They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that goes for the bugs, too. Unfortunately, cockroaches favor the Texas climate and can even find comfort in your home. The most common types of cockroaches found in Houston, Texas, are the American cockroach, German cockroach, oriental cockroach, and brown-banded cockroach. All of these roaches don’t stand a chance against a roach exterminator in Houston.
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Types of Cockroaches That Found in Houston
American Cockroaches
American cockroaches, sometimes called palmetto bugs or water bugs, are the definition of large and in charge. Appearing oval in shape and reddish brown in color, they are typically about 2 inches in length.
These roaches prefer extra-humid areas, like your boiler room, basement, or kitchen. They can even make their way into sewer systems, traveling and entering homes through drainage pipes.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are not quite as large as the American ones. They measure about half an inch, usually have two dark stripes, and appear light brown in color.
German cockroaches are more likely to be found indoors, as they cannot tolerate colder temperatures. They usually prefer darker areas where there’s moisture and food, so you could expect to find them in kitchens and bathrooms.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches can be either dark brown or black and measure between 1 inch to 1 1/4 inch depending on gender. A male cockroach will have wings that cover most of its body, while the female’s wings will be quite small. Neither gender is able to fly, and they move on the slower side.
Oriental cockroaches can survive in various outdoor habitats, but they also prefer areas with high humidity. They usually enter homes through cracks in the foundation or via sewer pipes, and they tend to seek moist places like basements, crawlspaces, or cellars. They also tend to hide under appliances like the refrigerator, sink, or washing machine.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches are light gold or dark brown in color and have yellow bands across the base of their wings. These cockroaches can grow to be half an inch in length. The males will have wings that cover their whole abdomen, while the females will have much shorter ones.
Compared to other cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches have lower water requirements and often occupy drier locations. They are usually found on ceilings in dark rooms, in the back of cabinets, and under furniture — sometimes even inside the upholstery.
Why Are Roaches Dangerous?
Although most people will agree that cockroaches are disgusting, many forget that they’re also dangerous. Due to where they tend to hang out (garbage pails, sewer areas, dumps, etc.) they pick up bacteria and can carry that bacteria into your home. Many people may not even know that they could be allergic to cockroaches as well.
Aside from seeking the help of a professional, you can work to sanitize your house by sweeping up crumbs, taking out the garbage, and repairing leaky areas to avoid excessive moisture. Additionally, you can seal any cracks in the foundation surrounding your home, use dehumidifiers, traps, or gel bait.
The cockroaches in Houston aren’t going anywhere, but you can take steps to keep them out of your home. Now that you know how to recognize the various types of roaches, you’re ready to move on to eliminating them from your indoor spaces.
