- Cockroaches are one of the most commonly seen insects in homes. These pests are usually black or brown in color and can be large or small. Cockroaches are capable of transmitting diseases to humans and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Grocery bags are a common hiding place for cockroaches, and many come inside from outdoors to infest homes. Cockroaches are typically seen at night when they come out to forage for food.
- Homeowners who have infestations of cockroaches must find an appropriate means of control. A variety of baits and traps are available for cockroach control. These baits are most effective if placed where cockroaches are usually seen such as under kitchen sinks, on bathroom counters, underneath dishwashers and next to stoves. According to the University of Kentucky, a minimum of 12 bait stations are needed at once for optimal control. Aerosol sprays will kill small numbers of cockroaches but may not help control large infestations.
- Bed bugs are very small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. The common bed bug cannot fly but moves about quickly. Bed bugs are never far from their host and can infest furniture, toys and piles of clothes as well as beds. Most people never feel it when bed bugs bite them, and it usually takes three to 10 minutes for bed bugs to become engorged with blood. Bed bug bites are usually grouped together in clusters and itch excessively. These bites can itch for up to one week. According to the University of Kentucky, bed bugs do not carry or transmit diseases to humans.
- When bed bug infestations are large, they are very difficult to control. Some ways to reduce infestations are placing an encasement on your mattress and box springs and vacuuming around your bed frequently. There are no chemical control methods available for homeowner use, but professional exterminators have a variety of insecticides in their arsenals. Fumigants using strong gases are often effective in controlling bed bugs. Many pest control companies use heat to kill bed bugs in homes.
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