Cockroach Pest Control
Cockroaches are brown 6 legged insects that belong to the order Blattodea and are part of the superorder Dictyoptera, which includes termites and mantids. They can be found virtually everywhere in various environments, including restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, and offices with food-handling areas.
Types of cockroaches
There are approximately 4,000 cockroach species worldwide. But the most common cockroach species that invade Texan homes the most include the German, Brown-banded, American, Smoky brown, and Asian cockroaches.
How to know if you have a cockroach infestation?
There are four main signs of a cockroach infestation: droppings, egg cases, molted skins, or a foul smell. Other signs include:
- A strong oily or musty odor may indicate a serious cockroach infestation, especially in the event of dead cockroaches.
- Observe for cockroach droppings, smear marks, egg capsules, shed skin, and property damage as potential signs of an infestation.
- Noticing adult roaches is a clear and obvious sign of a cockroach infestation.
- An unusual and unpleasant odor is a lingering sign of an established cockroach infestation.
How long do cockroaches live?
Each species of cockroach has a unique estimated lifespan, with American cockroaches living about one year and German cockroaches approximately 100 days. Cockroaches, being cold-blooded insects, can survive for a week without sustenance, but they can only survive for one week without water. The lifespan of a cockroach can vary depending on its species and diet, with some species living up to 5 years.
Cockroaches possess several adaptations that contribute to their survival:
– They can survive up to a week without their head, as they breathe through small holes in each of their body segments.
– They can live for one to two years, with some species capable of living up to a decade.
– Female cockroaches lay 100 to 200 eggs during their lifetime.
– Cockroaches undergo a transformative process called metamorphosis, molting out of their skin when they have outgrown it.
– They are nocturnal creatures, which helps them avoid predators and maintain a strong population.
Factors such as food supply, habitat, and climate can influence the lifespan of a cockroach. For example, giant burrowing cockroaches, which are typically found in environments farther from humans, can live up to 10 years
Can cockroaches fly?
Yes, cockroaches can fly, but not all species are good flyers or fly at all. All species of cockroaches have wings as adults, but most do not fly at all. Cockroaches that are able to fly will usually only do so if the heat or cold conditions encourage it. Some species, such as the Wood cockroach and smoky brown cockroach, are strong flyers, while others, such as the German cockroach, do not fly at all. Cockroaches that are capable of flying will fly as a survival mechanism when they need to escape quickly. However, cockroaches are not regular fliers, and they prefer running over flying when threatened.
What attracts cockroaches
Cockroaches are attracted to homes for several reasons, including the availability of food, water, shelter, and warmth. Some factors that attract cockroaches to a home are:
1. Food: Cockroaches have a wide-ranging diet and can eat various food items, making them attracted to homes with food residues, spills, and leftovers.
2. Water: Roaches need moisture to survive, so they are attracted to homes with damp areas, leaky pipes, faucets, and broken gutters.
3. Shelter: Cockroaches prefer dark and undisturbed places to hide, so they can be found in basements, storage rooms, and even under appliances and sinks.
4. Warmth: Cockroaches are attracted to warm environments, so homes with proper ventilation and temperature can be more appealing to them.
5. Clutter: A cluttered home provides more hiding places for cockroaches, making it easier for them to infiltrate and thrive.
How to prevent cockroaches from entering your home
To prevent cockroaches from entering your home, you can:
– Regularly clean and declutter your home, ensuring that food residues and water sources are eliminated.
– Seal any cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation and walls to prevent cockroaches from entering.
– Store food in airtight containers and dispose of decaying organic matter, exposed trash, and recycling promptly.
– Ensure proper ventilation and fix any plumbing leaks to reduce moisture build-up.
– Regularly inspect and maintain your home’s exterior, including windows, doors, vents, and drains, to prevent cockroaches from entering.
the best way to get rid of cockroaches
This depends on the severity of the infestation, preferred methods, and budget. But we highly recommend you call us on our hotline to get all the information you need.