Cockroaches are insects that are identified by their long antennae and legs. They look a lot like beetles and can be of different shapes, sizes and colors. There are 30 different species of cockroaches, but there are only four that are known to be pests. They are scavengers that go out and collect food. They will go wherever they can find it and won’t stop until they do. The problem with this behavior is that it might be your home they end up in!
Cockroach Facts
1. Cockroaches are estimated to be at least 200 million years old. There are fossils that date back to 350 million years, so they actually pre-date dinosaurs!
2. Regardless of whether it is clean or dirty, cockroaches will enter any building that can give them what they need; access to water and food.
3. Roaches are so adaptable that they live everywhere in the world, except Antarctica.
4. Roaches can live for a month without any food but will die in a week if they don’t have water.
5. Cockroaches can move very fast. Up to three miles per hour in fact.
Cockroaches Cause Sickness & Disease
Cockroaches are filthy! They live and feed in sewers and other dirty places. They will pick bacteria and viruses up on their legs and antennae and then transfer it to kitchens, dishes, utensils, food and many surfaces that they walk across. They also don’t have a problem eating feces and food that is contaminated. They then transfer these disease organisms through their droppings or when they spit upon surfaces. Cockroaches have a protein that is an allergen for a lot of people. The saliva, feces and shed body parts can trigger allergies and asthma when they become airborne.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Seeing cockroaches is the most obvious sign and a good indication there are many more lurking around. They can be hard to see because they are nocturnal and will run from the light. If you don’t see them, you may see their feces that looks like black pepper. The more you see, the more cockroaches you have. They are aggressive breeders, so you may see roach egg cases. These are oblong brown casings that house many eggs. You may also smell them as they are known to produce a pungent, musty odor that will get worse the longer an infestation continues.
Preventing Cockroaches in Homes & Apartments
Cockroaches can get through cracks and crevices that are as thin as a quarter of their body! They do this by flattening their flexible exoskeletons and splaying their legs to the side. You will need to figure out where the problem areas are and use glue strips. Strips that catch the most indicate the areas that will need more treatment. Use caulk to seal any opening they can use to get in to prevent them in the future. Boric acid is known to be a great roach killer but can lose effectiveness used incorrectly.
Cockroach Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
A cockroach infestation is a very serious problem to deal with. Hiring professionals is the best way to make treatment safe, more effective and to ensure a long-term solution. Contact A-Tex Pest Management to handle any pest issues.