You turn on the kitchen light and see a score of disgusting little bugs scurry off under the fridge or into the nearest dark corner running faster than you thought possible.
The bad news is you've got a cockroach infestation. The good news is that roaches are not as indestructible as the urban legends lead you to believe, and with a sound pest control approach, you can have your home cockroach-free in no time.
Cockroaches are one of the most common insects to invade our homes, and with them, they bring a score of infectious diseases. They contaminate the food in your pantry and, in general, make your home feel like a place you'd rather stay away from.
There are thousands of species of cockroaches in the world, with most of them having no interest in humans or their homes. In the U.S., the following four are the most common types you might run into.
- German cockroach
- American cockroach
- Brown-banded cockroach
- Oriental cockroach
Let's look at some basic cockroach facts, signs of a cockroach infestation, how to keep cockroaches away, and where to find reliable pest control in Prosper if they refuse to stay away.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Cockroaches
Cockroaches, over millennia, have evolved into very formidable pests. They are nocturnal and the fastest moving insect on earth, capable of speeds over 12 feet per second, making them very hard to spot until their numbers get large and the infestation is past the stage where you can handle it on your own.
Cockroaches breed fast and can survive most anything you can throw at them. Granted, the old urban legend of roaches being able to survive a nuclear blast might not have much to back it up, but they can live without a head for over a week, regrow limbs, and breathe through every part of their body. But for a homeowner faced with a cockroach infestation, the most concerning ability cockroaches have is their immune system. Thanks to spending their lives in some of the world's least hygienic places, cockroaches developed an immune system that allows them to simply shrug off most pest control pesticides, making getting rid of them a very complicated task.
The Health Hazards Roaches Bring Into Your Home
Cockroaches in Prosper do not make good house guests. They contaminate everything they touch with the bacteria and pathogens they carry on their bodies and spread several dangerous illnesses such as:
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- Listeriosis
- Giardia
- E. coli infection
People predisposed to allergies or people with asthma are likely to react to being exposed to cockroach saliva, urine, or feces with an asthma attack or an allergic episode.
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Roaches In Your Home
Each female cockroach can lay over 300 eggs a year and turn your home into a nightmare in a very short time. A Green Pest Guys technician will inspect your Prosper home on arrival, paying particular attention to the hot spots, like areas under the sink, laundry room, and behind kitchen cabinets. Once we determine where the nests might be, we will treat the house, making sure to get both adult insects and the eggs they leave behind. After that, we'll apply a complete perimeter treatment to prevent cockroaches from coming in in the future.
Five Simple Tips To Prevent Future Cockroach Problems
Prevention is the best control method for a DIYer without the tools or experience dealing with a cockroach colony.
- Seal cracks in the outside walls.
- Make sure window and door screens are in good shape.
- Cover vents and drains with metal mesh.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Dispose of trash regularly.
These tips, combined with a pest program from a reputable pest control company like Green Pest Guys, will keep your home cockroach free. Reach out today to get started, and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Prosper.