When taking care of your North Dallas home, there are many things that you have to worry about. One problem you might encounter is a pest infestation. Some of the worst pests to deal with are cockroaches. While most people know that cockroaches are bad, many don’t realize just how bad they are. Cockroaches are annoying, but they are more than just an annoyance. Cockroaches are dangerous pests that can spread many germs and pathogens that can harm humans.
The first step to dealing with cockroaches is to know what they look like. Being able to identify cockroaches can help you eliminate them as quickly as possible:
They are usually a reddish-brown color.
They have long antennae.
They have six legs that look like they have little spikes coming out of them.
Why Are Cockroaches So Dangerous?
Cockroaches outside tend to hang out in places that are dark, damp, and next to food sources. They often live in places like sewers, garbage dumps, and pipes. The spines on their legs easily pick up germs on sewage, decaying matter, and garbage, and they then carry these pathogens into your home if they get inside.
Since cockroaches are attracted to moist, dark areas, they are usually found in bathrooms and kitchens once inside. This makes it easy for them to spread diseases in areas where you prepare your food, and they often get into the food itself. Cockroaches can start spreading diseases throughout your home before you’re even aware they’re there. Here are some of the health risks of cockroaches:
They’ve been known to spread over 30 different diseases.
They can spread many serious diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
They can contaminate food.
They can also trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
Because of these reasons, cockroaches are one of the worst pests to have in your home, and it's important to get rid of them right away.
How To Identify A Cockroach Infestation
While you might notice cockroaches by seeing them, this isn’t always the case. There are often other signs of cockroaches that you’ll notice first. Here are some of the other things to look out for:
Cylindrical-shaped droppings
Brown, irregularly shaped smear marks
Their shed skins
An unusual smell
If you haven’t noticed any of these signs, there are some things you can do to prevent cockroaches from getting inside. Prevention methods aren’t always completely effective, but they can help. It's always better to try to prevent an infestation before it occurs. Here are some prevention steps you can take:
Clean up any food spills or crumbs right away.
Keep your home free of excess moisture by fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
Fix holes in screens in doors and windows.
Vacuum and clean regularly.
Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
Getting Rid Of An Infestation
If you notice any signs of cockroaches in your North Dallas home or business, it’s important to address the issue right away. The safest and most effective way to get rid of cockroaches is to contact the pest control professionals at DANCAN The Pest Control Expert. We can also offer advice on how to prevent cockroaches. Give us a call today to learn more.