At Bug Commander Pest Control company in Frisco, TX, we know that cockroaches are the worst kinds of pests to have in your home. Cockroaches are not only one of the more repugnant bugs a homeowner can have to deal with but they can also be dangerous. Many people are allergic to cockroaches and the saliva, feces, and shedding body parts of roaches can trigger severe allergic reactions or even asthma attacks. Children are especially vulnerable to these kinds of allergies. In addition, cockroaches carry a number of diseases like dysentery, typhoid, and gastroenteritis whose effects can range from nausea and diarrhea to life-threatening internal bleeding.
Types of Cockroaches in Frisco
Although there are 4,500 known species of cockroaches, there are only a handful of species that can be found in great numbers in Texas. Here are some things you need to know about these pest invaders:
American Cockroach
- In spite of its name, the American cockroach came to America from Africa in the 1600s. It is one of the largest roaches in Texas; it can measure anywhere from 1½ to 2 inches in length. Generally, the American cockroach is an outdoor species.
- It prefers wood piles, dead trees, and sewers; however, it can flatten its body to enter homes through cracks around windows and doors and through holes around pipes and electric lines that come into a building.
- They are active at night and prefer dark, moist sites. They eat almost anything including meat, baked goods, leather, books and wallpaper paste. Reportedly, they spread 33 kinds of bacteria and six kinds of parasitic worm.
- They can cause illness by contaminating food and kitchen utensils with droppings and other secretions.
German Cockroach
- These roaches are smaller than the American cockroach and are more likely to be found indoors in restaurants and kitchens.
- They may nest in kitchen cabinets, dishwashers, and ovens and eat most kinds of food, grease, and glue.
- German is one of the most common cockroach pests in the state of Texas. Like the American, they can cause illness through their feces and residue.
Asian Cockroach
- These cockroaches are very similar to German roaches in size and color.
- They are active at night and can fly short distances.
Brown-banded Cockroach
- The Brown-banded roach is about ⅝” in size, like the German, but they need less moisture and so can be found anywhere in the home.
- They will eat anything but prefer food with high starch content like books, wallpaper glue, and stamps.
Identifying the species of cockroach in your home is the first step we’ll take at Bug Commander Pest Control. We know that an effective treatment for one type of roach may not be effective for another; we also know that different habitats and speedy reproductive cycles mean that cockroaches are very difficult to eliminate.
Common Signs of Cockroaches in Frisco, TX
While shocking for most people to learn, a roach infestation is not only due to unsanitary living conditions. These unappealing bugs can make your house their home in different ways including catching rides on clothing, luggage, and plants. If you are noticing one or more of the following, you most likely have a cockroach infestation:
Seeing Cockroaches During the Day
Cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are only active at night. They may come out at night to search for food and water but then sleep during the day. Cockroaches that are out inside your home during the day have been pushed out of their nests by other cockroaches.
If you have seen one or more cockroaches during the day, your home is most likely infested with these bugs.
Fecal Droppings
Fecal matter is one of the most common signs of an infestation – no matter what type of pest. Cockroaches will also leave fecal matter behind in your home, so it is a great indicator that you need a professional pest control company.
The feces of smaller cockroaches will look similar to coffee grounds or black pepper. Larger roaches will obviously leave behind larger fecal matter, but it will also appear similar to ground coffee and pepper. Check around doorways, window frames, baseboards, and in your attic, crawlspace, or basement for signs of fecal matter left by cockroaches. If you notice a large accumulation of this fecal matter, you most likely have a larger infestation that needs to be addressed immediately.
Egg Casings
Cockroaches lay egg casings. Each casing can actually hold multiple eggs. These cases may be found around your home either empty or left filled with eggs. The casings will be a brownish color and have a long, rounded shape.
If you see the egg casings in your home, do not panic, but contact a professional to design a plan for treatment.
Musky Odor
An unpleasant odor may also be a sign of a cockroach infestation. Unfortunately, distinguishing this odor from other foul odors in and around your home can be difficult.
Many professionals describe a cockroach odor as oily and musky while some scientists refer to the odor as the “stench of death.” No matter how you want to describe it, a very foul odor in your home may stem from cockroaches.
Call us at Bug Commander Pest Control at (214) 307-1933 if you suspect you have a cockroach problem. You can also contact us online to find out more about our cockroach control services.