Cockroaches are good at sneaking into any place that can provide them food, water, and shelter. They are unsightly, unsanitary, and pose health risks by carrying disease-causing pathogens.
It is critical to address an infestation as soon as you notice it. Below, we outline several ways you can identify a cockroach problem in your Houston home.
What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
There are three common types of cockroaches in Houston.
The American cockroach is the largest of all of the common roaches. They can grow up to 53 mm long. They are reddish-brown with a yellow band behind their head. They have wings, but they often only fly short distances.
The German cockroach is the most common cockroach species. They can range between 13 and 16 mm long. They have a light brown or tan color with two parallel dark stripes behind their head. They only live for a year but reproduce faster than any of the other cockroach species.
The Oriental cockroach is a glossy black or dark brown. They are usually around 25 to 32 mm long and do not have wings. They live for about six months and tend to gather around decaying organic matter.
Signs That You Have Cockroaches
Here are some signs that you might have cockroaches in your Houston home.
Cockroach Egg Casings (Oothecae)
Cockroaches produce a group of eggs in a casing called an ootheca. It is made from a protein and hardens over time, creating a safe case for the eggs. After the eggs hatch, the casing remains behind.
Each case contains 15 to 50 eggs and can take several months to hatch. If you find an ootheca that still has eggs in it, make sure you destroy it so the eggs can’t hatch.
Droppings
Cockroach droppings resemble ground coffee or black pepper. You can find them around common feeding sites, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or trash cans. Roaches feed on almost everything, from plants to food, garbage, and even feces. Their droppings also have pheromones that signal other cockroaches to let them know where they can find food.
Musky Smell
You can detect a large infestation because of the lingering “oily” or musky smell. The odor can even seep into your food. Dead cockroaches also contribute to this musk.
Neighbors With Roaches
If your neighbors have cockroaches, you’re more likely to have an infestation yourself. Keep your house free of these pests by cleaning up food and maintaining a tidy living space.
Spotting Live Cockroaches
Cockroaches are nocturnal, and you likely won’t see them out during the day. If you flip on the lights at night, you may be able to spot them searching for food.
Where Can I Find Cockroaches?
If you see cockroaches in a common area, their entry point is likely nearby. Cockroaches are looking for warmth, water, and food, so that is where they will congregate.
Check for the following areas if you suspect an infestation:
- Around and inside garbage bins
- Floor-wall junctions
- The base of the toilet or the sealant around the bathtub
- Behind and under cabinets, doors, or storage boxes
- Inside, behind, and under kitchen appliances
Cockroach Prevention and Control
To prevent cockroaches from entering your home, caulk and seal all potential cracks and entry points. Reduce water sources by fixing leaky pipes and fixtures. Clean any food mess and keep leftovers in sealed containers. Similarly, make sure your trash cans have a sealed lid. Empty bins often and keep things as clean as possible.
The safest and most effective way to eliminate cockroaches is to call for pest control experts who can take care of your problem with ease. Contact Stampede Pest Control today for a free quote!