If there’s a pest that can make you lose your appetite quickly it’s the cockroach. These insects can be found scurrying through sewage drains, trash, and other filthy areas. They can also be found eating human foods and on kitchen countertops, spreading bacteria around. Seeing one of these pests inside your home can be alarming. The appearance of cockroaches can make people cringe, but that’s not the worst part about these pests. A cockroach infestation should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible. The common types of cockroaches that Tulsa-area residents should watch for in 2019 are American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches. You should know what each cockroach looks like in order to identify them should they choose to invade your home.
The American cockroach is the largest of the three cockroaches. They can grow to over 3 inches in length! Imagine seeing a bug this size crawling across the table or away from the shower as you’re about to get in. These roaches are a dark reddish-brown color, with a pattern on their heads the shape of a figure-eight. American cockroaches have a set of wings but aren’t known for flying. They eat decaying matter and prefer humid, dark locations such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or laundry rooms.
The German cockroach is smaller, reaching between ½ inch to ⅝ inch in length. They are light brown to tan with two darker stripes below their head. German cockroaches eat a variety of food and also prefer humid and dark locations. Like the American cockroach, German cockroaches have a set of wings but aren’t known for flying. These roaches are perhaps the most problematic of all roaches since they prefer to be inside homes. They thrive in heat and humidity, making our area great for these pests. They’re nocturnal, so you’ll likely only see them at night unless the infestation is severe.
The Oriental cockroach is also commonly seen in our area. They are small in size, reaching about an inch in length. They are black and shiny, which makes them sometimes look “greasy." Females are wider than males with underdeveloped wings, while males have wings that cover ¾ of their abdomens. Oriental cockroaches usually don’t come inside. They prefer moist outdoor locations. However, when they’re running low on food, water, or need shelter, they can be found inside people’s homes. They’ll likely be found in tight locations, like under the sink or behind walls. These roaches also feed on decaying matter. Oriental cockroaches emit a foul-smelling odor that may be noticed as well.
Cockroaches are a significant health threat. They travel quickly and can spread bacteria from feces and rotting matter to your kitchen countertops and your cupboards, in minutes. They are capable of spreading pathogens and parasites to food sources, food-preparation sites, and other locations of the house. It’s important to act fast if you notice a cockroach in your home. Aside from spreading illnesses, cockroaches can potentially cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks too.
When you have an infestation, every surface in any home is at risk. It’s easy to think that clean homes can easily avoid cockroach invasions since these pests prefer filth, but an invasion can occur in any home. All it takes is a grocery box or delivery box with a few eggs inside, and they’re in. An infestation can spread quickly and, before you know it, there is an overwhelming number of cockroaches crawling around your home. Cockroaches can come inside on objects or they can enter through cracks and gaps along the exterior of the house. The best way to eliminate cockroaches as quickly as possible is to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
Montgomery Exterminating can help you identify and eliminate roach infestations. Our pest control technicians will inspect your home and identify the type of cockroach you’re dealing with. We will then implement the best method of treating the cockroaches in your home to eliminate them as soon as possible. At Montgomery Exterminating, we understand the risks cockroaches pose to you and your family. Don’t wait, contact Montgomery Exterminating today to get started.
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