There are many species of cockroaches found all around the world. They are one of the worst pests that constantly infest our homes and businesses all year long. Each species of cockroach has its own behaviors that make it easier to manage if you know what kind of species you are having trouble with. A-Tex Pest Management will cover the top species of cockroaches that inhabit the great state of Texas and how you can better approach your pest management of these nasty little insects.
Where Do American Cockroaches Come From?
The American Cockroach is one of the largest species of cockroaches that are found around the world. Most people believe, due to its name, that it is native to North America. However, it is not! The American cockroach arrived in North America in the 1600s, with a shipment of trade goods from Africa. These freaky species of cockroaches can grow up to 2 inches long. They are light reddish-brown with yellow accent patterns on its body. They are drawn to dark moist areas like drainage pipes and often make their way into buildings through these pipes. They will grow the largest and quickest with a plentiful food source. Grocery stores and restaurants will notice the rapid development of American Cockroaches. The American Cockroach is known to hold at least 33 kinds of diseases, as well as many allergens, pathogens, and parasites that can spread to humans.
German Cockroaches Facts
The German Cockroach is considered the most common of cockroach species around the world. They will reproduce up to six generations a year. The German cockroach is light brown or tan in color with two distinct dark brown or black stripes coming down from their head. They are a smaller species of cockroach, growing up to 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. Given their smaller size, they can slip through the tiniest of cracks. Another reason why German cockroaches are so successful is that their diet can include just about anything. They will eat paper, glue, toothpaste and even human hair, skin, and fingernail trimmings. They are also one of the most common cockroach species found in our home in the wintertime. Regardless of how clean and well kept your home is they will make themselves home because they like warm places. German Cockroaches also hitchhike their way into buildings when someone brings boxes, or grocery bags, etc. They too carry many diseases, parasites, pathogens and allergens.
I Found an Oriental Cockroach in My House
The Oriental Cockroach sometimes called water bugs due to their nasty habit of crawling out of drain pipes, are all black with a shiny greasy-looking surface which also makes them look like a beetle at first. They grow up to an inch long and carry a musty smell. Despite their name, Oriental cockroaches are of North American descent. They can survive in freezing temperatures for a long period of time. This makes them another common invader during the winter season. They too have a broad diet, including decaying plant matter and decaying paper products. They will hide in drain pipes, leaves, firewood stacks and other piles of debris. Like many other species of cockroaches, they too will carry many harmful diseases and pathogens that will cause allergies and respiratory problems and illness in humans.
Cockroach Inspection, Prevention, Control & Extermination in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
When it comes to managing these pests, it is never easy and will become a never-ending endeavor. Keep the outdoor areas free of clutter and debris, as well as your home. Reducing the amount of food left out or unsealed will greatly help reduce cockroach activity in your home or business. However it will not completely stop them, just reduce them. Having a pest control company that will routinely spray pesticides out and inside of your home will ward off those nasty intruders. If you find that you need help with your cockroach problem A-Tex Pest Management is a call away. Call us today to rid yourself of these nasty pests.