One of the most distressing feelings as a homeowner is suddenly seeing a cockroach scurrying on your kitchen counter or bathroom floor.
Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests worldwide. In Texas, the heat drives cockroaches into homes looking for cool, moist places to escape. If you suspect you might be experiencing a cockroach infestation, read this guide to discover everything you need to know about prevention and control specifically for your Texas home or business.
Are cockroaches common in Texas?
Cockroaches are, unfortunately, one of the most common household pests throughout Texas. Due to our state’s warm climate, which is ideal for cockroach breeding conditions, most Texas homeowners have experienced at least one cockroach infestation at some point.
What eats cockroaches in Texas?
The most common predators of cockroaches in Texas are reptiles—especially lizards, geckos, chameleons, and iguanas—or amphibians, like toads and frogs. Since cockroaches like to live in dark, damp places, they often become prey for the types of amphibians who live in the same environment. Some small mammals like mice and shrews will also eat cockroaches, but they aren’t the pest’s most common predator in Texas.
When is cockroach season in Texas?
While Texas cockroaches are typically more active in the spring and summer, there’s a good chance you’ll see them any time of year. The cockroach population tends to hold strong during colder months thanks to our climate and mild winters
Types of cockroaches in Texas
While there are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, there are just a handful that Texas homeowners will face. Below are the most common cockroaches in Texas:
- American: Also referred to as water bugs or wood roaches, American cockroaches are the largest species in Texas, with an average length of 1 ½ inches. American cockroaches are reddish-brown with tan markings on the back of their head. They prefer dark, warm areas with ample moisture, meaning you’ll likely find them in the kitchen or bathrooms.
- German: At just 0.13 inches long, the German cockroach is the smallest common cockroach found in Texas. They’re light brown and have small wings, but aren’t capable of typical flying. They only use their wings to glide to safety when necessary. You can often spot them in pantries, bathrooms, or hiding in cardboard boxes.
- Oriental: Another species with non-functional wings, Oriental cockroaches have shiny, black bodies and average about 1 inch in length. Oriental cockroaches typically live outside in gardens or near garbage cans. They head indoors when the heat gets too severe, making it common to find them in basements, crawl spaces, and walls.
How to prevent cockroaches in Texas
Most cockroach species are difficult to eradicate. The best way to address a cockroach problem is by focusing on prevention. While some store-bought or homemade remedies are available, they often only address the pest problem at the surface without providing a long-term solution, causing further complications down the road. The following measures can help you stay ahead of a cockroach problem:
- Take out the trash. Regularly take out home trash to eliminate smells that attract cockroaches.
- Use tight lids. A strong-sealing lid on your garbage bins and food storage containers also helps prevent appealing odors and keeps cockroaches from accessing the trash or food.
- Prevent excess moisture. Check the areas of your home that tend to accumulate excessive moisture, like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens. A dehumidifier can help draw some moisture out of the air.
- Routinely clean. Wipe down your countertops, sweep, and vacuum, especially in areas where there could be food crumbs or particles that cockroaches love to eat.
The ideal solution: professional pest control services
The best way to properly handle a cockroach infestation is by hiring a professional pest control service like Hawx Pest Control. We offer safe and affordable extermination for your current infestation as well as preventative treatments to eliminate potential threats before they turn into expensive problems.
Our teams focus on developing customized plans for your situation that deliver the best results and safest possible outcomes. Call us today for a free estimate to get your pest problem under control and restore peace to your home.
