Cockroaches are among the most hated insects. It’s easy to understand why. Their presence indicates filth and unsanitary conditions. These pests thrive in dirt, trash and grime. However, they can infest even clean and well-organized homes.
While they are known to carry various disease-causing organisms (including those that cause diarrhea, typhoid fever, and food poisoning), cockroaches have not been linked with any major disease outbreaks.
Still, they are a nuisance to most people. Cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks and other allergic reactions in sensitive people. They contaminate food and produce a secretion that has a repulsive odor. Worse of all, they have been reported nibbling on the eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails of sleeping children.
In the United States alone, there are more than 50 species of cockroaches ranging in size from ½ inch to 2 inches long. One of the most repulsive species, the oriental cockroach which is known for its strong odor, is found in Asia.
In general, these pests inhabit tropical and sub-tropical countries and generally live outdoors. They enter homes through infested boxes, grocery bags, beverage cartons, furniture, and dried pet foods. Others invade homes through loose-fitting doors and windows.
Cockroaches prefer warm, dark, damp areas like the kitchen sink, loose baseboards or molding strips, upholstered furniture, bathrooms, and the motor compartments of refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances. Most of them come out only at night but may appear during the day when disturbed or where there is a heavy infestation.
Infested areas usually harbor the three cockroach life forms: the adult, the nymph or young cockroach, and the egg case that contains about 10 to 20 cockroach eggs.
Although cockroaches prefer starchy foods and meats, they will eat anything of plant or animal origin. Their menu includes sweets, baked goods, leather, book binding, and wallpaper paste.
To keep roaches away from your home, make it clean and free from clutter. To strengthen your body, take Immunitril – your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html.
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine www.HealthLinesNews.com.