In North Texas, we enjoy a climate that fits our lifestyle. The hot summers don’t faze the warm-blooded Texan, and the mild winters are a refreshing cool-off from the dusty summer heat. However, this climate makes Texas a perfect breeding ground for cockroaches, particularly the most common and pervasive species: the German cockroach. Warm winters and humid stormy seasons give these pests a longer breeding window throughout the year, since they are a cold-blooded insect that prefers warm, wet areas.
German cockroaches, despite their European-sounding name, are common throughout the world and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Typically tan or brown in color and oval-shaped, German cockroaches are distinguishable from other species by the dark, parallel lines on their backs right behind the head. They have two antennae and long, spindly legs that are perfect for quickly darting into the shadows when the lights go on. And their small size means they can easily squeeze through even the smallest cracks or holes to gain entry into homes.
Cockroaches can hide in pre-owned electronics and are frequently brought in via grocery bags or other containers that are brought in from elsewhere. These roaches are called pests for a reason since they can cause property damage and spread diseases. They can chew through paper, plastic and foil packaging easily. It’s not news that roaches root around in the trash looking for morsels, which means that they likely just came from a grimy area before crawling all over the dishes in the sink or in the cupboards.
Cockroaches have been linked to the spread of E. Coli, Salmonella, and other diseases, as well as several types of parasites. And some people have serious allergic reactions to roach droppings and shed skins they leave around the house.
To prevent roach infestations, proper sanitation of the home is important. Clean up spills and messes quickly, particularly crumbs and other food waste. Proper ventilation of crawl spaces and closets is important, too, particularly in places that are located near pipes. Keeping these areas dry discourages roaches from making them into brooding areas. Tightly seal your food away in tough containers that roaches can’t easily chew through, and make sure your trash cans, indoor and outdoor, aren’t easily accessible to the bugs.
While there are some roach sprays and mists that can be purchased from stores, it can be tough to find a product that will effectively eradicate the populations of roaches. That’s because mists and fogs, often found in the form of “bug bombs,” don’t penetrate deep into cracks and hard-to-reach places where roaches hide.
Furthermore, bug foggers often contain highly flammable chemicals that create fire hazards from the traces left behind. Numerous house fires around the country have been linked to the residue left behind by bug bombs.
That’s why the best course of action is to call the professionals at Adams. We serve all of North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and provide free estimates for homeowners.
Call Adams Exterminating Company to combat creepy, crawling cockroaches. We offer effective pest control so you’ll have the assurance that we’ll get the problem solved in the quickest, safest way for you and your home.