I could not be happier with the ease of setting up my services and the lack of pressure when deciding which services I wanted completed. Communication was great and thorough. On the day of my service, Damon Moore called about 30 minutes prior to arriving to confirm his arrival time. Damon is professional, courteous and thorough with his work. Thanks for a great experience and look forward to your ongoing monitoring of the service.
Arianna Kane
Excellent service!
tien le
The manager Adan and representative Kate are big help to explain and show us what can be done. And where the rodent start
Jackie Lee
Natran is a great green company to use when you don’t want the chemicals of traditional pest control to be in or outside your home. We chose Natran to have peace of mind about our health and the health of our animals. We love them so far!
Jay Smith
Natran professionals are always courteous and thorough. Their products and services are highest quality and environmentally safe but very effective.
Fyza Hashim
I’ve been using natran for a few years now and can’t recommend them enough!
Today, our technician, Damon, came by and confirmed that we have termites. He informed us on the signs, gave us a plan of attack, and promised to be with us every step of the way. I have confidence that he and Natran will take care of us and make our home pest free.
Gwendolyn Richard
I love the courteous and professionalism of the technician
Anna I Peña
Termite System Installation - Damon was punctual, polite, friendly, professional, answered all our questions. All in all, we were very pleased. Thank you, Damon.
Natalie Freeman
Juan arrived at our home and was very professional And knowledgable!
Kevin Harris
Damion is the BEST!
C. R. V.
Chris is a great technician. He used to service us when we lived in Houston. It was a pleasant surprise to have him perform our fist in-home service at our new home in Conroe.
Cockroaches love hot and humid climates, which explains why they’re such a severe issue for Texas residents. Although you can find roaches in your home at any time, they’re especially prevalent at certain points throughout the year.
Are you ready for roach season? If not, this guide can help.
Learn the most important aspects of preparing for and handling roach season in Texas below.
When is roach season in Texas?
In Texas, you’re most likely to run into roaches in the spring and summer, particularly in March and April. As the temperature and humidity levels rise, so do cockroaches’ confidence and willingness to roam through your property.
Keep in mind that Texans deal with cockroaches year-round because the state’s falls and winters are relatively mild. Even if you think you’ve made it through the worst of cockroach season, it’s still important to know how to prevent and manage these pests.
Roaches to watch for in Texas
Because Texas is so hospitable to cockroaches, many different species call the Lonestar State home. The following are some of the most common cockroach species to be aware of-
German cockroaches: This is the largest roach population in Texas. They’re found in various buildings, including houses, hotels, restaurants, and even hospitals, and are known for contaminating human food and spreading diseases. German roaches are hitchikers and are notorious for getting into peoples houses through cardboard shipped to their homes.
Brown-banded cockroaches: These roaches prefer high-up areas in your home, but you might also find them hiding under objects on the ground.
American cockroaches: This species can reach over 1.5 inches in length, making it the most prominent species. They love moist areas and mainly reside outside, but they can also sneak into basements or kitchens.
Smoky brown cockroaches: These roaches are strong fliers and very susceptible to dehydration. They primarily live outside in forests and other tree-heavy areas.
Oriental cockroaches: This species is known for its dark brown or black shell and pungent, musty odor. They typically live outdoors, but if you have leaks or standing water in your home, they may sneak in for water access.
The roach species you’ll most likely encounter in your home are German and brown-banded cockroaches.
How to prepare for roach season
Because roaches can sneak into your home at almost any time throughout the year, you should always be on your guard when it comes to keeping them away (although you may want to up the ante a bit during peak roach season).
The following are some of the most effective strategies you can use to prepare and prevent roaches:
Take out the trash regularly
Roaches are attracted to strong smells -- including those that emanate from a full trash can.
Take out your trash regularly (don’t just push it down farther into the bin to try and make it an extra day). Doing so will help you eliminate odors that can draw in roaches (not to mention stink up your house).
Use tightly fitting lids
Tightly fitting lids can also create an extra obstacle for roaches. Use properly fitting lids on your trash cans, both indoors and out.
Check that all the lids in your pantry are also secured. If covers are loose, you’re making it easier for roaches to sneak into your pantry and snack on your food.
Stick to a cleaning routine
Lingering food crumbs on your floor or sticky spilled liquids can attract roaches.
To reduce the likelihood that they’ll infest your home, stick to a consistent cleaning routine, paying special attention to the kitchen. Sweep or vacuum daily to catch crumbs, and clean up spills with a damp cloth as soon as they happen.
You may want to implement a rule saying food is only allowed in the kitchen and dining room, too. That way, you don’t have to worry about roaches setting up shop in other parts of the house.
Eliminate leaks
Roaches are also drawn to moisture, so it’s vital that you eliminate potential water sources throughout your home. Check for leaks regularly (especially in less visible areas like crawl spaces, the cabinets under sinks, etc.) and repair them as soon as you notice something is wrong.
Seal pipes
Cockroaches can also find their way into your home through small cracks around the pipes. Patch up and properly seal these cracks to keep roaches (and other pests) out.
Recycle cardboard
Cardboard is a favorite hiding place for roaches. Avoid keeping old boxes and other cardboard pieces lying around, as they can provide roaches with a safe space to camp out. Recycle it instead to minimize your environmental impact and protect your house from cockroaches.
Signs of a roach infestation
It’s also important to know the signs of a roach infestation. If you know what to look for, you’ll have an easier time catching roaches before they have a chance to take over your entire home:
Droppings
Like other pests, cockroaches have a habit of leaving droppings behind. The presence of droppings is one of the most common signs of a roach problem.
If you notice tiny piles that look like coffee grounds or black pepper (and you know you didn’t accidentally spill either of these things), you’ve likely got roaches.
Smears
Cockroaches often leave greasy smears behind on your walls and floors. If you notice dark, irregular marks, you’ll have found the places where they’re most active.
Strong odor
Although Oriental cockroaches are best known for their strong odor, all cockroaches give off a somewhat musty smell.
This smell comes from the pheromones they leave behind in their droppings. Pheromones attract other cockroaches and create a bigger problem for you and your family to deal with.
Eggs
Cockroach egg capsules are called oothecae. Just one ootheca (which looks like a tiny, dark-colored pellet and is a bit smaller than a penny) holds up to 30 nymphs.
Skins
Cockroaches molt (shed their skins) 5-8 times before they reach adulthood. You’ll likely notice these skins throughout your home if you’re dealing with an infestation.
Property damage
Along with spreading diseases and triggering asthma attacks, cockroaches can also damage your property.
For example, you might find chew marks on packaging (especially food packages). They may also snack on other materials, like leather, and damage your furniture, books, and other items.
What to expect from roach extermination treatment
If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, don’t waste your time with DIY remedies that may or may not be effective. Instead, call a professional pest control company immediately.
A pest control expert will provide the following services to help determine the type of roach to provide the right solution to address the issue and mitigate the damage roaches may cause:
Inspection
The first step to getting rid of roaches is finding out how serious your infestation is.
To do this, the pest control team will inspect your home to find out where roaches are residing and how much damage they’ve caused. They’ll look inside and around the perimeter to find potential entry points roaches might be relying on.
Interior treatment
If they see that roaches are the cause of the problems in your home, the pest control professionals will start with interior treatment. They’ll spray throughout the house to target the roaches and prevent them from coming back.
For those concerned about their family’s safety, look for a pest control company that uses green methods. These botanical-based treatments are just as effective as harsh, chemical-based ones, but they’re also safe for kids and pets.
Exterior treatment
Next, the professionals will move on to the exterior of your home. They’ll use the same sprays to establish a barrier around the perimeter and deter other cockroaches from entering the property (and eventually making their way inside the house).
Follow-up
After the initial treatment, a pest control professional will follow up to ensure you’re happy with the results and aren’t still dealing with issues caused by roaches.
Maintenance
Maintenance treatments will give you peace of mind knowing that roaches are unlikely to sneak back into your home. These monthly treatments are quick, simple, and effective. They’re also much more cost-effective than waiting until the next pest issue pops up.
Get ready for roach season today
Nobody likes dealing with roaches, but they’re a common issue for Texans, and it’s better to be prepared than wait for them to take over the house.
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’re feeling more prepared for roach season in Texas. Follow the suggestions discussed above to reduce your chances of facing an infestation and eliminate cockroaches as quickly as possible.
Do you need an inspection or roach treatment at your home? Want to learn more about what you can do to prevent and combat roaches? If so, our team of experts at Natran Green Pest Control is here for you. Contact us today for help ridding your home of roaches.
