Everything is bigger in Texas — including the number of cockroach sightings reported by residents. Houston, in particular, has the highest number of roach reports, with over 3,500 per 10,000 residents (the city has a population of 2.3 million).

Have you ever wondered why there are so many cockroaches in Texas? If so, this guide has the answers.

Discover why cockroaches love the lone star state and how you can get rid of them below. 

Why are there so many roaches in Texas?

Texas is known for being hot and humid. The state’s average high temperatures range from the mid-70s to the high 80s, depending on the region. The average daily humidity also ranges from 41-78 percent. 

Cockroaches love dark and damp environments, meaning Texas is a very hospitable place for them. They often seek refuge in people’s homes and apartments to escape the heat.

How many types of roaches are in Texas?

Approximately 30 different types of cockroaches reside in Texas. The following are some species that are particularly common in the Houston area:

American cockroaches

American cockroaches have a distinct, reddish-brown color and tan markings on the backs of their heads.

Their bodies are oval-shaped, and they have thin, long antennae. They’re also the largest of common roach species, with an average length of 1.5 inches.

American roaches often appear in kitchens and bathrooms because they prefer dark, warm, and moist areas.

German cockroaches

German cockroaches are the smallest of the most common Texas cockroaches. They average just 0.13 inches in length and are light brown. They have tiny wings but cannot fly. 

German cockroaches are often found in pantries, bathrooms, or cardboard boxes. They’re some of the most difficult to exterminate.

Oriental cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are also known as black beetles. They have shiny black bodies and non-functional wings. Females are about an inch long (longer than males), but their wings are smaller.

These cockroaches are typically found outdoors in gardens or trash cans (although they may sneak into basements, crawl spaces, or within the walls during sweltering temperatures).

Brown-banded cockroaches 

Brown-banded cockroaches feature yellow and brown stripes on their abdomen and wings. Males and females have wings, but only males can fly.

Brown-banded cockroaches often seek shelter in warm environments and are most active at night. They eat everything from decaying matter and glue to stamps and wallpaper.

Smoky brown cockroaches 

Smoky brown cockroaches are dark in color, ranging from dark mahogany brown to jet black. They have long wings and adept flying skills. They’re also drawn to light. 

These cockroaches love moist locations because they are easily dehydrated. They may be drawn to bathrooms or laundry areas because of their affinity for dampness.

Are the cockroaches in Texas dangerous?

Cockroaches carry organisms that can contribute to a variety of diseases, including the following-

• Salmonellosis 
• Cholera 
• Dysentery 
• Gastroenteritis
• Campylobacteriosis 
• Giardia 
• Listeriosis 
• Leprosy
• Typhoid fever

They spread these diseases through their droppings and saliva, as well as through direct contact.

If someone eats food or drinks a beverage that has been contaminated by exposure to a cockroach, they could get sick. Making contact with an item a cockroach has touched and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth can also lead to infection-causing pathogens entering the body. 

Some people, especially those who struggle with asthma or allergies, can also get sick if they breathe air contaminated with protein from cockroach skin, feces, and vomit.

Common signs of a cockroach problem

If you spot a cockroach crawling across the floor or wall, that’s an obvious sign of a cockroach problem — where there’s one, there’s almost certainly more. It’s not always that obvious that cockroaches have set up shop in your house or apartment, though.

Some other warning signs to watch for are listed below.

Droppings

Cockroach droppings resemble black or brown dots. They’re usually less than a millimeter wide and look like coffee grounds or ground pepper.

Smears

Cockroaches often leave streaks or smear marks behind in areas where they’re most active. These dark-colored streaks are usually easy to spot on the walls or floors.

Unusual odor

The pheromones left behind in cockroach droppings have a distinct, unpleasant smell — often described as musty, oily, or mildewy. This smell tends to attract more cockroaches, which leads to a more serious infestation.

Eggs

One cockroach egg capsule, known as oothecae, can hold up to 30 nymphs. They look like tiny, dried beans.

Skin

Cockroaches shed their skins 5-8 times on average before they become adults. You may find skins throughout your home if they’ve chosen you as their lucky hosts. 

Property damage

Cockroaches can cause property damage if left to their own devices. They will eat almost anything. 

You may notice chew marks on food packages, leather, books, and other surfaces. 

How can Texans get rid of roaches?

If you spot any of the signs listed above, it’s vital to take action right away. The most effective way to eliminate roaches is by contacting an experienced pest control professional.

Are there at-home methods you can use to get rid of cockroaches? Yes. However, they’re often not as effective as the methods used by professional pest control technicians.

Keep in mind, too, that pest control technicians also know where to look for roaches and will ensure they’re completely eliminated from your home. If you try to handle roach removal on your own, you might miss some critical places and find that they come back with a vengeance shortly after.

What to look for in a pest control professional

When looking for a pest control company to handle the cockroaches in your home, consider the following factors-

• Roach elimination services (make sure they specifically handle roach infestations)
• Botanically based treatments (botanical treatments ensure you aren’t exposed to harsh chemicals and are better for the planet)
• Availability (make sure they can get to your property right away — same-day service is even better)
• Positive reviews (read what past customers liked or disliked about the company)
• Guaranteed results (the best pest control professionals will guarantee their work and continue treating your home until all roaches have been removed)

Looking for these characteristics will help you feel confident that you’re working with experienced professionals who can eliminate cockroaches from your home as quickly as possible.

How can Texans prevent roach infestations?

Roach prevention is just as crucial as roach removal. Even though Texas is home to so many roaches, you can still take steps to keep them out of your home or apartment, including the following.

Inspect items brought into your home

Before bringing furniture, clothing, or other items into your home, inspect them for cockroaches, droppings, or oothecae. It’s especially important to do this when bringing in used items or items that have been stored in your garage or shed.

Keep your home clean

Cockroaches can be found in any home. However, they’re particularly drawn to dirty environments where they have easy access to food, crumbs, and garbage.

Do your best to keep your home clean and dry (pay attention to areas under sinks and bathrooms to avoid water buildup) to reduce the likelihood of finding cockroaches.  

Only eat in one room

Another way to deter cockroaches is to limit eating to one room — preferably your kitchen or dining room.

If you only eat in one room, it’s easier to stay on top of messes and keep your house clean. You’re less likely to leave crumbs or spills behind that may attract roaches and other pests. 

Utilize proper food storage

Proper food storage in your pantry and cabinets can keep cockroaches at bay, too. Use tightly sealed containers for things like cereal, oatmeal, rice, and crackers. Keep these spaces clean, too — sweep and vacuum regularly to get rid of crumbs or spills.

Seal entry points

Seal cracks in the exterior of your home to make it harder for cockroaches to find their way inside. The same goes for gaps in your window screens or door frames. Check utility pipes and crawl spaces for gaps, cracks, and holes as well.

Clear clutter

A cluttered home full of boxes, trash bags, and piles of stuff provides plenty of places for cockroaches to hide (and lots of material for them to eat). In addition to keeping your home clean, strive to make it as clutter-free as possible.

Address outdoor issues

Remove heavy vegetation from the exterior walls to reduce the likelihood of cockroaches entering your home. Trim weeds, vines, and grass so they don’t grow against the house, either, and avoid stacking firewood against the house.

Got roaches? Natran can help!

If you’re like most Texans (especially Houstonians), you’ve likely spotted a cockroach or two in your life. If you suspect you’re dealing with a roach infestation and want to get rid of them as soon as possible, contact a professional pest control company like Natran Green Pest Control.

Natran Green Pest Control uses potent, botanically based pesticides to eliminate pests from your home safely and effectively. Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection.