Texas is home to one of the country’s largest cockroach populations, with over 30 different known species present throughout the state. 

Because they’re so prevalent in Texas, most residents have run into a cockroach at some point in their lives. What should you do if you frequently find them in your home, though?

Working with a pest control company is the most obvious choice. However, it also helps to know what these companies do to get rid of roaches and what you can do afterward to keep them away.

Find the answers to these and other critical questions below.

Common cockroach species in Texas

You may come across dozens of cockroaches in Texas. However, the following are some of the most frequently spotted species:

• American cockroach: This is the largest common cockroach species, about 1.6 inches long and 0.28 inches tall. They’re known for their reddish-brown color and are typically found in hot, moist areas like basements, food prep spaces, and sewer systems.
• German cockroach: The German cockroach is the most well-known cockroach species in Texas. These roaches are smaller (about 0.5 an inch long) and are highly aggressive. They live in or near human dwellings where they have easy food and water access. 
• Smoky brown cockroach: The smoky brown cockroach is primarily an outdoor species. They generally reside in warm, humid, wooded areas. 
• Brown-banded cockroach: This species is one of the smallest domestic cockroaches and is typically found indoors. They tend to hang out in or around high areas (ceilings, behind picture frames, etc.).
• Oriental cockroaches: Oriental cockroaches are known for their glossy bodies and black or dark brown coloring. They’re primarily an outdoor species and can be detected by their strong, musty odor. They often live in bushes or beneath leaf piles, but they may also creep into basements, sink drains, or sewer pipes. 

It’s important to know about both indoor and outdoor cockroach species. However, indoor ones like the German, American, or brown-banded cockroaches are particularly problematic, as they’re more likely to spread diseases and contaminate your food/water supplies.

Signs of a cockroach infestation

If you spot one cockroach in your home, chances are it’s not alone. You’ve likely got many others crawling around the house and the surrounding property.

Seeing a roach (or roaches) is the first indicator of an infestation. However, you should watch for some other common signs, including the following:

• Droppings: Cockroach droppings may look like little pepper specks to tiny pellets.
• Foul odors. Cockroaches typically emit a musty odor that gets stronger as the infestation worsens.
• Shed skins: Adult roaches shed their skins 5-8 times throughout their lives, and you may find these leftover skins around your home.
• Smear marks: In moist areas, roaches often leave brown smear marks on floors, baseboards, and walls.
• Egg capsules: Roaches lay eggs in capsules, which are about one-third of an inch long and carry about 30 cockroach nymphs. 

One or more of these signs is a strong suggestion that cockroaches have taken over your home or apartment.

Contact a pest control company right away (or ask your landlord to contact them if you’re renting), so you can resolve the problem before it escalates.

Remember, roaches don’t go away on their own. If you do nothing, they’ll continue to reproduce and create a more serious issue. 

How does a pest control company get rid of roaches?

A team of pest control technicians uses a few different techniques to get roaches out of your home.

Some pest control companies rely on harsh chemicals and pesticides to kill roaches and eliminate the infestation. However, others prefer to use clean ingredients that don’t put you, your kids, or your pets at risk.

The following are some of the most well-known clean solutions sued to handle roaches:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Wintergreen oil
• Cloves
• Cinnamon

These herbs and herb oils have a strong scent that repels cockroaches and drives them away from your home. For those who prefer a natural (yet effective) solution, look for a pest control company that relies on herbal options like these.

What to expect from a pest control company

The sooner you contact a pest control team, the better. Once you get in touch, you can expect them to take the following steps: 

Inspection

Every visit should start with an inspection.

During this step, the technician (or technicians) will walk through your home and identify roach-infested areas -- as well as potential entry points.

They’ll likely explore the perimeter, too, to find additional entry points and check for issues that might attract roaches (such as holes in sheetrock, damp areas, etc.).

Once they’ve completed their inspection, the technician will talk about their findings and explain their suggested treatment plan.  

Interior treatment

If you agree to the treatment plan, the technicians will get to work right away, starting with the interior. They’ll spray their solution throughout the home, focusing on the most highly affected areas, to get rid of roaches.

Exterior treatment

Next, the technicians will move on to the home’s exterior. They’ll spray the perimeter, focusing on areas that are likely to attract roaches and create an invisible barrier that deters roaches from returning.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is needed to keep cockroaches away for good -- especially in a roach-prone place like Texas. The technicians will come back regularly (typically once a month) to treat your property and keep it pest-free.

How to prevent cockroaches from returning to your home

Regular maintenance treatments do an excellent job of preventing cockroaches from returning to your home after the initial infestation. However, you can take additional steps to keep them at bay, including these:

Prioritize cleanliness

Any home can experience a roach infestation. However, they’re especially common in homes with a lot of clutter, dirt, moisture, or food residue.

Sticking to a consistent cleaning schedule will help you avoid creating a home that is hospitable to roaches. Pay special attention to the kitchen, sweeping or vacuuming up crumbs regularly, wiping up spills immediately, and carefully cleaning in and around appliances.

Keep food in one room

Limit all food to the kitchen and dining room if possible. Preventing crumbs or food spills in other rooms helps to cut off potential fuel sources for roaches and makes it easier for you to maintain a clean home. 

Eliminate hiding places

Cockroaches love hiding under piles of leaves, piles of clothing, stacks of boxes, etc. In addition to keeping a clean home, strive to keep a clutter-free home, too. Eliminating hiding places for roaches will make your home less inviting to them in the future.

Address the exterior

Don’t forget about the home’s exterior, either.

Drain moist areas in your yard caused by rain gutter leaks, broken sprinklers, etc. Be sure to inspect the area for holes in sheetrock, gaps between the windows or doors, and other potential entry points for roaches, too.

If possible, keep trash cans away from your home’s entryways. Make sure the lids are tightly secured as well to avoid providing roaches with a large food supply.  

What to look for in a pest control company

You’ll see the best results if you choose the right pest control company to get rid of roaches on your property. Look for the following when searching for candidates:

• Service locations: Make sure they service properties in your area and are familiar with the types of pests (including cockroach species) that are most likely to show up in or around your home.
• Pest control methods: Stick with pest control companies that offer safe, eco-friendly solutions that won’t harm you, your children, or your pets.
• Positive reviews: Read reviews to see what past customers think about the company’s services.
• Transparent pricing: The best pest control companies don’t use gimmicks or shady practices to land customers. They’re transparent with their pricing and services so you can make an informed decision.
• Availability: Look for a company that can get to you right away. Roach infestations wait for no one, including a company that is booked out for several weeks.

Be sure to ask about maintenance treatments, too. Ideally, they’ll offer a maintenance plan to help you keep your home pest-free after they’ve eliminated the initial infestation.

Say goodbye to cockroaches with Natran Green Pest Control

Now that you know how a pest control company gets rid of roaches, are you ready to work with one to clean up your home?

If you want to partner with a pest control company that checks all the boxes mentioned above, Natran Green Pest Control is here to help.

We use clean, eco-friendly pest control products to eliminate pests from your home and keep them out -- without putting you, your family, or your pets at risk.
Contact us today to learn more.