If there's one pest that has a reputation for being disgusting and also hard to get rid of, it’s the cockroach. They can quickly take over a home or building and spread pathogens all over.
While most people realize that cockroaches are a bad pest to have, they might not know just how dangerous they can be. The fact they are hard to get rid of is a problem, but the real risk associated with cockroaches is that they can carry and spread many harmful diseases
Because of this, cockroaches are considered a dangerous pest, and it’s important to know how to prevent and control them.
The first step in cockroach control is knowing what cockroaches look like and how to identify the common species in Plano. Here is a brief guide to area cockroaches:
- American cockroaches: This species is reddish-brown and on the large side as they reach up to three inches long. They do have wings and are capable of flying.
- Oriental cockroaches: This species is smaller and only grows to about an inch. They are known for having a smooth, almost greasy appearance and for their musty odor.
- German cockroaches: These cockroaches are a tan to light brown color with two dark lines that run parallel down the backs of their heads.
- Brown-banded cockroach: This kind of cockroach is a dark brown color with light brown or tan bands on their wings.
How Do Cockroaches Spread Diseases?
Cockroaches are such a dangerous pest because of the places they tend to live. When not inside of buildings, they are usually found in areas such as sewers, garbage cans, and near excrement or decay. They also have spines, which appear like small spikes, on their legs that easily pick up and carry germs and pathogens that they come across.
Cockroaches then carry these germs and diseases on their bodies and bring them indoors. Once inside, cockroaches prefer dark, damp places such as kitchens and bathrooms. They often get indoors through drains, and they are known for getting into food and food preparation areas. They often start spreading diseases before homeowners even know they are there.
In addition to spreading diseases such as salmonella, cholera, dysentery, and more, they can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
How To Identify And Prevent Cockroaches
While it’s not uncommon to notice cockroaches eventually, this often only happens once the infestation has grown. There are other signs of a cockroach infestation that you are likely to notice early on if you know what to look for. Here are some signs of cockroaches in your Plano home:
- Rod-shaped, tiny droppings
- Shed skins or discarded egg casings
- A musty odor
- Brownish smear marks on walls or in kitchens
If you haven’t noticed any of these signs yet, it’s the perfect time to take the necessary steps to prevent cockroaches from infesting your home. While it’s not possible to completely ensure you’ll never deal with cockroaches, you can do things to make your home less attractive to them, including:
- Keeping drains cleared and cleaned
- Regularly cleaning up food crumbs and drink spills
- Vacuuming and sweeping often
- Taking out the trash regularly
- Sealing off entry points around windows and doors
- Installing door sweeps and weather stripping
- Repairing holes in window and door screens
Keep Your Family Safe From Cockroaches
At the first sign of cockroaches, the best way to keep yourself and your family safe from these dangerous pests is to contact the expert pest control technicians at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Cockroaches are extremely difficult to completely remove on your own, and they can keep coming back and spreading pathogens in your home. Our professional pest control services will remove every cockroach and keep your home safe.