Cockroaches
About
What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches vary in appearance by species; some physical features that they have in common include flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs and two long antennae that are the same length or longer than their bodies. Some species have wings, while others do not. Cockroaches are nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night to search for sources of food. Roaches are scavengers and feed on a variety of food and non-food items – an undesirable habit inside of our homes and businesses.
These adaptable creatures can invade and become a problem inside of any Houston home or business. Some of the most common species of cockroaches living in our region include German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Asian cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, smokey brown cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches are not only unwanted pests, but they are dangerous pests. Roaches can spread diseases, human pathogens, parasites, and they cause respiratory problems in people, especially young children. Cockroach feces and their shed skins trigger asthma attacks and allergies. Diseases and bacteria that cockroaches spread include salmonellosis, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. Cockroaches also cause damage to personal items inside homes; they chew through and stain clothing, walls, curtains, food containers, and more with their excrement.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
In Houston, cockroaches are a year-round problem and can find their way into commercial and residential properties at any time of the year. Cockroaches flock to properties that offer easy access to food and areas of moisture. Trash cans, compost, pet food, and outdoor eating areas are ideal places for cockroaches to forage for food.
Roaches living near structures often move inside while foraging for food or to escape harsh weather. They get in through cracks and other openings in the foundation and exterior walls. They also move indoors through open windows and doors and torn screens. These insects also find their way inside by hitchhiking in boxes, packages, and used items like furniture, appliances, and electronics.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Influenced by their species, cockroaches live in a variety of places. Here are some common areas you will find cockroaches, broken down by species:
- German cockroaches are pests that prefer to live indoors, and you’ll commonly find them in urban areas. They live inside in warm, humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They are a significant pest problem for restaurant owners.
- American cockroaches prefer to live outside in gardens, trees, and areas under mulch. They do invade homes, usually while foraging for food. These roaches enter inside at the ground level and like to hide in warm, damp basements as will as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Asian cockroaches live outside under mulch and leaf piles. Light attracts them, and you’ll find them around porches and entryways. They sometimes find their way inside through spaces around windows and doors, flocking around lights and televisions.
- Oriental cockroaches prefer to live in very damp areas. Outside they live near sewers and drains, under mulch, and under piles of debris that trap moisture. Inside Oriental roaches live in crawl spaces, around sinks and toilets, in damp basements, and the cabinets under sinks.
- Smokey brown cockroaches live under leaf litter or mulch. Inside they like to live in basements or ground-level kitchens and bathrooms.
- Brown-banded cockroaches prefer warm, dry locations, and inside are most likely to live in the upper cabinets of kitchen cabinets and under furniture.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
The best way to live pest-free is to partner with the Houston pest professionals at GreenForce Pest Solutions. Our family wants to keep your family and home safe from cockroaches and other pests. Our guaranteed services provide our home and business owners with fast, effective pest elimination. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we are committed to solving your pest problems in the Houston, Texas region.
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control keep your property free of cockroaches using the following prevention tips:
- Seal up possible entry points along the roofline, foundation, and exterior walls.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home.
- Keep locking lids on trash cans and compost bins.
- Store food in airtight containers or refrigerators.
- Keep outdoor eating areas and grill areas free of food debris.
- Wash dishes and remove trash from your home daily.
- Get rid of the clutter from your home where cockroaches can hide.
- Inspect boxes, packages, and used furniture before bringing them inside your house.
If you are looking for exceptional cockroach control for your home or business, reach out to the friendly, local pest control experts at GreenForce Pest Solutions today!