Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches are scavenging insects that, in nature, help to get rid of decaying organic debris through their feeding habits. The problem with cockroaches is that they don't just live outside, away from people. Some species benefit from living with people and have learned how to live successfully near or inside our homes.

This pest identification page will cover the five types of roaches found in Texas. The non-flying species includes the German cockroach, and flying cockroaches include American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, and smokey brown cockroaches.

• German cockroaches: The German cockroach is by far the most common type of roach found in Texas. This pest has a dark brown body and two light stripes on its back, making it easy for homeowners to identify them. They have wings but cannot fly, which means they can fit into tiny spaces that flying cockroaches cannot. German cockroaches can be hard to get rid of because they reproduce quickly.
• Oriental cockroaches: Oriental Cockroaches are brown to dark brown. They can be slightly smaller than German cockroaches but have the same vertical stripes on their back and wings that allow them to fly short distances. Oriental roach infestations are usually fairly large because females carry around a mass of eggs that will hatch into nymphs after around two months. Oriental roaches can be found in kitchens and bathrooms because they need moisture to survive. Oriental roaches like warm temperatures, so it's important to keep your home as cool as possible. Outside, their preferred temperature range is 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• American cockroaches: American cockroaches are the largest roach species in Texas and can grow up to around two inches long. These roaches fly, but you'll mostly see them running across floors or walls at night when they're most active. American cockroaches are nocturnal and need warmth to survive, which is why they love invading homes in Texas.
• Brown-banded cockroaches: Brown-banded roaches are half an inch long, mostly brown or tan, with two light bands across their dark wings. Brown-banded roaches prefer to live in warmer climates, and you can find them indoors during the colder months of winter when they come inside for warmth.
• Smokey brown cockroaches: The smokey brown cockroach's oval-shaped body is a uniform shiny reddish-brown color. Its long thin wings extend past the abdomen and allow them to fly successfully. These cockroaches live outside in gardens, wooded areas, and anywhere else there is dense ground cover. If the weather becomes too hot and dry, they'll move into our homes, seeking moisture.

Cockroaches pose a significant health risk to people. We should never be okay with sharing our homes with these dangerous pests.

Cockroaches emit allergens through their saliva, shed skins, and excrement, triggering allergy-like symptoms and asthma attacks in some people, especially young children.

The most concerning threats associated with cockroaches are the ability to spread diseases that make people ill. Cockroaches live and forage for food in less than sanitary places, so they constantly come into contact with human pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and parasites that they spread throughout our homes.

Additionally, cockroach infestations contaminate large amounts of food, more than they could ever consume. Cockroaches are the cause of costly and unnecessary food waste.

Female cockroaches produce hundreds of eggs at a time, which allows these pests to quickly expand their populations and take over any space that meets their needs. Cockroaches find their way into our homes one of two ways; on their own or with our help.

Cockroaches are avid hitchhikers, and people regularly introduce them into their homes in boxes, deliveries, secondhand items, and on firewood.

Cockroaches also move into our homes on their own, usually while out foraging for food or sources of moisture. Cracks in the foundation, and spaces around utilities, drains, and vents are common entry points. In multi-unit buildings, they move between units through wall voids, using pipes and wires like a highway.

When it comes to cockroaches, you need to understand that if you spot one or two in your home, there are many more you aren't seeing.

Most cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid places. Inside our homes, they typically hang out in the dark recesses of basements, laundry rooms, utility rooms, pantries, kitchens, and bathrooms.

If you're looking for a way to get rid of cockroaches, it's a good idea to call a professional pest control service like Gecko from the get-go. Most people will try and use DIY cockroach control products and spray or bomb their homes themselves. DIY methods can cause more harm than good, depending on what type of roach infestation they're dealing with. In most cases, a qualified pest control technician can assess the type of roach infestation and provide you with an effective treatment plan.

A Longview pest professional can also help by performing routine inspections as part of their services which is especially helpful if your home has been affected by one in the past.

Learn how to keep cockroaches away from your home with the help of the professionals at Gecko Pest Control and our most helpful cockroach prevention tips.

• Clean regularly. Regular cleaning of your home will eliminate the sticky spills and crumbs these pests use to survive.
• Reduce moisture levels in your home by repairing leaky pipes or fixtures, using dehumidifiers or air conditioners, and providing adequate ventilation. 
• Inspect your home's exterior sealing any openings you discover.
• Keep hitchhiking cockroaches out by inspecting secondhand items, deliveries, and other items you bring into your home for these insects. 
• Store trash in containers with locking lids and regularly wash dirty dishes.

Additionally, properly storing your family's food is essential. Store food in the fridge or airtight containers; never leave it on counters or tables.

If you are currently dealing with cockroaches or would like to prevent future problems with them, call Gecko Pest Control now for quality pest control for roaches.