Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are considered to be one of the most successful groups of animals because they are so adaptable and can live in a large variety of environments. Cockroaches are major pests in both homes and businesses. They regularly invade homes, restaurants, warehouses, office buildings, hospitals, and food processing facilities in search of food and shelter. What cockroaches look like depends on their exact species. In general, cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies, and six legs that are covered in spines. They have antennae that are usually the length of their bodies. Many species of cockroaches are winged, but not all species can fly or are strong fliers.
 
Common species of cockroaches found living and invading homes and business in the Texas and Arkansas include:

German cockroaches
These cockroaches have two distinctive black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads, which helps to identify this species. 

Smoky brown cockroaches
These roaches have a shiny appearance and are uniformly black or mahogany in color. Their wings extend past their bodies. 

American cockroaches
These cockroaches are large in size. They have a distinctive yellowish-colored figure-eight pattern located behind their heads. 

Asian cockroaches
These cockroaches look similar to German cockroaches, but they have long, narrow wings that extend past the end of their abdomen. 

Are roaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are dangerous pests and pose a number of health risks to people. Before finding their way into your home, they were more than likely traveling through garbage piles, drains, sewers, excrement, and carrion.

Cockroaches carry on their bodies and legs a wide range of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens that can cause diarrhea, dysentery and salmonella poisoning.

Cockroaches' shed skins and feces can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes, and may trigger asthma attacks in people, especially in young children. In addition, cockroaches contaminate food sources.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches make their way into homes and businesses while foraging for food. They often enter homes and other buildings on their own through cracks and crevices in the foundation, gaps in siding, spaces underneath and around windows and doors, through vents and open windows, and through holes in screens. Cockroaches are also brought into homes and businesses accidentally inside used furniture and appliances, in cardboard boxes, with deliveries, and inside potted plants.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches, depending on their exact species, can be found hiding out and nesting in multiple areas. American cockroaches prefer to nest outside underneath mulch, in trees, in flower beds, and inside sewer systems. Inside, they nest in warm, humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
 
The German cockroach prefers to live inside. They take up residence in warm, humid areas, and are often found in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
 
Asian cockroaches living outside hide underneath tree bark, in piles of firewood and mulch, in garden areas and underneath rocks, or in potted plants. Asian cockroaches are rarely found living inside, but they are attracted to porch lights. If they make their way inside they can be found flying around televisions, computer screens, and light fixtures.
 
Smoky brown cockroaches living outside can be found underneath landscaping beds, ground cover, woodpiles, exposed trash, and in and around gutters. Inside, smoky brown cockroaches are usually found in basements and in rooms on the ground floor.

How do I get rid of roaches?

The most effective way to control and eliminate cockroaches is with the assistance of a pest control company that specializes in roaches. At Pest-Pro Services, Inc., the first step we take to get rid of cockroaches is to provide a free inspection and estimate.  Our dedicated technicians then provide the year-round services and maintenance visits needed to get rid of cockroaches in your home and on your property.
 
Pest-Pro Services, Inc. is committed to using the latest, most advanced products to exterminate cockroaches, and prevent their return, through our guaranteed pest control services. To learn more about eliminating cockroaches from your home or business, please contact Pest-Pro Services, Inc.

How can I prevent a cockroach infestation?

In combination with professional pest control services from Pest-Pro Services, Inc., there are a few steps you can take to make your Texas home and property less attractive to cockroaches:

• Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.

• Make sure that weather stripping is placed around all exterior windows and doors.

• Replace any torn window or door screens.

• Repair leaky pipes, fixtures, and faucets.

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home.

• Make sure that outdoor trash cans have locking lids.

• Inside your home, keep all food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. 

• Wash dirty dishes daily. 

• Remove trash from your home on a regular basis.

• Vacuum frequently.