend their homes against pest infestation.

The experts at Rentokil used their field experiences and examined trends and company data to determine the following six pest predictions.  Along with the predictions, we are offering some quick tips for homeowners to help keep their homes pest-free in the new year.

Mosquitoes

Populations of disease-spreading mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, have surged in recent years in some Western states. These mosquitoes, along with the already well-established common house mosquito, can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Zika virus, as well as the parasite that causes heartworm in pets.

Homeowner Tips: To protect yourself and your family, dispose of standing water from your property.  It only takes a tablespoon of water for mosquitoes to breed. When spending time outdoors, protect yourself and your family by always wearing an EPA-approved insect repellent.

Rats

In recent years, in major metropolitan areas across the country,  rat populations have surged. Expect to see that trend continue and watch for rat activity to increase in suburban areas, as well. Warmer winters, a booming construction pipeline, lack of sanitation control, and an affordable housing crisis are all issues that have contributed to the swell of recent rat activity.

Homeowner Tips:  To deter rats, take the following steps: Eliminate excess vegetation, especially dense low-vegetation that serves as hiding places for rats. Keep trees cut back from the roofline. Seal any exterior openings larger than a nickel with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or flashing. Finally, ensure that all trash is sealed in bags and placed into garbage cans with well-fitting lids to prevent an infestation.

Termites

Termites are the most destructive pests in North America, causing $6 billion in property damage each year. These wood-destroying pests are a continual problem for homeowners in the Western U.S., and this year could bring heavier pressure than usual. Rentokil experts have seen an increase in activity from subterranean and dampwood termites in many areas this year.

Homeowner Tips:  To deter termites, eliminate soil to wood contact and avoid moisture accumulation near your home or structures’ foundation. Remove excess wood (stumps, lumber, etc.) from your yard. Unfortunately, termites can be present for years before homeowners ever seen signs of their activity, causing extensive and costly damage. To avoid this, have a termite protection plan in place. Speak to your pest control provider about risk and protection options for your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroach populations have boomed over the past several years, due in large part to wetter springs and winters. Cockroaches carry diseases, infest stored food, and spread these diseases through their excrement. Cockroach removal is vital as infestations can be serious if not taken care of in a timely manner.

Homeowner Tips: The biggest attractant for cockroaches is food. Keep a clean kitchen, mopping or sweeping up any spills. Cockroach-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices around windows and door frames with a silicone-based caulk. Ensure that door seals, including the one on your garage, are in place and intact. If you’re experiencing cockroach problems, speak with your pest control professional to determine the best solution for your home.

Flies

If you have noticed more flies in your area, you aren’t alone. Filth flies – house flies, bottle flies, flesh flies – are more abundant than we’ve seen in previous years.  You can thank increasing population density, waste management practices that haven’t kept pace with growth, and a general trend toward a warming climate for the fly pressure.

Homeowner Tips: Fly activity can be difficult to control, but there are preventative steps homeowners can take to keep them at bay. Screen all windows and doors. Keep trash stored away from your home and ensure that all trash cans have tight-fitting lids. If flies are bothering you when sitting outside, use a box or oscillating fan to keep them away. When air is moving, flies have a hard time landing.

Spiders

Last year, spiders arrived early and more people reported seeing spiders in their homes. Spiders eat other insects, therefore, heavy rain and record-breaking temperatures over the last few years have created the perfect conditions for the smaller insects that spiders love to eat. With a steady food source, spider populations are increasing. Although beneficial for our ecosystem, most people prefer spiders to stay outside where they belong.

Homeowner Tips: Fortunately, most species of spiders can not survive indoors as their systems are built for outdoor weather. If the thought of spiders lurking around freaks you out, try changing your white outdoor light bulbs to yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects that can serve as food for the spiders. There are a few species of spiders that can live indoors and need to be controlled by spider removal experts.

The experts at Rentokil agree that a proactive approach is the first step any homeowner can take to prevent pest issues. With these 2020 pest predictions in mind, take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and ensure that you have the protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests this year.

5 Ways to Prevent Winter Pests

Rodents infest Las Vegas NV homes to escape dropping temperatures in the winter - Western Exterminator of Las VegasLas Vegas may not have the extreme temperatures during the winter that some parts of the country do, but that doesn’t mean we don’t deal with winter pest problems all the same! Changes in the weather cause rodents, insects, and other pests to squeeze their way inside your homes in search of shelter and warmth.

For this reason, it’s important to learn how to protect your home from pests in the wintertime. The experts at Rentokil have compiled their top tips on how to prevent winter pests in your Las Vegas home!

What are the most common winter bugs?

During the wintertime, there are many bugs and pests that look to enter homes. Some of the pest problems you may face during this time of year include infestations from:

  • Argentine ants. These fast breeding ants start to produce eggs in the late winter, which is why it’s important to prevent them.
  • Rats & mice. House mice and Norway rats in particular are known to squeeze their way indoors during the cold months.
  • Spiders. House spiders are typically harmless, but black widows are known to get indoors this time of year.
  • German cockroaches. One of the most popular cockroach species, they are known to be especially troublesome in the winter.

Prevent Winter Pests in 5 Steps

Keeping pests out of your home in the winter months 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.

Professional Winter Pest Control

To avoid the frustration of a pest infestation during the winter, you need to learn how to protect your property against pests. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are common pest infestations in Las Vegas winters, 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 Rentokil a call today!

Cockroaches – A Crawling Asthma and Allergy Trigger

May marks National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns families that cockroaches are a leading trigger of allergies and asthma attacks. The pests saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma symptoms, especially in children.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a cockroach allergy is a common trigger of year-round allergy and asthma. Additionally, children who are allergic to cockroaches, and are exposed to them, need to go to the hospital for asthma more often than other children with asthma.

“Most people are aware of typical indoor allergens including mold, pet dander, dust and second-hand smoke, but they should also be mindful of any cockroach infestations in their home or other places such as schools,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Cockroach allergens are typically found in areas that are hard to see, such as under appliances and sinks, so it’s important to periodically check those areas, keeping them clean and dry.”

Cockroaches also spread disease such as Salmonella by picking up germs on the spines of their legs, easily contaminating food and surfaces that they touch. They spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.

Locally, in Las Vegas and Henderson, we have three species of cockroaches that are predominant pests: The American cockroach, which is the largest cockroach species in the southwest, the Oriental cockroach, which is darker and smaller in comparison, and the German cockroach, which is the smallest and most difficult to eradicate.

Predominant cockroach species in Las Vegas and Henderson

American Cockroach

Oriental Cockroach

German Cockroach

Follow these tips to prevent cockroaches from infesting your home:

  • Seal cracks around the outside of the home to prevent pest entryways.
  • Vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage regularly.
  • Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that attract pests.
  • Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
  • If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment.

The above are a few ways you can protect your home from a cockroach infestation. A little work will help to keep roaches out, and your family comfortable. If you want to learn more about cockroaches and the health threats they pose, visit our Pest Identification Library.