Most cockroaches don't bite people; none are venomous or have stingers. However, they are far from harmless. These bugs can carry and spread a wide range of diseases to you and your family. If you are seeing cockroaches in your home, you should view it as a serious problem and take care of it as soon as possible.
At EcoTech Pest Control Services, your safety is our top priority. Our Tampa pest control specialists have been battling these invasive insects for over a decade, and we know the best way to make your home roach-free.
Physical Characteristics Of Roaches: How To Identify Them
A few different types of cockroaches are found in Tampa. All species will have the same basic appearance, which includes six legs, two antennae, and a flat, oval-shaped body. However, each roach will have its own set of unique characteristics and behaviors.
Here is a closer look at the common types of roaches that you are likely to see around your Tampa property:
- American cockroach: The American cockroach is bigger than the other cockroaches in this area. It can measure 1 1/4 and 2 1/8 inches long and has two extra-long antennae. Their bodies are reddish brown and feature a yellow mark on their heads in a figure-eight pattern. They have a pair of large wings on their back that they can use to fly, but they rarely do and usually choose to run everywhere.
- Oriental cockroaches: These roaches have dark reddish-brown or black bodies with a glossy appearance. Male oriental cockroaches have large wings covering most of their body, and females have small wings you can barely see. Both males and females cannot fly and crawl around drains and other damp areas. Because of their love of moist and humid areas, we often call them "waterbugs."
- German cockroach: German cockroaches are the smallest roaches on this list. They typically measure around 1/2 inch long and have light brown bodies. On their backs, two dark parallel lines start just behind their head and run down to the end of their body. Like the American cockroach, the German cockroach can fly but rarely does. Instead, male and female German roaches usually walk or run to every destination.
If a cockroach enters your home, it will not take long for your home to develop a full-blown roach infestation. Female cockroaches produce egg sacs containing five to 30 baby roaches inside.
Health Risks Of Roaches: The Dangers Of Cockroaches Infestations
Roaches can spread dangerous diseases throughout your home, which include gastroenteritis, dysentery, cholera, salmonellosis, and E. coli infections. They commonly spread these diseases by leaving their urine and feces scattered throughout your home. Many people have also experienced severe allergic reactions when they come into contact with a roach's waste and could develop asthma and other adverse side effects.
Professional Roach Extermination: Call The Experts Right Away
The best way to get rid of a roach infestation in your Tampa home is to call a professional as soon as possible. A professional roach control technician will be able to check the roach's favorite hiding spots and determine what type of infestation you have. Once a thorough inspection is complete, the pest control specialist can develop a customized roach elimination plan.
Preventing Cockroach Infestations: Tips For A Roach-Free Home
If you want to prevent roaches from coming into your Tampa home, we can help. At EcoTech Pest Control Services, we are committed to keeping your home roach-free. Reach out today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Tampa.