What Houston Property Owners Should Know About American Cockroaches
As a homeowner, you already have a lot of responsibilities. You’ve got a job to do, bills to pay, and plenty of responsibilities around the house. So it is understandable that when you see a roach, while it may not be a pleasant feeling, you really don’t want to take extra time to do much about it. Most of us squash them, pick them up, and move on with our day.
However, if you knew the damage that a prolonged American cockroach infestation could do to your business, home, or health, you’d think twice before moving on to other responsibilities. Cockroach control might be a hassle, but it is more than worth it in the long run.
American Cockroach Problems
The American cockroach is one of the most common home-invaders in the Houston area, but they aren’t actually from America. Originating in Africa, these roaches migrated over to become the largest roach species in the continental United States. Their dark brown/red bodies measure up to two inches long, painting quite the imposing figure inside a home.
However, intimidation is the least of your worries when it comes to an American cockroach infestation in your home or business. You see, roaches enjoy inhabiting the most contaminated areas of Houston. They thrive in places like landfills, dumpsters, and even sewers. These types of environments are full of easy meal opportunities for roaches, but they are also full of dangerous bacteria.
When American cockroaches invade your home or business, they’ll bring this bacteria in with them. This puts you at risk of dangerous disease incursion, especially when these roaches crawl across your food preparation surfaces. Severe roach infestations can cause diseases like salmonella, E. coli, and many others.
If the health hazards don’t scare you, maybe you’re more worried about the potential for damage. Roaches secrete a pathogen as they move around that not only can cause an allergic reaction but can also cause yellowing and deterioration in the walls. They will also overrun any stored food containers that aren’t closed securely.
Possible Prevention Techniques
Another troubling aspect of an American cockroach infestation is how difficult it can be to get rid of it. Their strong, flexible exoskeletons not only make them hard to squash, but they also allow these roaches to flatten their bodies to escape potential harm. While you may not be able to get them out of your house, you might be able to keep them from coming in by limiting the factors that will attract them to your property in the first place. Roach prevention activities you can take care of on your own include:
Regular Cleaning Habits: Since roaches can live on just a few crumbs, vacuuming and mopping the floors is essential. You’ll also want to clean the counters and tables regularly.
Addressing Moisture Issues: Since roaches love damp, dark environments, you need to control moisture buildup on your property. This includes mowing the grass regularly, using a dehumidifier in the crawl spaces, and checking your pipes for leaks.
Storing Food Properly And Promptly: Leaving food in the sink or on the counters will attract roaches quickly. Make sure to store food in hard, plastic containers with tightly secured lids that roaches cannot damage.
If you do wind up with roaches in your home, don’t try and get rid of them yourself. Many home remedies are dangerous or just plain ineffective, so why leave the health of yourself, your family, or your employees to chance? Don't waste your time and money on potentially toxic sprays; contact the professionals at Modern Pest Control at the first sign of American cockroaches for a guaranteed solution.