Cockroaches are a year-round problem in Texas. Here are signs you have an infestation
Texas exterminators say they’ve received a lot of roach calls in the last couple of months, as spring and early summer are when the pests are generally the most active.
“In other states that have a colder climate, roaches actually hibernate over the winter, but with Texas’ warmer temperatures, we get calls for roaches pretty much year-round,” says Josh West, one of Alamo Termite & Pest Control’s owners.
Why do roaches enter homes and kitchens?
Like most pests, cockroaches enter your house in search of three things — food, shelter, and easy access to water, West explains. The most common places you will find them are in kitchens, bathrooms and basements, as these places tend to be moist and provide a lot of hiding places while providing easy access to organic matter.
What are the types of cockroaches in Texas?
The most common types of cockroaches you’ll find in Texas are the American cockroach, the German cockroach, the Smoky-brown cockroach and the Oriental cockroach, according to Alamo Termite & Pest Control. All of these species are common throughout the state, though the German cockroach is the most common.
What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?
Other than seeing a roach yourself, there may be other indicators that they’ve made themselves comfortable in your home.
Cockroaches are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night — which is why you may see them scurrying away when you turn on the lights at night in your kitchen.
You might also find smear marks and droppings in cabinets or along surfaces where the bugs crawl.
They also shed their skin, so exoskeletons could be a sign of an infestation.
Cockroaches also cause a moist or musty smell, which some people can find agitating.
Their feces and shed skin can also cause allergic reactions in individuals, so if someone starts showing signs of an allergy indoors, it might be because of roaches.
How do you keep the bugs out of your home?
“You want to make your home as unappealing to roaches as possible,” West recommends.
That means limiting their access to food, water and shelter by sealing exterior gaps and holes to prevent them from getting in. Window screens and weather stripping on exterior doors are also helpful.
Make sure to seal up any food in airtight containers, including trash cans, clean up any spills and crumbs and put food in the freezer to prevent easy access. He also recommends sweeping and wiping down surfaces.
You should also focus on controlling moisture in your home by using air vents and maybe purchasing a dehumidifier.
To completely get rid of cockroaches, however, don’t just rely on one method of treatment. Roach bombs aren’t very efficient, West says. Instead, use a mixture of treatment methods such as sprays, dusting, bait stations and traps.
“Not only will this help get rid of all the roaches you might be seeing, but also those that you don’t see,” West said. “These treatment options are also a lot easier to control and safer for your family and pets.”
