Practically every homeowner has entered their kitchen, flipped on the light and been startled by a creepy cockroach standing in the middle of the floor, or even worse, on the counter. But these highly resilient pests often go about their nightly routine unnoticed in businesses that close in the evening. The following are a few basic cockroach facts every business owner should know.

There are more than 4,000 different species of cockroaches in the world. Seventy of these species are found in the United States. Of these, there are four that cause the most trouble for homeowners and businesses: The German Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach, American Cockroach, and Brown Banded Cockroach.

Since cockroaches are so common, some business owners overlook the need to call NJ pest control. Cockroaches need food, water, and warmth to survive. They will eat practically anything, including dead cockroaches. Although they’re known to favor sweets, cockroaches eat cardboard, human feces, toenails, and, of course, any type of food that humans also consume.

In addition to defecating indiscriminately, cockroaches regurgitate digestive juices as they eat. If they are present in a food prep area, they are certainly contaminating prep surfaces and utensils.

Cockroaches are known to carry more than 30 species of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus.

Protect your customers and your business by contacting the NJ pest control experts at Stern Environmental Group for pest monitoring, infestation prevention, and extermination.