Finding cockroaches in your home is never a pleasant experience. These pests make your home feel dirty and unsafe. But though they're incredibly annoying, they're also very common. Your trusted Laredo pest control experts want you to feel empowered and prepared to deal with a cockroach problem as soon as you find one.
Here's what you need to know to determine if you have German cockroaches in your home and what you can do to keep them from being a problem in the future.
Signs Of German Cockroaches: Recognizing Their Presence In Your Home
German cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Texas, but figuring out if you have these roaches or a different species in your home can be tough.
Here are a few telltale signs that you have German cockroaches on your property:
- You've seen them: German cockroaches grow between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch long and range from light brown to tan. These roaches also have dark stripes on their backs, just behind their heads, making them distinct from other species.
- You've found droppings: German cockroach droppings look like ground black pepper and are typically on the floor beneath cabinets and in dark areas. They can also leave fecal smears on the walls as they move.
- Your home smells musty: Roaches put off an off-putting musty odor. If you've noticed this smell in your home and can't identify a source, it's likely because you have a roach problem.
- You've noticed shed skins: Roaches shed their exoskeletons as they grow. You likely have an infestation if you've seen roach-shaped skins around your home.
While the German species are not massive roaches, having them on your property is a health hazard. If you need clarification on the type of roaches you're seeing, the best thing you can do is schedule an inspection with your pest control specialist.
Health Risks Of German Cockroaches: Understand The Dangers They Pose
Like other roach species, German cockroaches can pose a risk to your health. Roaches are far from clean insects. Their droppings, urine, and saliva can increase the severity of your allergies and can even lead to asthma attacks for some individuals.
They also carry bacteria and pathogens and can spread diseases, including the following:
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- Listeriosis
- Giardia
- E. coli infection
- Salmonellosis
Though these diseases are treatable, they can cause severe and long-term consequences if you don't seek medical treatment immediately. By investing in cockroach control services in Laredo, you'll further reduce your risk of exposure so you and your loved ones can stay healthier.
German Cockroach Prevention Tips: How To Safeguard Your Living Space
Professional pest control for roaches will always be the best way to eliminate existing infestations and prevent new ones. But there are a few things you can do to further reduce your risk of German cockroaches entering your home.
Here are a few proven tips to help you keep roaches away between professional pest control appointments.
- Store your food in airtight containers and pick up pet food between feeding times.
- Seal all cracks and crevices that may serve as entry points into your home.
- Clean your home thoroughly at least once a week and pick up spills and food messes immediately.
- Store trash in a dedicated covered bin and take it out several times a week.
By following these tips, you'll help reduce your risk of roach infestations between professional treatments.
Eradicate A German Cockroach Infestation: Call In The Experts!
Keeping roaches away from your Laredo home is easiest when you work with an experienced roach control team. At EnviroGuard, our technicians have the training and experience needed to treat even the most severe infestations and will help you keep your home roach-free. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Laredo.