Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests, but there’s a great deal of confusion regarding some key details about these insects. Following these misconceptions can lead to home infestations that are preventable in many cases. To help you keep these creatures out of your living space, learn the truth behind three common myths about cockroaches. 

3 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Cockroaches

1. Cockroaches Can Fly

This myth is only partly true. Only certain cockroach species use wings for aviation, including the American, Cuban, Asian, Australian, Pennsylvania wood, and Megaloblatta varieties. Others prefer to crawl and use their wings to glide short distances. Flying beetles are often mistaken for cockroaches, possibly fueling this misconception. 

2. Only Dirty Homes Get Infestations

Although forgetting to do the dishes and take out the trash will attract cockroaches, they also gravitate to well-kept homes. They might seek shelter inside your house if conditions outside make outdoor spaces uninhabitable. Water also attracts these pests, and they can cause infestations in homes with plumbing problems.

3. You Should Worry More About Big Roaches

Although large roaches might make your skin crawl more than smaller ones do, any insects inside your home should be cause for concern. Roaches could carry salmonella and other harmful bacteria. When they move, they leave saliva and fecal matter in their path — possibly even transferring bacteria to food. 

 

 

Tackling any infestation on your own can be dangerous, which is why you should enlist the HUB-certified pest control technicians at Hi-Tech Pest Pros in Houston, TX, to help. Serving clients in Greater Houston and the surrounding areas for over 30 years, the technicians have the training and experience to locate the source of the problems and provide solutions to rid your home of termites, bedbugs, bats, mosquitoes, and rodents as well as cockroaches. To schedule commercial or residential pest control services, call (281) 335-5725. Find a complete list of intruders the team will keep out of your space online.