Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be a major pest problem in local Texas homes and businesses. Besides being unpleasing to the eye and creating a dirty feeling within your home or business, cockroaches can be found carrying several diseases and can quickly cause sanitation problems, especially when it comes to food and the air quality, Cockroaches tend to live in tight spaces and hide within the daytime, so if one is spotted, that may be an indications of a larger infestation. To protect your home or business from cockroaches, first learn about these pests, their behaviors, steps for prevention, and contact Stellar Pest & Wildlife should an infestation occur.
What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are a nocturnal insect that date back to over 320 million years ago. There are about 4,600 species of cockroaches, about 30 of which are known to live in human habitats.They are a common and hardy insect, which can tolerate a wide range of climates from the frigid Arctic cold to hot tropical heat.The most common in Texas are the American cockroach, German cockroach, Asian cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
How Long Do Cockroaches Live?
Cockroaches have different lifespans and reproductive cycles that depend on their species and gender. American cockroaches adult males can live up to about a year, whereas females can live up to around 700 days. This however is only accounting their adult life as juveniles of this species can take an additional 600 days to fully mature.
German cockroaches, live on average for 200 days. Oriental cockroaches in comparison live a slightly shorter life are with males living around 160 days and females living about 180 days. Brown-banded cockroaches can live an average of 206 days and Asian cockroaches are the shortest-lived of this group with the males living around 49 days and females living about 104 days.
All these species reproduce at an accelerated rate compared to some other pests. Cockroaches can typically produce anywhere between 100 to 250 offspring during a female’s lifetime, so a few bugs can quickly turn into a full blown infestation in no time. Cockroaches are an extraordinarily stubborn infestation as they spread rapidly and can require multiple treatments to remove. If you see signs of cockroaches in or around your home or business, it’s best to call the professionals right away.
How Do I Identify Cockroaches?
Even though cockroaches are nocturnal, the easiest way to identify them is to know what they look like. The most common species of cockroaches in Texas are the American, German, Brown-banded,Oriental and the Asian cockroach.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in houses measuring a whopping 2 inches. They are reddish-brown in color with a yellow figure 8 pattern on the back of their head. American cockroaches prefer to live in warm, dark, wet areas, such as bathrooms and basements. While they can commonly be found in homes, they are also common in larger commercial buildings, such as restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Brown banded cockroaches are named after the two light bands they have across their dark brownish bodies. While smaller than other species of cockroach at half an inch this can make them deceptively simple to overlook.their These pests prefer to lay their eggs in or under furniture in any room. They usually live 5-6 ½ months.
German Cockroach
German cockroaches can be found across the entire world. Currently they are the most common cockroach to be found in households and businesses in the United States. Each German cockroach has a life span ranging from 100-200 days. They measure typically between half an inch to five eighths of an inch and are varying shades of brown. German cockroaches typically prefer live in warm, damp areas, with plenty of access to food like kitchens, bathrooms, and any other places where you may eat and drink.
Oriental Cockroach
Considered one of the dirtiest of all the cockroaches the Oriental Cockroach can create a foul odor. They measure in at an inch in length and are dark brown to almost black in color.They known to travel through sewer pipes and drains preferring a dirty environment and cooler temperatures.
Smoky Brown Cockroach
Smoky brown cockroaches are one of the larger roaches found in Texas measuring between an inch and a half to two inches. As their name suggests they possess a uniform brown coloring, These roaches move about readily, going in and out of buildings in search for food.
How Did I Get Cockroaches?
There is a reason people compare stubborn things to cockroaches as they can literally hitch a rid into your home or business in any way they can. It is common to find them crawling through through cracks in walls, under doors, or even through pipes. They can also be brought into your home or business in or on backpacks, purses, furniture or food items. Cockroaches are exceptional when it comes to finding food, so if you have not cleaned up recently, left food out or have open trash cans, you are more likely to bring the attention of these pests.
How Do I Prevent Cockroaches?
Proper Sanitation is the number one way to prevent a cockroach infestation. Keeping your home or business clean and free of debris, especially of food will deter these pests from coming in and making themselves at home. Cock roaches are always in search of a food source so pay special attention to the kitchen, not leaving any dirty dishes, and keep your food stored in sealed containers. Cockroaches can be especially attracted to alcohol, particularly beer, so make sure to clean up any spills immediately and properly dispose of cans in the trash.
We suggest preventing entrance into your home of business by addressing any entrance ways. To prevent an infestation seal any window or pipe cracks, repair holes in doors and windows screens and keep your home or business free of clutter.
Finally, make a habit of checking your purse or backpacks when entering home especially if they have been outside on the ground. Consider checking any second hand items such as clothing or furniture and any deliveries, especially food, as roaches can be introduced to a home or business this way.
How to Prepare for Our Visit
To prepare for a Stellar Pest and Wildlife’s bed bug treatment of your home or business, you should gather the following information:
* A list of any places that you have seen cockroaches or cockroaches signs in your home or business
* The date that you first started seeing the cockroaches or signs
* The number of cockroaches that you have seen
* Whether or not any member of your household has recent breathing issues and in which rooms they sleep
* Any places that you or your family members or staff have traveled to within the last few months
In order to prepare your home or business, you should:
* Box up or cover any dishes or utensils in areas that are going to be treated
* Remove all pets and plants from your home
* Cover or remove all valuable possessions and antiques
* Wash all coverings, clothing, and fabrics and box them up away from the infestation
* Place all toys and dryer safe items in the dryer on a high heat and box them away
You can expect us to enter your home or business on the day of treatment and use a liquid spray treatment that eliminates cockroaches on contact, on your furniture and any areas needing treatment,
To prepare for our visit, please move all furniture about 2ft from the walls, stand up any mattresses and boxsprings, close any windows, and turn off all A/C and heating units. If you have any items that may be affected by spray, such as electronics, place them in tightly sealed bags.
Some of Our Work
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