Combatting Common Cockroaches In Dallas Homes

What's worse than seeing a cockroach run across your floor? Seeing a cockroach spread its wings and fly at your face! That’s right. Some cockroaches can fly. Today we will be talking about the common cockroaches here in Dallas, which ones fly, and what kind of threat they pose to you and your home.

Types Of Cockroaches In Dallas

The United States is home to 69 species of cockroach. Fortunately, there are only about 5 or 6 of those species that get into homes. Here in Dallas, there are 4 common home-invading roaches.

• The German cockroach: German cockroaches are 11-16 mm long and can be tan to almost black in color
• The brown-banded cockroach: these roaches are 10-14 mm long and have a brown to dark brown coloration
• The Oriental cockroach: 18-29 mm long with dark brown to black-colored bodies
• The American cockroach: 50 mm long, reddish-brown or mahogany in color 

Among these species, the American, brown-banded, and German cockroaches are the ones that can fly, although none are great fliers. And it is rare to see a German roach using its wings.

The Dangers Of Roaches

Cockroaches are much more than just creepy creatures. They are dangerous. But maybe not in the way you would think. They aren’t looking to bite or sting you as many other insects are capable of doing. The reason why these filthy pests are dangerous can be traced back to their food choices. Cockroaches like to eat and crawl on many materials that harbor bacteria and pathogens. Some of the things you might find in a cockroach’s diet include sewer matter, feces, decaying organic materials, carrion, garbage, and other rotting items. When cockroaches invade your Dallas property, the bacteria they pick up while outside can contaminate your counter surfaces, food items, and food-prep areas. Additionally, cockroach feces and molted shells contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some individuals.

Roach Prevention Tips

Cockroaches are hardy pests that can survive with little to no food for about a month, and they only require a small amount of moisture to thrive. When food is scarce, cockroaches may even feed on the glue of postage stamps or the dead skin and fingernails of people who are sleeping. Getting rid of roaches and keeping them gone requires extreme diligence as a homeowner. Keep your home well-maintained and clean even the crumbs and food under heavy appliances such as ovens and dishwashers. A few other ways to keep cockroaches out of your Dallas home include:

• Replacing torn window and door screens
• Reducing moisture wherever possible
• Cleaning and sweeping your home regularly
• Installing doors weeps
• Keeping food stored in the fridge or in airtight containers

Conventional forms of cockroach prevention, such as over-the-counter sprays and chemicals, are often a waste of time and money. These cockroach control methods can even be harmful to the health of you, your family, and your pets.

The most effective way to get rid of cockroaches and all other household pests is with help from the experts in home pest control in Dallas.  At Cantu Pest & Termite, we are committed to providing reliable services you can trust every time. Contact our Dallas pest control team today for more information about our cockroach control and removal services.