Cockroaches seem to be unavoidable. At some point in everyone’s life, a filthy roach will cross paths with you. Some may be lurking in your home, others found near a public dumpster pad, or skittering around a commercial space. Cockroaches are not a pleasant insect to have infiltrating your home or business. They are hideous, making grown men shrill in octaves only discernible to dogs. Roaches can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, and also spread germs, diseases, viruses, and other cockroach-borne illnesses. Considering that, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like relate some facts on the commonly seen cockroaches throughout Austin, TX . With so many species of cockroaches plaguing mankind throughout the world, we seem to have 3 common species roaming our borders; the American Cockroach, the German Cockroach, and the Oriental Cockroach, all gross and oblivious to our distaste for the habits and presence.
Why Do I have Oriental Cockroaches?
Oriental cockroaches are sometimes referred to as a water bug. They have been known to grow to approximately 1” long. They are commonly a shiny black to reddish color. The males have wings, and the females do not, but have wing pads, neither fly. Oriental roaches favor hunkering down in basements and crawlspaces and early spring is the most common time for sightings. If Oriental roaches are spotted in your home, they usually enter from outside, squeezing through tiny gaps or even through public sewer systems. Thriving outdoor plants provide ideal hiding places for these cockroach populations to flourish. Leaking pipes and other plumbing leaks are very attractive to Oriental cockroaches.
Are German Cockroaches Harmful?
German cockroaches are the most common roach found in homes and commercial kitchens. Adults measure ½” to 5/8” in length are typically a light brown to tan in color. They have two horizontal stripes starting at the back of their head. Both males and females possess wings, and are capable; however, they prefer to run instead of fly. German cockroaches are fond of warmth and humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. If you have German roaches, they most likely were introduced in bags, boxes or cardboard containers are brought into the home. German cockroaches are very dangerous as they carry a large number of viruses, bacteria, and parasites which can cause diarrhea, salmonella, dysentery and other serious health concerns.
What Attracts the American Cockroach?
American cockroaches are a reddish brown color and are the biggest cockroach known to the US, measuring between 1-3/8” to 2-1/8” long. Fortunately, American cockroaches prefer to live close to hot pipes or other areas with high temperatures, and if they have gained entry to your home, it is generally because of a search for food. American cockroaches eat practically anything. They are one of the fastest critters and they have wings, it is awkward and clumsy, so they much prefer to rely on their awesome speed.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Treatment Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
In general, cockroaches are scavenger eaters, consuming leftovers, cellulose materials, glues, toothpaste, and nearly anything they can find. They are capable of quickly infesting your home, and being nocturnal, you may go a time realizing you have intruders. They can wiggle in through nearly opening, and they can even be discovered in sewers and trash heaps. If your home or business is riddled with any kind of cockroach, call in the professionals of A-Tex Pest Management to rid your structure of cockroaches and their insidious ways.