Many pests invade properties in Dallas. One that you should do your research on is the American cockroach. This pest is more than an annoyance and poses a serious threat to human health. The question is, why are American cockroaches dangerous, and what should you be doing to keep them out of your living areas? To help you with this today, here are some facts you should know.
Identifying An American Cockroach
All cockroaches share biological features in common. For instance, they all have flat bodies, a pair of long, straight antennae, and six legs that cling to walls and ceilings. The American cockroach, in particular, is reddish-brown, 1¼ to 2⅛” long, and has a yellow figure-eight pattern located behind its head. It is also wingless, unlike other species that live in our area. You might encounter one of these pests inside your home, skittering through your laundry room, kitchen, or other humid areas.
How American Cockroaches Hurt Humans
American cockroaches themselves are not harmful, meaning they don’t bite often and do not have venom. The way these pests threaten humans is by spreading harmful bacteria, human pathogens, and parasitic worms. You might contract a cockroach-spread disease by interacting with this pest’s fecal droppings or by consuming food they have crawled over. Some of the most common diseases you might contract from a roach include salmonellosis, cholera, campylobacteriosis, leprosy, listeriosis, and gastroenteritis.
Another way American cockroaches threaten human health is with their dry skin and fecal droppings. As these pests shed and defecate throughout homes, these bi-products break down and are picked up into the air like dust. If you have allergies or asthma, you are likely to react negatively to these particular irritants.
Other Problems American Cockroaches Cause
Threatening humans is not the only problem American cockroaches cause; however, it is the most concerning issue. Another problem these pests cause is their strange diet. It is not uncommon for a roach to consume books, clothing, and other stored belongings. Other weird things these pests consume include nail clippings, paste, and human saliva.
The Difficulties With Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Cockroach Control
Cockroaches are considered one of the most difficult pests to eliminate. This is due to a few factors. For one, roaches are resilient. They can withstand five times more radiation than humans and are resistant to many traditional pest control sprays and products. Cockroaches are also adept at avoiding danger. They stay out of sight during the day and only come out at night to forage for food and water. Finally, cockroaches breed rapidly. It does not take long for a small infestation of these bugs to turn into a serious problem.
Another problem with DIY cockroach control is that products used to eliminate these pests are also harmful to human health when misused. If you are set on dealing with American cockroaches on your own, we highly recommend doing your research first to avoid injury.
How Professionals Handle An American Cockroach Infestation
If American cockroaches are skittering around inside your Dallas home, you have reason to be concerned. To make sure these pests get and stay out, get the experts at Dynasty Pest Control involved. We will start with a thorough pest inspection to identify pest pressures around your home and property. We will then inform you of the situation and provide some options for service to remove current pest problems. Finally, we will recommend a long-term solution that will effectively eliminate pests before they get into your living areas.
Call us now for any questions you have and find a time to have your Dallas home serviced.