If you spot a cockroach crawling around your kitchen or scurrying to a hiding spot in a cabinet when you flip on the lights, it probably isn’t alone. Seeing cockroaches isn’t the only sign that you could have an infestation in your home.
Roaches leave droppings, egg casings, wings, and musty odors. If you see these signs, you could have a potential disaster on your hands.
Fortunately, you can use our tips and tricks to keep American cockroaches and other pests, like water bugs, out of your home.
What Are American Cockroaches?
There are several species of cockroaches in Houston, and American cockroaches are the largest species that invade houses. The most prolific invaders are German cockroaches, but American cockroaches have significantly larger bodies and are easier to see.
These reddish-brown cockroaches have six legs, an oval shape, and two antennae. You’ll be able to see a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads. They have wings, so they can fly short distances, but are more likely to scurry.
American cockroaches measure between 1 ¼-inches to 2 ⅛-inches in length, making them at least double the size of German cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches.
Why Are American Cockroaches a Problem?
Cockroaches are a problem because they spread diseases. While many live in human homes, they commonly live in landfills, dumpsters, and sewers where they pick up germs and bacteria. Roaches also secrete a fluid that triggers asthma and allergies.
American cockroaches also damage homes and property. That same allergen-filled body fluid can discolor walls and furniture in a dirty yellow color. It also causes walls to deteriorate. Roaches also leave a musty odor behind affecting the home environment, including furniture, carpet, and food.
Where Will I Find American Cockroaches?
Roaches build their nests in dark, humid spaces, preferably outside. When they build nests outside near water sources, they choose landfills and dumps, steam tunnels, sewers, garden areas, and areas behind tree bark.
These household pests also choose safe places in human homes. They’ll build nests behind bathtubs and showers. They also move into laundry hampers or piles of clothing—especially in basements. Roaches like moisture, so they build nests near drains, pipes, and sump pumps, as well as in cabinets under sinks. They also move into empty boxes and potted plants.
Helpful Prevention Tips
If you’ve seen a cockroach in your home, you should trust that there are more. Cockroaches multiply quickly, so infestations develop in a few months.
Here are some tips to prevent a cockroach infestation:
- Keep your home clean – especially the kitchen.
- Deep clean frequently.
- Use a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl spaces.
- Mow your grass and weed your landscaping regularly.
- Check plumbing for leaks.
- Seal food in plastic or glass containers.
- Check your windows and door screens for gaps or holes.
- Dispose of trash properly and close exterior garbage bins.
How To Keep American Cockroaches Out
No one wants cockroaches in their homes, and the best way to eliminate roach infestations is through prevention. With preventative measures, you can keep your family safe from cockroach health hazards.
Romney Pest Control has been helping Houston residents keep cockroaches out of their homes for more than ten years. Our pest control services can help you say goodbye to cockroaches, too.
