So, you’ve got roaches. You‘ve probably also got a ton of questions. We cover why roaches may be in your home on this blog, and today we’re going to share some answers to common questions and interesting facts that can help you prevent roach problems, to begin with.
Types of Cockroaches in Texas
American Cockroach - The American cockroach is the largest of the cockroaches you’ll find in the Houston area.
Brown Banded Cockroach - These cockroaches have wings, but only the males will fly when disturbed.
German Cockroach - This species of cockroach can’t fly, but they seek out hiding places in the same spaces as humans due to readily available food and water sources.
Oriental Cockroach - Oriental cockroaches have a bright sheen that makes them stand out in the light. Thankfully, both males and females are unable to fly.
Smokey Brown Cockroach - This cockroach seeks out damp hiding spaces and is a lot more likely to be found outside your home in mulch beds, holes in trees, or your garage.
Why Cockroaches Are a Big Problem in Summer
Did you know that cockroaches were once tropical pests? They’ve now spread to almost all parts of the world, and while they’ve adapted to a variety of climates, they still mainly seek out warm, moist climates.
Summer heat can encourage breeding, so roaches are especially active as they seek out food and a mate.
Why Cockroaches Love Your House
“My house is clean, so I should be safe from roaches, right?” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Keeping windows and doors shut and countertops clean won’t guarantee a roach-free home.
Some (not-so) fun facts about cockroaches to keep in mind:
- Cockroaches can squirm through gaps as small as 1/16-inch.
- Female roaches can reproduce without a male.
- They come through pipes, door gaps, and just about any other opening.
- They love sugar and meat but can survive on practically any organic matter — including dead plants and sewage!
- Pregnant females stick their egg sac to a surface near food. Cockroach babies are ready to scavenge for themselves immediately after hatching.
Places Roaches May Hide in Your Home
All pests seek shelter in spaces with readily accessible food and water. It’s not unusual to find pests in utility rooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, and attics if conditions are damp enough. Excessively damp, muggy areas cockroaches may hide can include:
- Overwatered houseplants
- Trash bins
- Crawlspaces
- Humid bathrooms
- Basements
They could also seek shelter in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, and near air conditioners’ condensate drain lines.
What is the fastest way to get rid of roaches?
The best way to get rid of roaches once you have them is to call for professional assistance. When you see a cockroach, it’s unlikely that’s the only one you have. Time is of the essence when it comes to preventing an infestation. The best way to prevent roaches (and other pests) in your home is to regularly sanitize surfaces (especially in the kitchen), eliminate hiding spots and stagnant water, and store leftovers, dry goods, and pet food in airtight containers.
Why do cockroaches fly towards you?
A flying cockroach can be the stuff of nightmares for some homeowners. But why do they seemingly fly AT you? Like any pest, cockroaches are more scared of us than we are of them. When they take to the skies to escape from danger and end up flying straight AT it, it’s more often than not because they’re so scared they can’t control their movement very well.
Cockroach Control in Houston, Texas
If you see cockroaches or the signs of a cockroach infestation (shells, eggs, feces, etc.) contact Preventive Pest Control for cockroach clearout services! Our team is trained to fix the source of the problem and stop pests from coming back. Contact us online or by phone at (713) 955-7405 today!