If you live in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, you are no stranger to roaches. These pesky critters seem to thrive in the warm climate, and they are active all year round. However, many people don’t realize that roach activity increases in winter months. That’s because cockroaches don’t migrate. Instead, they find warm spots to nest when it is cold outside. 

If you’re seeing more roaches than usual this winter, it’s time to call a roach exterminator! Read on to learn more about why roaches tend to be more active in winter and what you can do to prevent them from taking over your home. 

Why Are Roaches More Active in Winter? 

Roach activity generally increases in the winter months as roaches seek shelter from the cold weather. They scurry around looking for warm places to nest. Unfortunately, your home is the perfect spot for them. Roaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices to get inside, and once they’re in, it’s hard to get rid of them. This is because roaches reproduce quickly and can live for up to a year without food. 

If you think a roach spray will suffice, think again. Roaches are becoming more and more resistant to over-the-counter sprays. The best way to get rid of roaches is to call professional roach pest control services. At Dial One Pest Control, we have the experience and expertise to get rid of your roach problem for good. We also offer regular pest control services to prevent roaches and other pests from getting into your home in the first place. It’s always better to take a proactive approach to roach control rather than wait until you have an infestation. 

How Do You Know When You Have a Roast Infestation Problem? 

A lot of homeowners make the mistake of ignoring roaches until they see them running around during the daytime. By then, the roach population in your home is already out of control! The best way to determine whether you have a roach problem is to look for signs of roach activity, like the following examples. 

Roach Droppings 

Cockroaches leave behind dark brown or black droppings that look like coffee grounds or black pepper. These roach droppings are one of the first signs of a roach problem. 

Smear Marks 

As roaches travel along surfaces, they leave behind oily marks called smears. Smears are usually brown or black and may be found on walls, floors, ceilings, or baseboards. 

Egg Cases 

Cockroaches lay egg cases that are about the size and shape of a bean. The egg case will contain anywhere from 12 to 48 eggs, depending on the species of roach. Egg cases are typically brown or black and may be found on walls, floors, or in cabinets. 

If you see any of these signs of roach activity in your home, it’s time to take quick action. Failure to do so will only result in the roach problem getting worse. 

How To Prevent Roach Problems at Home 

There are many species of roaches, however, American roaches and German roaches are the most common pests in New Orleans.   

The American roaches are typically living in your attic and eating cardboard storage boxes.  They often enter the living space when they are carried down in these boxes.  Often, homeowners may see a surge in activity during the holidays when they pull out stored decorations.   

German roaches, which are not outside pests, are typically found in kitchen cabinetry year-round.    

There are a few things that you can do to prevent roaches from infesting your home in the first place. Here are some examples. 

Keep Your Home Clean 

Cockroaches are attracted to dirty homes and are more likely to infest homes that are cluttered or have food or garbage lying around. Be sure to regularly clean your home — especially the kitchen and bathroom — to remove any potential roach attractants. 

Seal Up Entry Points 

Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, so it’s important to seal up any potential entry points. Potential entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, openings around plumbing pipes, and holes in walls. 

Check for Signs of Infestation 

Even if you take preventive measures, cockroaches can still find their way into your home. That’s why it’s important to regularly check for signs of an infestation, such as roach droppings or egg casings. If you do see signs of an infestation, contact a professional roach exterminator right away. 

It’s also important to remember that roaches can also invade offices and business premises if preventive measures are not taken. If you own a business, be sure to keep your office or workspace clean and free of potential roach attractants. This way, you can prevent roaches from infesting your business and causing a nuisance. 

Why Is Regular Roach Pest Control Important? 

Roaches are one of the most common pests in New Orleans. Without preventive measures to deal with a roach problem, roaches can quickly become a big nuisance in your home or business. Therefore, it’s very important to keep up with roach pest control on a regular basis, even if you don’t currently have a roach problem. This way, you can help prevent roaches from becoming a problem in the future. 

How Can Dial One Franklynn Pest Control Help? 

Dial One has been servicing the New Orleans area for roach control and roach extermination for over 50 years. With our extensive experience, we have the knowledge and resources to solve any roach problem.  

If you are seeing an increase in roach activity, don’t wait to call Dial One. Taking a proactive approach to roach control is the best way to keep your home roach-free. Quarterly service from an experienced pest technician will eliminate roach nests and prevent future roach infestations.  Get started by calling 504-885-3101 for a free estimate.