Roach Control
Few pests in the United States are feared as much as cockroaches. Just the thought of one of these tiny pests crawling on you can make your skin crawl. Fortunately, these common pests don't have to be a problem when you partner with Emtec Pest Control. As a trusted Tulsa roach control provider, we have nearly four decades of experience dealing with these pests and can help quickly remove them from your home or business.
Why Do Roaches Enter Oklahoma Homes?
When you see a cockroach crawling across your countertop or a dead one on the floor, there's a good chance that your first instinct is to call a professional – and for a good reason! Roaches are notoriously difficult to control, and many of the typical DIY treatments found at your local hardware store only treat the visible problem. That means large populations of cockroaches will continue to exist in hidden locations while you are only actually killing the ones that are pushed out of the colony.
Although there is a common misconception that cockroaches can only be found in dirty houses, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, cockroaches don't care how dirty a home is as long as they have access to food or water. Our technicians often find that cockroaches will travel from a neighbor's house or surrounding wooded areas searching for food. Even a guest bathroom that rarely gets used can attract cockroaches if there is a small drip or water leak.
Most cockroach species can survive an entire month without access to food and a week without any water source. They can even adapt to changing environments and stimuli. For instance, although roaches don't like cleaning products like bleach, they can prevail through their dislikes and thrive in any environment that meets their basic needs. If cockroaches have access indoors and their basic needs are met, they will continue to stick around and populate until an intervention occurs.
German Cockroach
Perhaps the most prevalent species in Oklahoma, German cockroaches are incredibly fast and capable of flying. These cockroaches can be identified by their tan or light brown color, with two noticeable horizontal golden stripes running down their bodies. Since German cockroaches prefer humid and warm environments, they will often be found in bathrooms or kitchens; however, crawlspaces may also be ideal for significant nesting locations.
American Cockroach
American cockroaches are among the larger species that can be found in Oklahoma. Reaching an average length of 2", this species is characterized by its reddish-brown or chestnut coloring with a distinctive yellow band behind its head. Unlike their German counterparts, American cockroaches prefer warm nesting locations, making them extremely common in furnace locations or heating ducts. Commercial facilities like hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores are also prone to American cockroach infestations.
Oriental Cockroach
Many Oklahoma residents refer to Oriental cockroaches as "water bugs." Rest assured, these are still a form of a cockroach, no matter what name they are given. Known for their shiny black appearance, these larger cockroaches are capable of surviving freezing temperatures. Although they prefer to nest outdoors during the warmer months, they will occasionally come into garages searching for food or moisture.
Brownbanded Cockroach
The brownbanded cockroach is generally considered one of the smallest roach species in Oklahoma. Featuring a tan or light brown color, these tiny intruders can still spread bacteria, disease, and germs. This becomes even more of a problem when you realize that they like to frequent warm areas like those behind appliances or in the attic. If conditions are ideal in a nesting location, Brownbanded cockroaches will quickly repopulate.
Smokybrown Cockroach
The smokybrown cockroach is an occasional invader since they tend to nest mostly outdoors. While outside, this species will frequent mulch beds, eaves that hold water, tree holes, or ground covers. Smokybrown cockroaches tend to feed on anything available to them, including plant materials, food crumbs, fecal matter, or other dead insects. This makes them a true scavenger species.
Cockroach Extermination in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Emtec Pest Control has the skill and resources needed to help remove the worst cockroach infestations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas. Our technicians utilize specialized equipment to apply fast-acting dust insecticides into any cracks, crevices, or assembly joints for cabinetry that these pests may frequent. We also inspect the remainder of the home and apply a liquid or a dust insecticide as the situation warrants, followed by an exterior perimeter treatment.
In most cases, our cockroach control experts in Tulsa can see a decrease of 70% to 80% of the total cockroach population within two days. Over the next two weeks, the remaining 20% to 30% of cockroaches will continue to die off. Once these populations have been eliminated, preventative pest control services will be the best way to ensure that they don't return. Please don't settle for ineffective DIY cockroach treatments when you can remove them the first time with our help!