American cockroaches can be a nasty surprise for homeowners in Sugar Land and the surrounding areas. These big, gross pests are one of the most common cockroaches found in homes, and they can be challenging to eradicate.
They can spread disease-carrying bacteria on their legs and bodies and trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to them.
If you see one American cockroach, there's a good chance there are more hiding nearby. These pests are experts at hiding, and they reproduce quickly. The best way to get rid of them is to seek professional pest control in Sugar Land for help eliminating them.
How To Identify An American Cockroach
Despite being referred to as the "American cockroach," this species is native to Africa. It was introduced to North America via ships from Africa in the 1600s.
The American cockroach is the largest species of cockroach found in Sugar Land and is distinguishable by:
- Size: American cockroaches can grow up to two inches long.
- Color: These cockroaches are reddish-brown and have a yellow band behind their heads.
- Wings: American cockroaches have wings, but they can only fly short distances. The wings of males are longer than the wings of females.
If you see a cockroach that looks like this in your home, it's most likely an American cockroach. These pests are difficult to eliminate on your own, so contact an expert to assist you in getting rid of American cockroach problems in your home.
Why American Cockroach Infestations Are A Major Health Risk
American cockroach infestations are a significant health risk because they can contaminate food, spread disease, and trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
Signs of a cockroach infestation include:
- Droppings: Cockroaches leave behind brown, cylindrical droppings about the size of a grain of rice.
- Shed skin: Cockroaches molt or shed their skin as they grow. You might find these discarded exoskeletons around your home.
- Eggs: Female cockroaches lay egg cases that contain around 50 eggs. A cockroach egg sack in your home is a sure sign of an infestation.
Call a pest control professional right away if you suspect you might have an American cockroach infestation in your home. These pests are difficult to get rid of and pose a serious health risk to you and your family.
How And Why American Cockroaches Find Their Way Into Our Homes
American cockroaches typically find their way into our homes in one of these three ways:
- They come in through cracks and crevices. These pests can squeeze through tiny spaces, so seal up any cracks or openings around your home.
- They hitch a ride on packages and bags. If you receive a package that has been shipped from a warm climate, inspect it for cockroaches before bringing it into your home.
- They come in through sewers and drains. If you have any cracks or openings around your sewer or drain pipes, cockroaches can find their way into your home through these access points.
These pests are looking for food, water, and shelter, and your home provides all of these things. Once they make their way inside, they can be hard to get rid of.
If you spot an American cockroach in your home, don't simply reach for your cockroach control products. Instead, call a pest control service to help you get rid of these pests.
Contact The Pros At The First Sign Of Cockroaches In Your Home
When it's all said and done, the best way to get rid of American cockroaches is to call All-Safe Pest & Termite for quality pest control in Sugar Land. These pests are difficult to control on your own, and you run the risk of making the problem worse by using ineffective methods.
At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we've honed our craft in American cockroach control, and we're ready to help you get rid of these pests for good. Contact us for a free estimate.