Common Cockroaches in Eastern & Central Virginia: Oriental Cockroach

What oriental cockroaches look like in Eastern & Central VA - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlWith all of the cockroach species that are active in Eastern & Central Virginia, it is a difficult but important task to be able to differentiate between them. Taking note of the cockroach species in your home will allow you to discern their most likely infestation sources and select the best methods of treatment to get rid of them. In this blog, we will cover the features and habits of the Oriental cockroach, one of the more common species living in our area. Read on to learn more about them with the Loyal Termite & Pest Control roach removal team!

What Do Oriental Cockroaches Look Like?

Oriental cockroaches are often called “black beetles” or “water bugs” because of their similarities in appearance to some other insects in the area. You can identify them by these features:

  • Adults will be anywhere between ¾” and 1¼” long
  • Shiny, dark red to black appearance
  • Long antennae
  • Males have wings that cover about half of their bodies

Unlike some of the other cockroach species in our area, oriental cockroaches cannot climb up vertical surfaces, so you are more likely to find them low to the ground in cupboards, basements, sewers, drains, bathrooms, and similar places. Although they don’t have as prolific breeding cycles as other roach species, they are quite resilient creatures that can multiply in your house with ease.

Do I Have Oriental Cockroaches?

Seeing a cockroach in the day means that their nests are full and you likely have a serious infestation. If you think you might have an oriental cockroach infestation in your home or business, here are some signs to take note of for confirmation:

  1. Brown smear marks across surfaces. If the infestation is near a water source, then cockroach feces will appear smeared.
  2. A nasty odor. People often report smelling foul odors that lead them to a cockroach nest.
  3. Molted skins. Cockroaches shed their skins anywhere from 7 to 10 times as they grow.
  4. Dead cockroaches and empty eggshells. These are the last kinds of evidence of cockroaches you might find before becoming aware of your live infestation.

We have all heard stories about cockroaches being the most resilient living insects. In most cases, trying to concoct your own DIY roach remedies or using store-bought pest control products will not be enough to get rid of roaches entirely.

Professional Roach Control in Eastern & Central Virginia

As soon as you notice the signs of oriental cockroaches in your home, it’s time to contact the expert cockroach exterminators at Loyal Termite & Pest Control. We have the tools and expertise to locate the nests of and eliminate all kinds of roach species in our region. Reach out today to learn more and get a free quote!

How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches Inside

What German cockroaches look like in Eastern & Central Virginia - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlIs your kitchen or bathroom infested with small, pale-brown roaches? There’s a good chance that you’re dealing with German cockroaches. Despite what their name might lead you to believe, the German cockroach is one of the most commonly found cockroaches in the United States. They have been a problem in Eastern and Central Virginia for as long as we’ve been in business. With the help of our technicians at Loyal Termite & Pest Control, we have put together the best tips and advice on how to get rid of German cockroaches in your home. Read on to learn more about them!

What Do German Cockroaches Look Like?

You may be certain you have roaches in your home, but are you aware of which species they are? When you identify the species of cockroach you have on your property, you will be able to pinpoint the cause and source of your infestation more quickly.

German cockroaches have a few distinct characteristics that you can look for in Eastern & Central Virginia:

  • They have a pale brown coloration with two dark stripes that extend from their heads along their backs.
  • German cockroaches have a maximum length of approximately 5/8″, making them smaller than many other cockroach species.
  • The most common place to find them is under cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom.

The German cockroach is one of the most prolific breeding cockroach species in our area, able to produce thousands of eggs per year. You should try to get rid of German cockroaches from your home as soon as possible if you suspect that you have them.

Get Rid of German Cockroaches in Your Home

When you discover cockroaches infesting your home, you may look for a natural or DIY solution to get rid of them. Among the most common home remedies for roach control is boric acid. Roaches groom themselves after walking through boric acid, causing them to ingest the toxins and die. The problem with this is that it rarely addresses the source of the infestation, and boric acid can pose a health risk if used around unknowing pets and children.

The most effective way to get rid of German cockroaches will always be to hire a cockroach control expert who can locate the source of the infestation and eliminate it.

Professional Cockroach Control in Eastern & Central VA

If you’re currently experiencing an infestation, reach out to your local pest control company and ask how they can help you get rid of German cockroaches for good. At Loyal Termite & Pest Control, our roach removal experts conduct comprehensive inspections, eliminating all sources of infestation and preventing future outbreaks from occurring on your property. To learn more about our services and receive a free quote, contact our team today!

Cockroaches Common to Eastern & Central Virginia: American Cockroach

An American cockroach in Virginia - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlCockroaches are some of the most feared pests in Eastern & Central Virginia, as well as all across the country. Having roaches in your home is associated with uncleanliness and filth, even though roaches can infest your home due to circumstances outside of your control in many cases. Unfortunately, there are multiple species of cockroaches that are active in our region. In this blog,we will cover one of the most prominent ones, the American cockroach. To learn more about this cockroach and find out if these are possibly the ones infesting your home or business, read on. Our expert technicians at Loyal Termite & Pest Control have offered up their knowledge to help our customers fight back against roaches on their own!

All About the American Cockroach

The American cockroach is one of the most prominent species of cockroach in our country, as you might imagine by their name. They are also sometimes referred to as palmetto bugs. If you think you might have them in your home, here are some identifying features to look for to confirm that they are American cockroaches:

  • American cockroaches are usually between 1.5 and 2.5 inches long—the largest cockroach in the United States
  • They are reddish-brown in color, lightening in shade from the center of their backs out to their limbs
  • You can often find them in places with high levels of moisture of lots of water, like sewers, drains, bathrooms, and under sinks
  • They are able to run very quickly, reaching speeds of over 3 miles an hour (which seems underwhelming when read but is blazingly fast)

How to Prevent American Cockroaches

As we mentioned earlier, American cockroaches thrive where there is water or moisture. This is why we often find them outside our homes—they are called palmetto bugs in some places because of their affinity for hiding in palmetto plants. However, when they do make it inside your home, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of without professional help. Here are some ways that you can prevent cockroach infestations before they start: 

  1. Check for leaky pipes: When people find a cockroach in their home, it’s usually the case that they open up the cabinets under their sink to many more. Leakage around both indoor and outdoor water fixtures can contribute to cockroach infestations.
  2. Clean up spills promptly: Not just water! Cockroaches are also out for a meal, and will gladly feed off of food residue and spilled meals.
  3. Take out your trash often: On that note, roaches can often find a reliable food source in our trash bins. Make sure to use bins with sealable lids, take out your trash often, and distance your trash bins from your home.

Professional American Cockroach Control

If American cockroaches are running through your home or business or around your yard, it’s time to reach out to your local roach exterminators. At Loyal Termite & Pest Control, our team is trained to assess cockroach infestations from the ground up, eliminating the sources of the outbreak to keep your property free from roaches all year long. For a free quote or to learn more about American cockroaches, contact our team today!

6 Common Bathroom Bugs To Watch Out For

Spiders are a common bathroom bug in Eastern & Central VA - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlWhether you spend your evening relaxing in the tub or have a morning routine to help start your day, the last thing you want is bugs running around. Bugs in bathrooms are, unfortunately, a very common household problem for residents here in Virginia. But why? While pests can infest a number of areas in your home, bathrooms are favored due to the humid, damp conditions. To avoid the distressing discovery of a pest problem in your bathroom, it’s crucial to learn not only what pests are most common, but also what you can do to avoid an infestation. At Loyal Termite & Pest Control, we know no homeowner wants to deal with bathroom bugs. Our experts have rounded up our best tips to keep them out—read on to learn more!

Why Do I Have Pests in My Bathroom?

Bugs and pests of all kinds are drawn to bathrooms mostly due to the moisture. Many insects are drawn toward humid, moist environments—so what better place than a steamy bathroom? Leaky pipes, showers, and sinks provide precisely the environment many pests require to survive and reproduce. Your bathroom can also provide insects with plenty of food options. Humid, even moldy areas provide sustenance for some pests. Lastly, a dark bathroom can provide ample shelter for many insects and pests. Whether there are roaches under the sink or ants along your sink, there could be many more pests than you’d think hiding in your restroom.

Common Bathroom Bugs

The 6 most common insects that are the culprits behind most bathroom pest infestations are:

  1. Silverfish. These nocturnal insects are typically found around sewers or drains, and prefer to feed on mildew and mold.
  2. Ants. A small ant problem can quickly turn into a large one if ants have found a source of food or water in your bathroom.
  3. Cockroaches. Roaches love filth and feed on sewer and drain sludge. They easily get into your bathroom through plumbing fixtures.
  4. Centipedes. These long, spindly insects feed on other small insects that are common in bathrooms and love a humid environment.
  5. Drain Flies. True to name, drain flies are found around drains. They often appear when there is a plumbing problem in the main sewer line.
  6. Spiders. As predators, spiders like to prey on the smaller insects often found in your bathroom areas.

How to Keep Bugs Out of My Bathroom

The best way to make sure bugs don’t make themselves at home in your bathroom is to eliminate anything that would attract them in the first place. Always ensure you do not have any leaky pipes or plumbing issues that are contributing to the humid, moist environment. Consider using a dehumidifier from time to time to aid in this process. Lastly, clean your bathroom on a regular basis! Reduce the clutter in your drawers and cupboards, and make sure to prevent any mold or mildew.

If you’ve done all you can to prevent bathroom bugs but are still dealing with roaches, ants, or another pest, it’s time to call an expert. The experts at Loyal Termite & Pest Control can help. Contact us today to get started!

Moisture: A Bug’s Best Friend

Ants that detected moisture in Richmond VA - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlAll of the rainy days that come with the winter and spring lay out the perfect conditions for insects to thrive. Many pests seek out moisture for different reasons, so you have to look out for accumulations of moisture in areas all over your property. This could mean in your yard, your gutters, the foundation and walls of your house, your kitchen, and anywhere else that might be getting wet. So where do you even start?

Are Bugs Attracted to Moisture?

To take the right steps to control pests properly, it is important to anticipate what kinds of bugs you’ll be dealing with. Moisture attracts all kinds of insects, including:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Ants
  • Termites
  • Crickets
  • Beetles
  • Mites
  • Earwigs, and many more

Some of these insects, such as mosquitoes and ants, are more active in the spring, but others, like termites and beetles, can be active all year long. Make sure to stay cognizant of moisture problems throughout the year!

Common Moisture Problems

There are a variety of places on your property that can accumulate unwanted moisture, and all of these places can attract pests. Some common moisture issues can be found:

  1. In your yard. When you allow rainwater to build up in clogged gutters, planters, or buckets in your yard, it can create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. These opportunistic insects will use even the smallest pool of standing water to lay their eggs on, and they will continue to hang out in your yard maintaining their reproductive cycle. Moist soil in your yard can also attract termites.
  2. In your walls and foundation. If termites find your yard suitable to nest in, they’ll soon be after the wood in your home. To prevent them from colonizing your house, make sure all downspouts and splashes are pointing away from your foundation, and check around for leaky pipes. Also, pull any mulch away from the house by at least one foot, and allow it to dry before reapplying.
  3. In your kitchen and bathroom. These are the most common living spaces that see moisture buildup, and they often attract ants, or worse, cockroaches. Making sure you keep your bathroom and kitchen as clean and dry as possible will lessen the chances of an infestation. Be sure to clean up your spills and keep your food sealed, too!
  4. In your crawl space. Many homeowners have let moisture buildup go undetected in their crawl spaces, only to discover a thriving pest population. Noticing a musty smell or mildew on your walls and ceiling probably means that you have excess moisture in your crawl spaces. If you notice a problem or want to stay ahead of one, ask our team about our crawl space moisture control protocol. We train our specialists to properly dehumidify crawl spaces, stopping pest problems before they start.

Moisture Control Services to Prevent Pests

If you’ve noticed a moisture issue in your home that might be out of your control, count on your local pest control experts to help. At Loyal Termite & Pest Control, we train our employees to exterminate and prevent all kinds of pests here in Richmond VA. Reach out today for a free quote, and learn more about how we can help you keep pests away from your home!

Cockroaches: A Hidden Danger in the Home

Cockroaches are a hidden danger inside Henrico VA homes - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlHere in Virginia, we deal with many types of pests year-round. Many people assume that cockroaches are a spring and summer pest problem, but they are actually common all year long. Cockroaches are more than just a household nuisance; they are also a significant danger in the home. Believe it or not, cockroaches can pose a health threat to humans by spreading many different types of bacteria that can cause asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in children. Due to the dangers they can bring into your property, it’s crucial to know how to stay safe from cockroaches. Loyal Termite & Pest Control is here to help!

Why Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports that cockroaches are known to spread diseases like Salmonella by picking up germs on the spines of their legs. Furthermore, their saliva and droppings contain allergen proteins known to cause allergy flare-ups and increase asthma symptoms. During the colder months, the threat for accumulated cockroach allergens is elevated because people spend more time indoors, thus increasing their chances of encountering cockroaches. Because cockroaches can be potentially harmful for you and your family members, the best thing to do is to learn how to prevent them!

How to Stay Safe From the Dangers of Roaches

Roaches prefer warm, moist places with available food sources, so it’s important to eliminate those attractive environments. Some of the top cockroach prevention tips include the following.

  1. Clean your kitchen. Roaches will gladly feast on food crumbs and spillage in your kitchen. Clean up after mealtimes to keep them away.
  2. Fix leaky pipes and avoid excess moisture. Attracted to moisture, cockroaches will assemble in damp areas created by plumbing problems in the home.
  3. Seal cracks and crevices. Roaches can squeeze inside through small holes. Use caulk to seal cracks and holes that permit entry into your property.
  4. Eliminate their food sources. Keep all of your food stored in airtight sealed containers to limit food sources to roach populations.
  5. Pick up pet food from the floor. If you tend to leave out pet food 24/7, you should think twice. Pet food is a common contributor to pest and roach problems.
  6. Declutter your property. Roaches will gladly hide in dark, damp corners of your property. Avoid clutter and regularly clean your surroundings.
  7. Be wary of cardboard boxes. Cockroaches are known to live in and breed in cardboard boxes. Be cautious when moving them and consider using plastic tubs for storage instead.
  8. Take out garbage regularly. Don’t let cockroaches ravage your trash: make sure to take it out regularly and secure it in a bin with a tight-fitting lid.

Cockroach Prevention in VA

If a cockroach infestation is suspected, it is recommended you contact a licensed pest professional. Roaches can be more dangerous than you think. The team at Loyal can help—call our roach exterminators today to learn how!

Do Cockroaches Like the Summer Heat?

Cockroaches are more common in the summer in Henrico VA - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlAlthough cockroaches are a common pest throughout the year, they tend to be more common than ever in the summer months. This is because roaches are attracted to warmth and humidity (which is why they’re often found in kitchens and bathrooms). While roaches are considered to be hardy insects that can survive in a variety of climates, summertime is when they thrive here in the Henrico VA area. They can enter homes and, once inside, breed at rapid rates. Seeing even one cockroach is a bad sign there are many more nearby, making it important to know how to keep cockroaches out in the summer. The team at Loyal Termite & Pest Control are here with expert info on summer cockroach activity and tips for how to prevent it.

5 Tips to Keep Cockroaches Out This Summer

A cockroach problem, once established, can be very difficult to get rid of. For that reason, it’s best to know how to prevent them in the first place! Our top tips include:

  1. Inspecting the perimeter of your home and seal cracks and crevices. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  2. Keeping a clean home. Wipe or clean up any spills or messes in kitchens and bathrooms. Avoid letting clutter pile up.
  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.

Are Roaches More Common in the Summer?

Yes! Roaches are a problem all year long, but summertime is when we get the most calls about these pests. Many types of cockroaches will lie dormant during the winter to wait out the heat that summertime brings. Once summer rolls around, cockroaches breed at a more rapid rate, which is why infestations can explode in size. If they get indoors, they are likely to hide in dark, damp areas; this is why infestations can often grow out of hand before you realize there is a problem. The best thing you can do to avoid a summertime roach problem is work with an exterminator to keep them out to begin with.

Summer Roach Infestation Help

Cockroaches are known to be gross, but they can be downright dangerous, too. Cockroach infestations are known to trigger allergies in certain individuals. They also carry and spread potentially harmful germs and bacteria. For these reasons, it’s never wise to rely on DIY cockroach control. Always contact the licensed roach exterminators at Loyal for help with a summer roach problem.

These Pests May Be Triggering Your Seasonal Allergies

Cockroaches can trigger seasonal allergies in Henrico and Richmond VA - Loyal Termite & Pest ControlSpring in the Henrico and Richmond areas is something to look forward to each year. What most people don’t look forward to is the onslaught of seasonal allergies! Blooming trees and changing weather certainly plays a role in springtime allergies, but is there more to it? As strange as it seems, research has proven that certain pests can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, particularly in children. With May being Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, all of us here at Loyal Termite & Pest Control want to spread the word about pest allergens! Thankfully, you can prevent pest allergens by preventing pests in your home altogether. Keep reading to learn more on how you can protect your family against pest-triggered seasonal allergies.

How to Prevent Pest Problems & Allergens

The key to keeping pest allergens out of your home is keeping pests out in the first place! Basic pest prevention methods can go a long way to protect your home against the many dangers of pests. Our top tips are to:

  • 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 on a regular basis.
  • 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 pet food sealed in a tight container and wash food bowls.

The Facts About Pest Allergens

A pest infestation can cause a lot of frustration. What people don’t know is that certain pests can trigger allergies, especially in children. The two main culprits are cockroaches and dust mites. Roach droppings, saliva, shed skins, and other parts contain allergy proteins. If you have a cockroach problem in your property, these pest allergens can be dangerous for your family. Other insects that infamously are tied to allergic reactions are of course stinging insects, including yellow jackets and wasps. Their sting can trigger an allergic reaction for some people. These symptoms are usually different than your typical seasonal allergy flare-up. In any case, it’s extremely important to seek medical attention should you experience more severe symptoms of an allergic response, from swelling and wheezing to dizziness or difficulty breathing.

How Loyal Can Help Prevent Pest Problems

Seasonal allergies are bad enough as is. A pest problem in your home, particularly with roaches, can make them even worse. If you’ve done all you can to keep pests out and are still dealing with infestations, contact the team at Loyal. Our experts are committed to protecting our customers from the dangers of pests–including allergies–all year long!