Do Cockroaches Go Away in the Winter?

Cockroaches are cold-blooded insects, so many people assume that these pests go away or die off once temperatures drop. However, they are actually active year-round and account for thousands of wintertime infestations annually. Since cockroaches rely on their surrounding environment for heat, they seek shelter indoors as soon as fall sets in. Thankfully there are a few precautions you can take to avoid an infestation during the cold season. The experts at Pest Control Inc. have put together a guide on how to protect your home from cockroaches this winter. 

Winter Cockroaches in Las Vegas

The first step in preventing cockroaches is learning about the habits and behaviors of local species. That way, you can create a solid preventative plan for your home and identify infestations before they have a chance to grow or spread. Here in Las Vegas, there are four main types of cockroaches to keep an eye out for:

• American: Measuring just over 1.5 inches in length, American cockroaches are the largest species in our area. Despite being so big, they can still fit into tiny cracks and crevices. They are also nocturnal and are known for infesting porches, basements, crawl spaces, and other low traffic areas. 
• Oriental: These cockroaches are nearly black in color and they tend to hide in dark or humid areas. Moisture problems caused by drainage issues or leaky pipes can attract oriental cockroaches, even inside of walls or hard-to-reach spaces. Though both males and females have wings, they are incapable of flight. 
• German: German cockroaches can be easily identified by their brownish coloration and two dark stripes behind the head. They are also one of the fastest reproducing species, which makes infestations particularly challenging to eradicate. 
• Brown Banded: Named after their tan and light brown bands of coloration, these cockroaches primarily invade kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces. They are small and measure just under 1.5 cm, though they are capable of transmitting serious diseases by contaminating food sources. Males are capable of flight. 

How to Prevent Cockroaches This Winter

Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they are fully established, which is why prevention is key. Spending a bit of time defending your home against these pests will save you the time, money, and stress of dealing with a full-blown infestation. To keep cockroaches out of your home this winter, follow these tips:

• Seal cracks and gaps with caulk
• Replace worn out weather stripping
• Repair broken or damaged window screens
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors
• Repair leaky pipes or other moisture problems
• Store food in airtight containers
• Clean spills or crumbs as quickly as possible
• Dispose of trash in lidded bins

Get Professional Cockroach Control

A cockroach infestation is the last thing you want to encounter this holiday season. If you need help protecting your property from these pests or you suspect that you’re dealing with an active infestation, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Pest Control Inc! 

We have over 20 years of experience providing safe and effective extermination services throughout the Las Vegas area, so our team has the expertise needed to treat any species that is invading your space. It’s our mission to create environmentally responsible solutions that provide long-term protection against future infestations. To get a free quote, contact us today!