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How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches: A Comprehensive Guide For Longview Homeowners

German cockroach in kitchen
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Are you looking for an East Texas town full of fun? Look no further than Longview. Those who love outdoor life will feel right at home, where blue skies and fish fries reign supreme! Enjoying what nature has to offer is the name of the game in Longview, but one of nature's creatures that people would rather avoid is cockroaches. When these critters scurry indoors, homeowners must quickly use professionals for cockroach removal services.

Understanding The Cockroach Problem: Identifying The Culprits

Out of the many pests that invade Longview homes, cockroaches typically rank ten out of ten on the "gross-out" meter. With at least four different kinds of cockroaches in the local area, it's always good to differentiate between them.

The American cockroach grows between 1 1/4 to 2 1/8 inches long, has a reddish-brown oval body, and a distinctive light-colored, figure-eight pattern behind the head. It does have wings; however, it favors running instead of flying.

Smoky brown cockroaches are dark, almost black. Their oval bodies measure between 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. They make use of their wings and frequently fly. 

The oval bodies of German cockroaches grow between 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch. Their coloration ranges from tan to brown, and they have distinctive, dark, almost parallel lines that start behind their heads and run down their back. These cockroaches do have the ability to fly but rarely do. 

While oriental cockroaches can appear a dark reddish-brown, their 1-inch oval bodies typically have a shiny black sheen. These cockroaches can't fly.

Identifying cockroaches is essential for effective removal from homes, so it's vital to utilize the services of a well-seasoned and experienced pest control company like Gecko Pest Control. Our technicians can quickly identify and eliminate whatever cockroach species troubles your home.

Health Risks Of Roaches: The Dangers Of Cockroach Infestations

A cockroach spends most of its life roaming around in the filth of this world. Their "happy places" include dead and decaying matter, drains, pipes, and sewers. The filthy places cockroaches visit teem with bacteria, which cockroaches collect on their bodies and spiny legs. Upon entering homes, these pathogens and bacteria get transferred to surfaces and foods around your home. Cockroaches transmit over 33 different types of bacteria, six different types of pathogenic worms, and at least seven different human pathogens.

Some of the diseases associated with cockroaches include the following: 

  • Typhoid fever
  • E. coli infection
  • Salmonellosis
  • Cholera
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Listeriosis
  • Giardia

Cockroach health issues don't stop at diseases; they also affect the air quality of homes. A cockroach's feces, urine, discarded skin, and saliva contain allergens that can affect people battling asthma and allergies. Cockroach infestations in homes can cause people significant discomfort, so removing them from homes is essential. Homeowners can quickly restore a healthy home environment using reliable cockroach control services from Gecko Pest Control.

Say Goodbye To Cockroaches: Contact The Pest Control Experts

The best way to say goodbye to cockroaches is with help from the pest control experts at Gecko Pest Control. We are a family-owned company with over 20 years of experience in the pest control industry. Our experienced technicians are the "best of the best." We strive to establish a close personal relationship with our customers while providing the professional and comprehensive pest control services you need. Homeowners can get started on cockroach control in Longview today when they contact Gecko Pest Control.

Proactive Prevention: How To Prevent Cockroaches From Returning

The best way to stop cockroaches from entering homes is with a proactive approach to cockroach prevention. Homeowners who utilize a few preventative measures around their homes can do much to keep cockroaches from getting comfortable inside their homes.

Six tips homeowners can utilize for house cockroach prevention include the following:

  1. Keep weatherstripping and screens around windows and doors in good repair.
  2. Use caulking to seal openings around sewer vents, pipes, and utility lines.
  3. Check firewood, boxes, and grocery bags before bringing them indoors.
  4. Keep kitchens clean and sanitized; vacuuming frequently.
  5. Repair plumbing leaks quickly.
  6. Reduce clutter indoors.

Any preventative measures homeowners use to deter cockroaches from being attracted to their premises is wise, but even preventive measures aren't always enough to keep cockroaches out. If and when cockroaches break through your preventative barriers, it's time to call in the pest professionals at Gecko Pest Control. Our local cockroach control services can help remove cockroaches and encourage them never to return.