Understanding Cockroaches

Unfortunately, cockroaches are some of the worst household pests you will ever encounter. Cockroaches are destructive, dangerous, and need to be eradicated quickly. Delaying treatment will put you and your loved ones at risk. Cockroaches can carry and transmit serious diseases so you cannot push this problem down the road. Doing so will leave you vulnerable. Although there are more than 4,000 known cockroach species, only 30 species are linked to human habitats. Many cockroach species will not enter and live in your home. Once you’ve found cockroaches in your home, finding out the species is pertinent.

Identifying the species can help determine why they’re in your home and how to get rid of them. Below, you’ll learn more about some of Houston’s most common cockroach species.

Most Common Species Of Cockroaches In Houston

Houston is home to many cockroach species, but some are more common and problematic than others.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches can reach lengths of 5/8 of an inch when they’re adults. They can be identified by their tan color and the racing stripes on their heads. Unfortunately, a German cockroach infestation will rapidly expand because this species will breed prolifically. A female will be able to produce egg cases containing up to 40 eggs. Their wings give the impression that they can fly, but they don’t. If you’re searching your home for German cockroaches, check around your appliances.

American Cockroaches

Houston residents will likely encounter American cockroaches since they’re common in this area. American cockroaches are large so you won’t be able to ignore their presence. Some can reach up to 2 inches in length making them one of the largest cockroach species in Houston. You’ll be even more concerned when you learn that American cockroaches can fly and they live a long time. They can live many years with it requiring two years or longer to mature. An American cockroach infestation won’t happen in a day or two. When American cockroaches are present, you’ll likely be able to find a leaking sewer pipe nearby.

Although these are two of the most common species in Houston, there are others. You’ll also encounter Brown-banded cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, Surinam cockroaches, Smokeybrown cockroaches, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, and Mediterranean spotted cockroaches.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

Although they’re called Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, they may live in Texas. You may not recognize male and female cockroaches because they look dramatically different. Male roaches are much larger with some reaching 1 inch. As for females, they can reach three-quarters of an inch. Again, they’re native to the Eastern United States but can be found elsewhere. Thankfully, they’re not common pests since they rarely enter homes and never reproduce in human dwellings. Some of the common problems leading to Pennsylvania wood cockroach infestations include woodpiles and stopped gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

Houston residents may run into Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches as well. The species has small cockroaches that may reach a third of an inch. They’re light brown and have darker freckles. The species is native to Europe but entered the United States many years ago. Since they were introduced to America in the mid-1900s, their population has exploded across the country. These cockroaches primarily stay outside, but they might enter your home mistakenly.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches will be impossible to ignore since they can grow up to 1 and ¼ inches. They’re generally black or dark brown and males develop wings that cover most of their body. However, female Oriental cockroaches do not develop wings. Oriental cockroaches and American cockroaches share many behaviors, but the former can handle the cold weather much better. As a result, you’ll likely find Oriental cockroaches taking shelter near your trashcans.

Smokeybrown Cockroaches

Some smokeybrown cockroaches will be an inch and a half in length. All of them are reddish-brown with a shiny hue. These cockroaches can often be found in the Southern portion of the United States, but they’re also found in Texas, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. If they hide in a shipping package, they’ll arrive in Texas and find a way to survive.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are unique because this species only has female cockroaches. Since there are no male cockroaches, the female will give live birth to baby cockroaches. Nevertheless, they can reproduce and spread rapidly. The good news is that these cockroaches rarely enter human dwellings. Instead, they’ll be located in your greenhouse or atrium. They prefer being close to potted plants. Since they like warmer temperatures, they rarely travel north. They grow up to three-quarters of an inch and can be found in most Texas cities.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Texans have to worry about brown-banded cockroaches. They’re smaller than most with some reaching half an inch. They’re similar to German cockroaches but they do not have stripes on their heads. Although these cockroaches aren’t common in our area, they may enter residential and commercial structures.

Why Are Cockroaches Entering My Home?

The reason cockroaches have entered your home depends on the cockroach species. Many people believe that cockroaches primarily enter homes because they’re dirty. Cockroaches will enter homes that haven’t been cleaned thoroughly, but this isn’t the only reason. In some cases, they’ve entered your home after being attracted to your blocked rain gutters. The important thing is putting together a plan to fix the problem.

How Dangerous Are Cockroaches?

You’ve likely heard that cockroaches are dangerous. Well, you’ve heard the truth. Unfortunately, cockroaches are incredibly dangerous so you cannot delay rectifying the problem. If you ignore it, the infestation will continue growing and the risks will compound. A bigger infestation is more dangerous than a small one. They’re not physically dangerous since they don’t sting or bite. However, cockroaches can carry dangerous diseases and contaminate your food. Cockroaches are known to spread salmonella. They can also create problems for people with asthma. If you don’t remedy the issue, your cockroach infestation will increase the likelihood that you’ll experience diarrhea, food poisoning, and dysentery.

What Can I Do To Get Rid Of Cockroaches?

After identifying a cockroach infestation, take steps to eradicate the pests is essential. The problem is that you’ll need to identify the species so you can know why they’re in your home. If your home needs cleaning, take a day and clean your home. Focus more on your kitchen and deal with food crumbs. Make sure all of your food products are stored in airtight containers. If you can cut off their food supply, you may convince the roaches to leave your home without a fight. You’ll also want to learn more about do-it-yourself cockroach treatments. Some are effective but they’re not perfect or fool-proof.

There is a risk that you’ll buy products that don’t work. Alternatively, you may not treat the right areas in your home and the cockroaches may return. When taking all of this into consideration, we believe it is best to work with a professional exterminator.

When Can Your Cockroach Extermination Start?

We can likely start treating your home within 48 hours of your initial call.

Do You Offer Safe Cockroach Treatments?

We do. We understand that our clients sincerely want to protect their loved ones. We feel the same so we’re going to do our best to protect everyone involved. Our company strives to rectify cockroach infestations using safe, non-toxic techniques. The products we used have been tested extensively, and they’re registered with the EPA. Before the extermination begins, our pest control expert will give you tips for keeping your loved ones safe before, during, and after the treatment.

Preventing Cockroaches From Entering Your Home

Unfortunately, cockroaches are relentless so they may not stop until they find a way to enter your home. Still, you shouldn’t stop without putting up a fight. Make sure that your home’s exterior walls are fully sealed so cockroaches can’t find a way inside, and keep your home clean so they can’t find food in your home.