The great state of Texas has one of the most ideal climates for many pests including Cockroaches. Texas homes and buildings are constantly under siege by various cockroach species where many carry and spread harmful diseases wherever they go. A-Tex Pest Management will share the most common species of cockroaches that invade Texas buildings and homes and how you can prevent an infestation.
American Cockroach Life Cycle
One of the most common species found throughout America is the American Cockroach. They are also one of the larger species of cockroaches found in the states. Reaching up to two inches in length, these large cockroaches are also equipped with full-size wings and can fly very short distances. More like gliding downward, American cockroaches only fly when they feel threatened. However, sometimes they will fly toward light sources if they’re in a tree. They will respond to a lighted window or open door. American cockroaches are a dark reddish-brown color, often with lighter outlines that trace their body. Like most cockroaches, the American cockroach likes dark humid areas and a plentiful food source, which is why they will infest homes.
German Cockroach Infestations
The German cockroach is one species that favors indoor structures and will invade homes and other buildings all year round. They are a smaller species, not quite reaching a full inch in length. They are easily identified with their golden-bronze colored bodies and two dark brown or black stripes going down their head and sometimes their full body. They too have a full set of wings that cover their body. However they hardly ever use them to fly. German Cockroaches also like dark humid places and are most often found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Asian Cockroach Size & Facts
Asian cockroaches are strongly drawn to light, which is the leading reason why they will enter homes. In most cases, they prefer to stay outdoors. They also have full-sized wings and can and often do fly, even long distances. Asian cockroaches look just like German cockroaches which can make it difficult to tell the difference between the two species. Just know one loves to fly while the other does not.
Oriental Cockroaches
The Oriental cockroach is a dark brown or black cockroach with a shiny texture to its surface. They love water and humid environments. They are often found in drains, sewers, or in dark wet places inside buildings and homes. Oriental cockroaches received the nickname “water bug” for their love of wet areas. Out of all the species of cockroaches, the oriental cockroach greatly depends on water for survival. Only the males have wings. However, they are very short only covering half of their abdomen. They move very slowly and emit a foul odor.
Preventing Cockroaches in Your House or Apartment
All species of cockroaches are capable of carrying and spreading life-threatening diseases to humans and are regarded as a dangerous pest. It is important to prevent cockroaches from invading your home. With the combined effort of a professional pest control company, follow these basic prevention tips.
• Never leave food out inside your home. All food should be sealed away from pests in airtight containers made of glass, steel, or hard thick plastic.
• Maintain good sanitation practices by keeping your home clean. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink and sweep up all crumbs.
• Repair any and all leaks around the inside and outside of your home. Your goal is to deny them a water source.
• Inspect new furniture, appliances, packages or boxes and even groceries for signs of cockroaches.
• Humidity control is another preventive method. Dehumidifying the inside of a building will deter most cockroaches.
• Seal any cracks in the building’s foundation and fill in spaces around utility access areas.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Control Services & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you need help controlling cockroaches and other pests around your home, contact A-Tex Pest Management for all of your pest control needs.