Is there anything more enjoyable than a hot shower and a comfy couch after a long day at work? If you value your peace and security, your home is probably your favorite place on earth. Unless it’s filled with cockroaches. These annoying, dangerous, and destructive pests turn comfortable homes uncomfortable. If you are unsure what to do about your Houston home’s roach problem, read on to learn more.
Types Of Cockroaches In Houston
Houston is home to three common species of cockroaches, American roaches, German roaches, and Oriental roaches. Here is what you need to know about each.
American Cockroaches: American cockroaches are the largest species of pest roach here in the States. Identify these insects by the following features.
- Size: 1 ¼ – 2 ⅛”
- Shape: oval
- Legs: 6
- Color: reddish-brown
- Markings: a yellow figure-8 pattern just behind their heads.
German Cockroaches: German cockroaches are the most common home-invading roaches here in America. Here is how to identify these insects.
- Size: ½ – ⅝”
- Shape: oval
- Legs: 6
- Color: light brown to tan
- Markings: two parallel dark lines located just behind their heads
Oriental Cockroaches: Oriental cockroaches, also known as water bugs, are common pests found in dark, damp areas. Here is how to identify these insects.
- Size: 1”
- Shape: oval
- Legs: 6
- Color: shiny black
- Markings: none
Facts About Roaches You Should Know
Although different species differ in appearance, all roaches have commonalities. For one, all roaches love moisture. If your home has leaks, lots of humidity, or areas where water has built up, cockroaches will feel right at home. These pests also love filth. The dirtier a home is, the more sources of food they will have. We should mention that cockroaches don’t just eat “food,” they also feed on glue, paper, toenail clippings, and many other oddities.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Roaches are not just scary to look at, they are scary to have around your home. Known for carrying over 33 different bacteria, 7 human pathogens, and 6 parasitic worms, cockroaches are about as dangerous as pests come. Cockroaches pick up these sickness vectors from the dirty areas where they spend their time. Some of the most common diseases cockroaches spread are salmonella, staphylococcus, and gastroenteritis.
Why Dealing With Roaches Is Difficult
There are dozens of ways cockroaches get into homes. They might enter through a hole in your home’s exterior foundation, a gap along the edge of your window/door frames, or other damage presented to them around your home. Some roaches will get inside by crawling through utility piping. Once an infestation takes root in your home, another problem arises, elimination. Not only are cockroaches resilient to many pest control products, but they are also great at hiding. Unless you know where to treat and what product to use, you will be hard-pressed to fully solve your problem. The only way to be sure cockroaches get (and stay) out of your home is to hire a local pest control professional.
Who To Call For Your Cockroach Problems
At Romney Pest Control, we understand pests like cockroaches. We know where they hide and what methods work best to eliminate and deter them from homes. If you suspect cockroaches have invaded your home or are looking for a way to keep these pests out for good, our team is here to help.
Give us a call today to find the best solutions for any pest problems you are facing.
