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Cockroach Identification & Prevention

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What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are scavenging insects that have been helping to rid the earth of decaying organic matter since the dawn of civilization. The adaptability, determination, and prolific breeding habits of these pests have allowed them to withstand the test of time. Those characteristics are also why they are so difficult to keep out of our homes and businesses. 

In our area of Texas and most parts of the country, two of the most common and problematic cockroach species that find their way into our homes are German and American cockroaches.

American cockroaches are the largest home-invading roach species. They are reddish-brown and have wings that extend beyond their bodies. The "figure-8" shape found on the tops of their heads helps identify these roaches.

German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species to live with people in our homes and businesses. These cockroaches are smaller than American cockroaches and tan or brown with two dark lines located right behind their heads.

a cockroach in san antonio texas

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Before becoming an uninvited member of your household, cockroaches were likely living outside in unsanitary areas like garbage piles, sewers, drains, and in areas with decaying organic matter.

Cockroaches live and travel through areas riddled with bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. When cockroaches find their way into your home, they will contaminate surfaces and food with the bacteria and pathogens they carry on their bodies and legs, causing illnesses to you and your family. Living with cockroaches triggers allergy-like symptoms, skin rashes, and asthma attacks in some people, especially young kids. 

In addition to health risks, cockroaches will cause other problems like staining walls and surfaces, chewing on papers and fabrics, and getting into and damaging electrical outlets and appliances.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

A cockroach infestation can happen to anyone. Cockroaches can find their way inside on their own, but they are also hitchhiking pests, meaning that we can unintentionally move them into our homes and trigger an infestation. All it takes is one pregnant female to get into your home for a large infestation to develop.

We have compiled a list of some of the most common ways these pests get into our Texas homes.

  • Drains and sewer lines
  • Space they discover in the foundation or exterior walls
  • Vents or openings around utilities entering into your home
  • Spaces under exterior doors
  • Torn screens or worn weatherstripping around windows and doors
  • Secondhand furniture or appliances
  • Box and deliveries

The many ways these pests can enter your home make it difficult to keep them out!

Where will I find cockroaches?

When cockroaches are in our homes, they seek out damp, dark areas to rest in during the day. At night while we sleep, they become active and move around searching for food to feed their bellies. Their nocturnal nature can make it easy to overlook them.

Cockroaches live in areas of our home that are dark and damp and put them near food sources. Cockroaches feed on many of the same foods we do in addition to things like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hair, leather, and fabrics.

Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and attics are common places infested with cockroaches.

Regularly inspecting areas where these pests tend to hide will help you identify an infestation before it consumes multiple areas of your home:

  • Behind large appliances
  • In the backs of drawers and cabinets
  • Behind wooden trim and baseboards
  • Under rugs
  • In pieces of upholstered rugs
  • Behind sinks and tubs
  • Behind walls or under floors near drains and pipes

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Cockroaches have adapted to living with people, which means that keeping them out of our Texas homes is tricky. The best way to guard your home against cockroaches or remove any that have found their way inside is with the assistance of a local professional.

Trust the professionals at EnviroGuard Pest Control to provide the services necessary to remove cockroaches from your home. We pay attention to the details that matter and have a deep understanding of the pests that call our area of the country home. Our affordable pest control services will offer you a long-term solution to your property's pest problems.

At EnviroGuard Pest Control, we are dedicated to helping you keep your family safe and your home free of cockroaches. Give us a call today to learn more about our guaranteed cockroach control solutions or to receive your free quote.

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Prevent issues with cockroaches using our most helpful cockroach prevention tips.

  • Never leave food out on kitchen counters or tables. Always place leftover food in the fridge or airtight storage containers.
  • Regularly vacuum and mop your floors.
  • Routinely pull out large pieces of furniture and appliances to clean the crumbs that gather behind them.
  • Use dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from your home.
  • Seal openings in your home's exterior where cockroaches can enter your home.
  • Always inspect secondhand items, deliveries, grocery bags, and other things you bring into your home for hitchhiking cockroaches.
  • Contact a professional cockroach control expert to eliminate problem infestations from your Austin property.

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