Seeing even one cockroach is alarming; knowing they are taking over your house is a nightmare. One characteristic of cockroaches that is important to note is that even if you only see one, these are social creatures, so there are likely many more hiding throughout your home.
Houston pest control companies know how problematic these pests are and how difficult they can be to eliminate. If you have been searching for roach pest control, you have come to the right place. Read on to learn more about these troublesome home invaders and how to get rid of cockroaches for good.
Species Of Cockroaches That Commonly Invade Houston Homes
Here are some descriptions of the most common types of cockroaches that invade homes in our area:
- American cockroaches are reddish-brown and feature a yellow figure-eight pattern on the backs of their heads. They are the largest roaches to invade homes here, ranging in size from 1 ¼ to 2 ⅛ inches. They prefer warm, dark, and moist areas in homes, such as crawl spaces and basements.
- German cockroaches are about half the size of American ones, approximately ⅝ of an inch, and are light brown to tan. You will likely find them in the kitchen or bathroom as they prefer warm, humid environments.
- Oriental cockroaches are shiny black or dark reddish-brown and about 1 inch long. These roaches thrive in damp areas and are sometimes called “water bugs.”
If you find a cockroach in your house, contact a roach pest control company immediately, smaller infestations are easier to eliminate.
Why Cockroaches Are Considered Dangerous
Cockroaches typically avoid contact with people, so many assume they aren’t dangerous. Unfortunately, this is not the case. One of the worst characteristics of cockroaches is that they spend their time outdoors in garbage dumps, sewers, and areas with decaying animals. Their bodies and legs pick up pathogens along the way, and when they enter our homes, they share all of these diseases and parasites with us.
Finding a cockroach in your house means you have likely had exposure to a pathogen. Cockroaches spread salmonellosis, cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and E. coli infection, to name a few. If you suspect there may be roaches in your home, contact a company with experience in cockroach control near you as soon as possible to protect yourself and your family.
Why You Can’t Get Rid Of Cockroaches On Your Own
Cockroaches have been around for a long time and are likely here to stay. They are resilient creatures that have an amazing ability to adapt and evolve. This characteristic makes it particularly hard to get rid of cockroaches. Roaches can develop resistance to a toxin used on them and pass that resistance on to their offspring.
Over-the-counter cockroach control products don’t work on the entire life cycle. They may appear to work at first because they get rid of adult roaches, but eggs will soon mature, and the problem will start again. Cockroaches also reproduce very quickly; just a couple of roaches can quickly become a severe infestation.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Your Home
If you have already tried some DIY cockroach control products, you have likely realized they are hard to eradicate. No matter which type of cockroach you find in your home, they are a danger to your family and must be removed immediately.
Contacting a company that provides cockroach control near you is the safest and most efficient option. At All-Safe Pest & Termite - Houston, our experienced professionals know how to get rid of cockroaches for good. Contact us today to request your free estimate.