Discovering a big American cockroach in your home can be a terrifying experience. These filthy pests are not only a nuisance, but they carry and spread a host of harmful pathogens known to cause serious illness in humans. Cockroaches are difficult to eradicate without the help of a pest control professional. Read on to learn more about the dangers of American cockroaches and what you can do to keep them away from your property.
How To Identify An American Cockroach
Known as the largest house-infesting roaches in the country, American cockroaches can grow over two inches in size. Also known as water or palmetto bugs, these cockroaches are oval-shaped insects with six legs and two antennae. They are a reddish-brown color with a yellow colored band outlining their head. Both males and females have wings and can fly, but only short distances. American cockroach bites are rare and aren't a major medical concern unless the wound becomes infected.
Although they prefer to live outdoors, American cockroaches will invade any environment that meets their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. You can frequently find them living in sewer systems, and they often make their way into homes through drain pipes. These insects also gain access to homes through gaps between windows and walls and underneath doors without proper weather stripping. American cockroaches infest commercial buildings as well, especially those that house restaurants, grocery stores, food packaging plants, and bakeries. They prefer to inhabit dark, moist environments between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you find a cockroach in your house, chances are there are more hidden out of sight.
American Cockroaches Spread Dangerous Pathogens In Your Home
American cockroaches are one of the filthiest pests for a homeowner to deal with. Because they crawl through sewage and garbage, they pose a serious health threat. These bugs are known to carry at least 33 different types of bacteria, including salmonellosis and E.coli. They also carry a number of human pathogens and parasitic worms. These pests pick up harmful germs as they move throughout their environments and spread them throughout your home during an infestation. American cockroaches also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The allergens in their feces, urine, and saliva are known to lead to asthma attacks, with children being the most at risk.
The best way to get ahead of a cockroach infestation is to recognize the problem before it gets out of hand. Here are some of the telltale signs:
- Live roaches on your property
- Droppings resembling black pepper or coffee grounds
- Egg capsules throughout your home. These casings are oval-shaped and roughly the size of a penny. Each case can contain up to 30 nymphs.
- Unpleasant musty odor.
- Chew marks in food packaging or food storage containers
- Dark, irregular smear marks on baseboards, floors, and walls
- Shed or molted skins
At the first signs of cockroaches in your home, contact a trusted source of pest control in Austin, like Roberts Termite & Pest Control.
Why It Is So Difficult To Get Rid Of American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are one of the hardest pests to eliminate. One of the main reasons they are so hard to kill is due to their strong exoskeletons. These outer shells can withstand the compression of up to 900 times their body weight, making them tough to crush. Cockroaches can also survive for up to a week without a head attached. They have a rapid reproductive cycle and are immune to many over-the-counter insecticides, causing much frustration to homeowners. To get rid of cockroaches without hassles or headaches, contact an exterminator.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of American Cockroaches In Your Home
When American cockroaches take over your home, call in the experts at Roberts Termite & Pest Control. We've been helping homeowners throughout Austin stay pest-free since 1959. Our highly-trained technicians will work closely with you to come up with a custom solution to get rid of cockroaches and keep them away for good. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.