If you've seen any signs of cockroaches in your Austin home, you may have an infestation of them. You need to know if they can really make you sick, why they're in your home, and whether you should call Austin pest control company EnviroGuard for help. This handy guide answers those questions and more.
Does Seeing One Cockroach In My Home Mean I Have An Infestation?
If you see one cockroach in your Austin home, the odds are good that you've got, at the very least, a few hundred roaches in the house with you. You're most likely to see either American or German cockroaches. Here's how to tell the difference:
American cockroaches are 1 ¼ to 2 ? inches long and reddish-brown with a yellowish figure eight on top of their heads. They have wings and can fly or glide short distances.
German cockroaches are ½ to ? inch long and light brown or tan with two dark parallel lines on their backs, right behind their heads. They also have wings but rarely use them, preferring to run instead.
Now that you know you've got them, your next question is probably, "How do I get rid of cockroaches?" Don't worry. EnviroGuard is ready to help you fight these filthy pests and get cockroaches out of your Austin home for good.
Can Roaches In My Home Really Make Me Sick?
The short answer is, yes. Cockroaches are known to carry 33 different types of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms, and at least seven other types of human pathogens, including:
- Salmonellosis
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- Listeriosis
- Giardia
- E. coli
German cockroaches can also cause allergic reactions, especially in people who have asthma. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible, but you can develop a German cockroach allergy at any point in your life. That's why it's so important to get professional cockroach control in Austin at the first sign of an infestation.
Why Do I Have Roaches In My House?
By now, you're probably wondering, "Why are there cockroaches in my house?" They're there for the same reasons you are: food, water, and shelter. Some sources of food for them include:
- Pet food that's left out overnight
- Dirty dishes piled in the sink
- Crumbs or spills on the counter
Water sources include;
- Pet water bowls
- Sinks
- Bathtubs and showers
- Leaky fixtures
- Leaking pipes
Knowing this, you can probably guess how to prevent cockroaches in Austin. It's simple. Deny cockroaches these food and water sources. Don't let your pet's bowls out overnight when roaches are most active. Wash your dishes after every meal, and clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. Vacuum your kitchen often, and take out your kitchen trash daily, ideally to covered trash cans at least six feet away from your house. Wipe down your sinks, showers, and tubs after using them. Repair any fixtures or pipes that are dripping and maintain your drainage systems.
You also need to deny cockroaches entry into your home for shelter. Seal up any crevices or cracks in your foundation. Repair any torn screens in windows or doors. Make sure your door sweeps completely seal your door from outside intruders. German cockroaches can fit through surprisingly small openings.
Should I Call EnviroGuard About Roaches In My House?
The short answer is, again, yes. You should call EnviroGuard at the first sign of roaches in your house because the smaller the infestation is, the easier it is to stop its spread. EnviroGuard knows how to get rid of cockroaches safely and quickly while keeping your family safe and healthy. We use environmentally-friendly pest control products that are highly efficient at getting rid of unwanted pests. Contact us today to get your free quote and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Austin.