The American cockroach is found worldwide, and it frequently invades homes and other human structures. The American cockroach is one of the largest species of cockroaches found in America. However even though it is called the American cockroach it is actually not native to America. Its origins have been traced to Africa and was accidentally brought here in the 1600’s. They have been a common pest ever since. A-Tex Pest Management will share how to identify and control American cockroaches.
How Do You Identify American Cockroaches?
American cockroaches can get very large, ranging from 1 1/4 of a inches to 2 1/8 inches in length. They are a reddish brown color with full length wings that cover their entire body. They have a distinct yellow horizontal figure eight marking on their head. They have an overall oval shaped body. They like to live in humid areas and are often found in drains and sewers. Even so, they also like to climb high in tree tops, typically in palm trees where they will hide inside the fronds. With their long wings they can occasionally be found fluttering ungracefully down from trees, roofs and gutters.
What is the Problem with American Roaches?
American cockroaches can invade homes and other human structures in a number of ways. They will either climb in through small cracks or gaps, make their way into homes through sewer lines, or they are sometimes brought in by accident. In this case they either hide in bags, boxes or used furniture. They are not picky eaters. When outside they will feed on decaying plants. While inside they will eat human food, pet food or even paper and cardboard items. When they infest homes they are often found in storage areas, basements, kitchens and bathrooms. American cockroaches can cause minor damages to paper objects. Their main threat is the health concerns they may cause. American cockroaches are known to spread over 33 diseases, including E. Coli and salmonella. They also carry six types of parasitic worms that can spread to humans and carry around 7 types of pathogens. They often spread these contaminates by crawling around sewers and garbage disposal sites. They can spread or leave behind these contaminates simply by coming in contact with food, table ware, or counter tops.
How to Get Rid of American Cockroaches
It is essential to keep cockroaches out of your home to maintain a healthy environment. To control cockroaches, start with exclusion followed by control. Exclusion is all part of a pest control program. Essentially you are preventing cockroaches from entering into your home. To do this, you will want to make sure your home is secured. Start by inspecting your home’s external walls, windows and doorways. Make sure there are no gaps or cracks where cockroaches can crawl through. Seal up any gaps with silicone caulking glue. Cover vents–such as attic and dryer vents–and chimneys with wire mesh to keep pests from crawling into your home. Place drain screens over all sinks, bathtub or shower drains. This will help keep cockroaches from crawling into your home. After you’ve worked on exclusion, your next step is control. Use pesticide or insecticide and spray along the edges of your home, both outside and inside. You can do your own or use a professional pest control service who has far superior methods for better control.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If you have a major cockroach infestation, or need help controlling pests around your home or business, then contact A-Tex Pest Management today.
