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Although they are usually incredibly small, cockroaches are among the most feared pests a home or business could receive. Even worse, most people do not realize that there are around four different indoor cockroaches that could be characterized as pests. Knowing which species of cockroach have infested a structure can help determine the steps needed to control them; however, working with a professional pest control company is always recommended for the best results.
The first sign of a cockroach infestation should automatically warrant a pest inspection to determine how severe the problem is and start implementing the correct treatment options as soon as possible. No matter the cockroach infestation you have in your home or business, they can potentially spread diseases, bacteria, germs and induce allergies. Through a routinely scheduled pest maintenance program, homeowners and business owners can minimize intrusions and keep their structures protected from the threat of cockroaches and other common pests.
Types of Cockroaches
While most cockroaches are viewed as filthy insects, their ability to find their way indoors and quickly reproduce often exacerbates the fear associated with them. No matter what types of cockroach infestation a homeowner or business owner is facing, the team at Pied Piper Services can help identify them and reduce their populations. Some of the common types of cockroaches found in homes and businesses throughout Oklahoma and Texas include:
German Cockroach
German cockroaches are often a light brown or tan color and can be identified by two horizontal, golden lines that stretch the length of their body. As one of the cockroach species that are capable of flight because they possess wings, German cockroaches can frighten unsuspecting viewers as they take to the air; however, they are fast runners and will often prefer this mode of transportation. Since German Cockroaches prefer warm, humid locations to nest, they will often be found in bathrooms or kitchens that provide optimal levels of water.
American Cockroach
One of the largest cockroach species found in the area, the American cockroach can reach up to two inches in length. Like German cockroaches, American cockroaches will grow wings into adulthood and can travel short distances through the air. Both homes and commercial locations like restaurants, hospitals and offices are prime nesting areas for American cockroaches because of the food, water sources and plentiful hiding spots.
Oriental Cockroach
Sometimes referred to as “water bugs”, Oriental cockroaches are well known for the pungent odors they are capable of emitting, as well as their habits of contaminating food sources and surfaces with bacteria. Taking on a shiny, black appearance, this type of cockroach reaches around one inch in length. Oriental cockroaches are known to frequent sewers and are extremely capable of spreading diseases to unsuspecting homeowners or business owners as they build nests in damp, dark locations.
Brown-banded Cockroach
Considered one of the smallest cockroach species in the region, brown-banded cockroaches reach a maximum length of between 10 and 14 millimeters. Aptly named, the brown-banded cockroach has two light-colored bands across its wings and abdomen that are noticeable – although they may appear broken or irregular in some instances. Since this species needs less moisture than other cockroaches to survive, they can often be found in areas like living rooms or bedrooms.
I Saw a Cockroach! Now What?
Seeing even a single cockroach inside of a home or business can signify a much larger population is hiding in the shadows. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to schedule a pest control inspection. If cockroaches are found, the team at Pied Piper Services can help with proven residential and commercial pest control treatments.
Cockroach Prevention and Control
Since cockroaches are among the most unwelcome visitors a home or business can have, proprietors of these locations need to make sure they are focusing on prevention and control methods that are designed to reduce cockroach populations that may be present. As a trusted pest control provider, Pied Piper Services understands what steps should be taken to make a location less hospitable to these creepy, dirty pests. Some steps that should be taken to ensure cockroach prevention and control remains effective include:
1. Clean Up Crumbs
Even the smallest food scraps can sustain a large population of cockroaches – and when those scraps are gone, they will continue to spread and forage for new food sources. Taking the time to regularly sweep and vacuum floors can help ensure that any crumbs that were left behind are not created a beacon for cockroach species. In addition to visible areas, regularly cleaning behind appliances and wiping down surfaces in the evening can help quickly remove food sources for these nocturnal creatures.
2. Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms
Since most cockroach species will create nests in kitchens and bathrooms, homeowners and business owners need to put a little extra effort into maintaining these areas. This can include properly sealing up food sources and fixing any leaks that may be present. Both factors can directly contribute to the emergence and growth of a cockroach population, making it critical to find and fix these issues before cockroaches can leverage them.
3. Limit Possible Entryways
Although it may be hard to seal up every small hole that leads into a home or business, fixing issues around doors and windows can often be a great start to preventing pest problems. During the extreme summer heat and harsh winter cold, cockroaches are constantly looking for stable temperatures to create their nests. This makes homes and businesses that are climate controlled an excellent place to call home for many cockroach species. Limiting as many entryways as possible can help limit the chances of an infestation occurring.
4. Cut Through Clutter
Any home or business that has large amounts of clutter is creating countless hiding spots for a wide variety of pests – including cockroaches! When non-essential items begin to create clutter, it makes it much harder to thoroughly clean and ensures that crumbs or other potential food sources are not being left behind. If storage space is needed, create smart storage areas outside of the home and properly check boxes before bringing them in to ensure stowaway pests are not hitchhiking inside.
Pied Piper Services for Cockroach Control
You do not have to share your home or business with cockroaches! The experts at Pied Piper Services have the equipment and training necessary to help bring peace back to your structure with effective commercial pest control or residential pest control services. If you suspect your home has a cockroach problem, contact us today to learn how we can help!
Call us at 888-737-8943 or visit www.thepiedpiper.biz