If you’ve found a roach in your home, you may be worried about what comes next. Roaches are a common sight in Texas, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less alarming to see in your home. Seeing one means it’s time to take action to control these pests and help curb future issues.
For more insight into cockroach behavior in Texas homes, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. According to Brown, several species are especially common across the state.
“German, American and smoky brown cockroaches are all common in Texas.”
Brown explains that homes are attractive to roaches because they offer everything these pests need to survive.
“Homes provide roaches with all the things they need for life: food, water and shelter.”
This guide covers the steps you’ll need to take to control cockroaches in your home, from identifying the specific species you’re dealing with to understanding potential causes, control methods and prevention strategies. Take a closer look at how to get rid of cockroaches.
How to Identify Which Cockroach Species You’re Dealing With
Handling a roach infestation starts with knowing the species. Texas homeowners typically deal with two types of cockroaches: German and American cockroaches.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches, pictured above, are what many people think of when they hear of a roach infestation. They’re small, fast and notoriously difficult to get rid of. You’ll recognize a German cockroach by their light brown color and the two dark parallel stripes running down the back of its head.
Unlike other insects and pests, German cockroaches live exclusively indoors. If you’re dealing with cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, pantries or inside your bathroom, you’re most likely seeing German cockroaches.
German cockroaches are always looking for new food and water sources, so these areas are prime locations for them to get what they need. They can produce thousands of offspring in a year, so finding one means you need to act fast.
American Cockroaches
You might recognize the American cockroach, pictured above, by their other nicknames: “water bugs” or “palmetto bugs.” They’re a common sight outdoors in the South and enormous by comparison to other roach species. They also have a reddish-brown coloring and a distinct yellow figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads.
These roaches actually prefer living outside. Extreme weather is one of the primary reasons you’ll find them indoors. They escape heavy rain or high heat by hiding in dark, damp areas of your home, such as your garage, attic or drains.
Signs of an Infestation
You shouldn’t wait until you see a roach scurrying across your home to determine whether there’s a roach problem. Roaches are nocturnal creatures. Seeing one during the day is a strong indicator that a significant population may be nearby.
But, besides coming across a live insect, what signs should you look for? For example, you may wonder whether roaches shed or leave behind other subtle evidence of their presence. Look for these red flags in and around cabinets, appliances and electronics:
- Droppings
- Musty odor
- Shed skins
- Egg cases
German cockroaches leave small droppings that look similar to coffee grounds. American cockroach droppings are larger and cylindrical. Both species can produce a musty odor, shed skins and leave egg cases.
What Attracts Cockroaches in Texas Homes?
Another key to controlling cockroaches is understanding what attracts them. German cockroaches usually hitch a ride from one location to another through things like grocery bags or delivery boxes. American cockroaches make their way in through cracks and crevices.
The Role of Heat and Humidity
Pests are active nearly year-round in Texas due to the heat and humidity. Roaches are cold-blooded and thrive in warm, humid environments. It can also become too hot for the American cockroach, prompting them to scurry inside for shelter. That’s why controlling moisture in your home is vital.
Common Indoor Attractants
Roaches are scavengers and opportunists. Once they find a source of food and shelter, they’ll make themselves comfortable and take what they can get. Common indoor attractants include the following:
- Food residue, like crumbs, grease or even pet food
- Leaky pipes or standing water
- Corrugated cardboard
- Gaps around utility lines or worn weatherstripping
An important part of both controlling and preventing an infestation is addressing these issues.
How to Control Cockroaches
If you believe you have a roach infestation, it’s important to act quickly.
Brown recommends a multi-step approach.
“Thoroughly clean kitchens and bathrooms to remove any potential food sources, such as grease and food particles around and under the stove.”
He also advises homeowners to take additional preventive steps.
“Reduce potential moisture sources, seal cracks and crevices on the exterior of the structure, and use a combination of bait as well as residual pesticides. Always read and follow label directions.”
Because roaches reproduce quickly, Brown adds that it’s often best to “call a licensed pest control company” to fully control the infestation.
The following steps can help you control a roach problem:
- Deep cleaning and sanitation
- Seal cracks and entry points
- Treat moisture sources
- Call in a licensed pest control professional
Let’s dive into these methods a bit more.
1. Deep Cleaning and Sanitation
Start by removing the resources roaches need to survive. This means getting granular with your daily chores. Deep clean your home, but pay close attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Take this time to store any food, including pet food and baking ingredients, in airtight hard plastic or glass containers. Take your garbage out every night.
2. Seal Cracks and Entry Points
In Texas, many homes are built on slabs, which often have foundation gaps that provide roaches with easy entry. Use high-quality sealants to close any gaps around your home, especially where pipes enter the wall. You don’t want to see any light underneath exterior doors.
3. Treat Moisture Sources
Roaches are resilient, but one way to deter them is by cutting off their water supply. While standing water and leaky plumbing are obvious issues, high ambient humidity is also a factor. Try to improve ventilation in bathrooms and laundry rooms to combat this. Dehumidifiers can also help.
4. Call in a Licensed Pest Control Professional
If you’re dealing with cockroaches in your home, contact a licensed pest control professional. They’ll use expert strategies to control these pests.
How to Prevent Cockroaches From Coming Back
Once the population is under control, prevention becomes the priority.
Brown notes that American and smoky brown cockroaches are well established outdoors, which means exterior prevention is just as important as indoor sanitation.
He recommends sealing cracks and crevices, reducing moisture sources and cleaning gutters regularly.
Weekly Prevention Checklist
Make a list of tasks meant to specifically target areas that attract cockroaches. Some tasks to add include the following:
-
Wipe down all surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms
-
Put away pet food and wash bowls
-
Sweep and mop floors, paying attention to corners and under cabinets
-
Clean food buildup from drains
Check for leaks or condensation buildup
Long-Term Cockroach Prevention
Long-term protection should include your property’s exterior, especially if you have a history with American cockroaches. Here’s how you can boost your defenses outside your home:
-
Rake leaves and keep mulch away from your foundation
-
Replace torn door or window screens
-
Keep branches and trees trimmed back from the roof
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground
These prevention tips also help prevent a wide range of pests, not just cockroaches.
When to Call in a Pest Control Professional
There’s only so much you can do without professional pest control. To save yourself time and stress, make sure you know when a cockroach situation calls for backup.
Key Warning Signs
Perhaps the most glaring warning sign is daytime sightings. Roaches want to hide. If they’re running around in the daylight, especially where you can obviously see them, their home is getting crowded.
Seeing multiple life stages is also worrisome. Seeing nymphs and eggs typically means the population is healthy enough to be reproducing. That means it’s time for expert intervention.
Roach populations can also produce an oily or musty smell. This could indicate other issues, but it’s worth investigating if you can’t explain where the smell’s coming from.
What Professionals Do Differently
Professional intervention offers a more holistic approach to pest management. This includes commercial-grade products and expert knowledge.
Technicians are also trained to find the root cause of the infestation. They can break the reproductive cycle of roaches with follow-up treatments. They’ll also build a custom plan to suit your property.
FAQs: Common Questions About Getting Rid of Cockroaches
Do roaches mean my house is dirty?
How long does it take to treat roaches?
Can roaches come up drains?
ABC Can Treat the Roaches on Your Property
If you want to control cockroaches in your Texas home, you’ll need to identify, sanitize and exclude. Targeted treatment and ongoing prevention are key, as is partnering with a pest control professional who understands the local environment.
The pros at ABC Home & Commercial Services have been helping homeowners manage pest problems for decades. Schedule your service with us today.
