There's nothing more embarrassing than having a cockroach infestation. Here in North Texas, there are several different types of cockroaches, with the oriental cockroach being the most common. This type of roach is the stereotypical brown cockroach in your home. Cockroaches are the perfect example of why professional pest control in North Texas is crucial. If you are suffering from a cockroach infestation, and aren't sure what to do, keep reading to learn how to identify an oriental cockroach. You'll also learn why they are dangerous to have in your home, why they're so difficult to get rid of on your own, and how Adams Exterminating Company can help you be cockroach-free today!
What Do Oriental Cockroaches Look Like?
There are many different types of cockroaches, but one, in particular, is rather common here in North Texas; the oriental cockroach.
Below are some of the defining characteristics of these cockroaches, which will make it easier for you to identify the type of infestation you have:
- Color: This roach is a shiny black to dark reddish-brown color.
- Size: Males are much smaller than female oriental cockroaches. Males typically only grow to just under an inch in length, while females grow to around an inch and a quarter.
- Wings: You will be pleased to know that despite males having wings almost an inch in length, they are not actually capable of flying. Females have no wings at all, so there will be no flying roaches in your home.
The bland, uninspiring appearance of these roaches makes them pretty easy to identify, and it helps that they can only crawl and climb instead of fly.
Why Are Oriental Cockroaches Dangerous?
Professional oriental cockroach pest control is crucial to the health and safety of you and your family because oriental cockroaches can spread very harmful diseases. Without the required tools and know-how, trying to exterminate them on your own could result in your or a loved one getting extremely ill.
Below are some of the most common diseases roaches spread to humans:
- Listeria: Typically showing up in the form of a fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea; this infection will spread to your nervous system if left untreated, causing convulsions, loss of balance, a headache, stiff neck, and confusion.
- Campylobacteriosis: This intense gastrointestinal disease comes at you in the form of a severe fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting usually occur as well, and symptoms can last for about a week.
- Typhoid fever: No surprise, the main symptom of this disease is a severe fever. It is usually coupled with a loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache, and weakness.
- Salmonella: Perhaps the most well-known disease that oriental cockroaches can spread, this gastrointestinal disease causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and a fever.
Professional cockroach pest control will be able to safely exterminate your oriental cockroach infestation without anyone getting ill, which is another reason why pest control in North Texas is so incredibly important.
Why Is It So Hard to Get Rid of Oriental Roaches in Homes?
Despite being incredibly disgusting, creepy, and a vector for tons of terrible diseases, the oriental cockroach is quite a fascinating pest. One of the reasons they are so hard to kill is the way they are physically designed. The oriental cockroach exoskeleton can withstand up to 900 times its body weight under compressed forces. Hence, anything you try to squish them with is highly unlikely to kill even one individual.
In addition to the oriental cockroach exoskeleton being unusually strong, their insides are just as strong. They have evolved to be resistant to almost all pesticides available to the general public. Anything you buy at your local store is also unlikely to have any effect on them. Another not-so-fun fact is that salmonella strains from oriental cockroaches are also more resistant to treatment.
The Secret to Effective Cockroach Control in North Texas
When it comes to effective oriental cockroach control, Adams Exterminating Company is here to help. We have been working in North Texas since 1947, passing down generational knowledge and skills that allow our technicians to safely and effectively exterminate oriental cockroach infestations for good. Not only are they armed with that expert knowledge, but they have access to advanced pest control chemicals and formulas not readily available to the general public, giving them an edge in the fight against the oriental cockroach. If you are dealing with an infestation, don't be ashamed, they will invade homes whether they are dirty or not. Our technicians are on standby, ready to offer you compassionate service proven to exterminate these pests permanently. Call us today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.