Cockroaches are one of the most disgusting pests you can encounter around your home, and while you’ve likely heard that they are unsanitary, the extent of health risks they pose is much more than most people realize. Cockroaches are filled with diseases and can spread up to 35 different illnesses including salmonella, E. coli, and giardia.
The other difficult thing about cockroaches is that they are particularly sturdy pests that are hard to eliminate. Cockroaches can withstand many pesticides, and they can even live up to seven days without their heads. This is part of why they have a reputation for being able to survive even apocalyptic events.
Because of the risks associated with these pests, it’s important to know how to identify cockroaches, so you can take steps to remove them as quickly as possible. While there are thousands of species worldwide, there are only four you have to worry about in Austin: American cockroaches, German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and smoky brown cockroaches:
- American cockroaches are the largest of the four and can get up to three inches long. They are reddish-brown with a greasy sheen.
- German cockroaches are the most common of these species, and they are a tan color with two black stripes that run parallel behind their heads. They only get to be about ⅝ inch long.
- Oriental cockroaches are jet black with shiny bodies. They have pill-shaped bodies that make them look somewhat like beetles.
- Smoky brown cockroaches are a dark reddish-brown color and have long wings that grow past their bodies. They are known for flying and being attracted to light sources.
How Do Cockroaches Get Inside A Home?
Because of the health risks associated with cockroaches, it’s key to understand how they get inside in order to take steps to prevent them. However, cockroaches can be difficult to completely prevent because they can enter a home in so many ways. They often come inside by slipping through small cracks in the walls and foundation of your home, and some species may even enter through plumbing. You could also accidentally bring cockroaches in on cardboard boxes or secondhand items.
While cockroaches are hard to deter, they are even harder to remove after they’ve established themselves in your home. This is because they are an invasive and prolific species that can produce up to six generations in one year. They are also able to hide in many tiny areas including cracks in walls making it difficult to eradicate the entire infestation of cockroaches.
Why DIY Removal Methods Aren’t Effective
Many pests in Austin just aren’t that easy to get rid of using do-it-yourself methods, and the cockroach is one of these species. While many homeowners try to take matters into their own hands, this is usually ineffective and expensive.
It’s also easy to assume that DIY pest control is cheaper than professional pest control, but you'll spend much more than you think over time. You'll have to keep buying more and more products, such as chemicals and traps, only to have cockroaches keep coming back.
Plus, cockroaches are resistant to many insecticides, and using these chemicals without experience can be dangerous to you and your family’s health. So, you’ll spend a lot of time and money as you keep trying to remove cockroaches, and you could potentially be exposing the household to harmful side effects.
What Is The Best And Safest Way To Remove Cockroaches?
The only truly effective and safe way to prevent and control cockroaches is by working with the professional pest experts at White Knight Pest Control. We take a comprehensive approach to our residential pest control services, and we will work with you to create a customized plan to keep your home cockroach-free all year. Our technicians have the experience and tools needed to handle cockroach infestations while keeping you, your family, and your pets safe.
Discover more about our cockroach control options, and even get a free estimate, by giving us a call today or sending us a message using our online contact form.