What Cockroaches Live In McKinney Homes?
In McKinney, there are five common species of cockroaches. One of the largest types is the American cockroach. To identify this species, you can look for a yellow figure-eight pattern behind its head. They are also known as palmetto bugs and are frequent home invaders.
Another common find is the brown-banded cockroach. This species is dark brown and has two lighter brown bands that go across its body. Typically, males are the only ones that can fly. They shouldn’t be confused with German cockroaches, who have two black stripes that go behind their heads.
Oriental cockroaches are shiny and dark brown. Neither the female nor the male of the species can fly, and they both have small wings. Because this species has an affinity for water, some people refer to them as water cockroaches.
Finally, you might come across wood cockroaches. These dark brown roaches have a whitish-yellow outline around their thorax and wings.
Are Cockroaches Really Dangerous?
All of the cockroach species in McKinney are nuisance pests. But they’re also hazardous to your health. They pick up pathogens when they hang out in alleys, trash cans, sewers, and other filthy places. These pathogens stick to the bodies and legs of cockroaches. Eventually, they may carry the pathogens into your home.
Cockroaches have been known to spread dysentery, E. coli, and salmonellosis in homes throughout the world. Their saliva, shed skins, and feces may also trigger allergies and asthma. If you have young children or immune-compromised people in your home, they could be greatly affected by cockroaches.
How To Identify An Infestation
There are several obvious signs of a cockroach infestation. The most apparent sign is finding one or more roaches in your home. If you see one or two, there are likely hundreds hiding just out of sight. You should call a pest control technician when you see a cockroach in your home.
Because cockroaches tend to hide, you might not notice the pests themselves. However, there are other signs you should look for. Unusual droppings, a musty odor, and small eggs are all indicative of a cockroach problem.
Even if you don’t have cockroaches in your home, you never know when they will decide to invade. The following prevention tips could save you from a serious infestation:
Keep Your Home Clean
The cleaner your home is, the less likely you’ll develop a cockroach problem. Clean your kitchen counters regularly, sweep your floors, and vacuum your carpets. After meals, wash your dishes and clean out your drain.
Close Up Cracks
Cockroaches enter your home through cracks in your walls and foundation or through gaps under your windows and doors. Use weather stripping to seal up your windows and doors and replace any screens that have tears. By sealing up potential entry points, you deter pests from entering your home.
Keep Moisture Levels Low
If you have high levels of moisture in your home, cockroaches will thrive. Reduce moisture by using a dehumidifier in your basement or other rooms. Check your plumbing features for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
Store Your Food And Garbage With Care
One of the keys to cockroach prevention is the proper storage of food and garbage. Make sure all of your food is in tightly sealed containers and keep all your garbage in cans that have tight-fitting lids.
Call A Professional
The best way to prevent and eliminate roaches is to call an expert. If you see signs of cockroaches in your home, don’t put your family’s health at risk. Contact the professionals at Big D Pest & Termite.