Even more unsettling than the unsightliness of an intrusion of American cockroaches is the potential for them to transmit disease-causing bacteria, which can occur as they contaminate food and surfaces in your home with their saliva and waste.
American cockroaches, in particular, have been linked to the spread of cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever. These pests also produce allergens, which aggravate asthma and trigger allergic reactions in some people, especially children. Read on to identify American cockroaches, the signs of an infestation, and what attracts them to your property. Learn how to eliminate these factors and when you should call for assistance.
American Cockroaches: How To Identify Them & A Potential Infestation
American cockroaches, as stated, measure more than three inches long and are mahogany in color with a yellow band that outlines the neck. In some parts of the United States, these cockroaches are referred to as "palmetto bugs" because they tend to live in trees, though they also prefer other warm, dark, and moist places outdoors, such as flowerbeds and underneath the mulch. They enter homes in search of food and water, and when they do, they usually gravitate to kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms, contaminating these areas along the way.
American cockroaches can be difficult for homeowners to rid of on their own. First, cockroaches don't have a mating season, which means they mate year-round. Female American cockroaches, in particular, can have upwards of 1,000 offspring in a single year. When multiplied by many, this can quickly escalate into a problem. Cockroaches also tend to deposit their egg casings and droppings in hard-to-see areas, making it hard to detect an infestation until it's grown unmanageable.
Signs Of An Infestation
If you suspect you may have an infestation of American cockroaches in your home, there are a few signs you may want to look out for, such as:
- Rogue cockroaches may indicate there's more stirring nearby.
- Cockroach droppings may be found in warm, dark, and undisturbed areas where cockroaches hide, such as underneath refrigerators or in the corners of basements.
- Egg capsules are about 38-millimeters long and dark red, brown, or black in color and may also be in areas where cockroaches hide.
What Is Attracting American Cockroaches To My Home & Property?
American cockroaches are in search of food, water, and a warm place to take shelter. Similar in nature to many other kinds of pests, cockroaches are drawn to:
- Sources of food may be in the form of leftover food, dirty dishes, or fallen crumbs.
- Water sources, such as standing water, water inside potted plants, and water that collects inside drains and pipes or around leaky plumbing.
- Paper products, such as cardboard, paper, and books, or storage rooms, offices, library, and attic spaces.
How Can I Deter American Cockroaches From Entering My Home?
The most effective way to eliminate American cockroaches from your home and stop them from entering is with help from professionals. However, in the meantime, the following two suggestions may help to deter them:
1. Add door sweeps under exterior-facing and garage doors. Door sweeps can help keep out cockroaches and other bugs, which can easily slip beneath doors, especially if they're damaged. Keep abreast of repairs needed on exterior-facing doors, as well as door screens, where necessary.
2. Don’t leave out food. When cockroaches are outdoors, they feed on fungi, algae, small particles of wood, and insects. When these bugs make their way indoors, they feed on fallen food crumbs and food that's been out, including pet food, especially if it's left out overnight.
American cockroaches are difficult for homeowners to rid of on their own, so let the professionals at Big D Pest & Termite Services can help with that - and do what we do best. If you suspect a cockroach infestation or the presence of any other pests, give us a call today for pest control in McKinney.