How Cockroaches In Your Houston Home Are More Dangerous Than You May Think

If there’s any pest that you really don’t want to have to deal with in your Houston home, it’s cockroaches. These gross-looking pests aren’t just unpleasant to look at, they are dangerous because of their ability to spread and transmit many different diseases. They are also extremely hard to get rid of because of their ability to regrow legs and even live without their heads for days.

There are actually around 30 different cockroach species found in the state of Texas alone, but there are only five of these that are common in the Houston area. While they all have similarities, the five species look distinct, so we’ve created a guide to help you tell them apart.

1. American cockroach: This is the largest species in the area as they can reach up to three inches long. They are also a reddish-brown color and have an almost greasy look to them. 
2. Brown-banded cockroach: This tiny species is usually a tan or light brown color, and they are best identified by the light brown transverse bands that they have on their wings.
3. Oriental cockroaches: This species is sometimes referred to as black beetles or water bugs because of their jet black color and similarities to some beetle species. 
4. Smoky brown cockroach: The smoky brown cockroach is a solid color that can range from dark brown to black. They are attracted to light, and they usually are about an inch to an inch and a half long. 
5. German cockroach: These cockroaches can range from tan to a dark brown color, but the best way to tell them apart from other species is by the two black stripes that run parallel behind their heads. 

Why Are Cockroaches So Dangerous?

There’s no denying that cockroaches are disgusting, and most people don’t want them around. However, the reality of just how gross cockroaches are is often lost on many people. The truth is that they can be riddled with disease and can transmit a whole host of illnesses including salmonella, gastroenteritis, E. coli, typhoid, and even plague.

Cockroaches thrive in damp, dark environments that have a lot of decay and filth. They often live in places like garbage dumps, sewers, plumbing, around toilets, and in other germ-ridden places. They can pick up pathogens on their bodies and bring them into your home via pipes or other entryways. As cockroaches prefer areas like kitchens and bathrooms, they can contaminate many surfaces that are often touched by people.

Why Is It Hard To Keep Cockroaches Out?

Cockroaches are dangerous, and they are notoriously invasive and hard to keep out and remove. Cockroaches are great at hiding and able to sneak in through places like your home’s plumbing. They can hide in many small cracks and crevices in walls, too. Once inside it’s extremely difficult to remove cockroaches for a few reasons:

1. They have a high-reproductive ability which means the infestation can quickly grow out of hand.
2. They can hide in so many areas from kitchen sinks to crevices in walls to small cracks around toilets. 
3. They are also resistant to many pesticides, making it hard to remove them with regular products homeowners can buy at the store.

Total Cockroach Control You Can Trust

Trying to get rid of cockroaches on your own is rarely effective, and leaving these dangerous pests in your home isn’t an option. Instead of wasting time and money trying to deal with a cockroach infestation on your own, get help from the pest control professionals at Cantu Pest & Termite. Our total cockroach control services will remove infestations and keep them from returning. Call us today for a free quote.