Here in Houston, we’ve got our fair share of pests. The wet weather and warm winters combine to allow all kinds of insects to breed. Mosquitos thrive, flies flourish, and cockroaches prosper. Cockroaches love moisture, so plenty of roach species are found here in east Texas. One of the most endemic cockroaches in the Houston metro area is the German cockroach. In fact, they’re the most common roach invaders of homes and businesses all over the world. These creepy critters love to infest every place where food is stored. Restaurants, food processing plants, hotels, hospitals, and your home all make suitable living spaces for these roaches. Read on for a few prevention tips to avoid becoming a target for these repulsive invaders!
How To Identify German Cockroaches
German cockroaches have a distinct look. They’re usually reddish or light brown. They have two darker stripes on their backs, and on either side of their heads. They’re oval-shaped, and they’re usually half an inch to an inch long. They love to hide in moist, dark, confined spaces without a lot of foot traffic. You’re most likely to find them in your basement, attic, shed, or underneath furniture. They may also hang out near plumbing in the kitchen and the bathroom. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so you’re more likely to see them at night. However, if you have a serious infestation, you might start noticing them moving around during the day. Remember, if you see one roach, there are probably a hundred you don’t see. Other signs you have German cockroaches include:
- Foul odors – cockroaches produce a range of distinct and unpleasant odors
- Cockroach droppings-they look like ground coffee or black pepper
- Dead roaches or shed roach skins
Health Hazards Of Roaches
All cockroaches have a well-earned reputation for being disgusting, and German cockroaches are no exception. They hang out in storm drains, sewers, and even on corpses, so they’re always filthy. They adulterate food with their feces, their secretions, and their dirty feet. Nearly every individual roach is infested with some sort of pathogen. And, in the case of severe infestations, they’ve even been known to bite people or crawl on them while they’re sleeping! What’s worse, roach infestations can lead to real psychological consequences. Beyond just giving you the heebie-jeebies, cockroaches can make you feel like your home is unsanitary and even unsafe.
Beating The Bugs
Maybe the worst thing about all cockroaches is just how tough they really are. They already have some resistance to common household pesticides, and this resistance is only increasing. They also breed so quickly that it’s nearly impossible to eliminate them because they can replace themselves a hundred times over before dying. Since they’re so tough to get rid of, an ounce of prevention is surely worth a pound of cure. A few cockroach prevention tips include:
- Sealing all foods to mask their odors and prevent access
- Clearing clutter and vacuuming often to reduce hiding spots
- Covering and disposing of garbage frequently
- Not leaving dirty dishes lying around overnight – not even in the sink
- Eliminating entry points by covering ventilation holes and sealing cracks
Unfortunately, cockroaches aren’t only tough; they’re also pretty smart. They can outfox a lot of prevention methods and figure out how to get into your house regardless. When that happens, it’s better to save your time and your sanity by calling the professionals! Here at TNT Home & Commercial Services, we have the experience and the tools to help you bid the cockroaches adieu! Our residential services include initial inspection, treatment, and regularly scheduled maintenance. Our commercial pest control process is perfect for all business needs, from hospital sanitation to restaurant health code compliance. No matter how embedded the cockroaches are, we will eliminate them. Call TNT Home & Commercial Services at (713) 609-1642 or visit our contact page to schedule your service today!
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