Cockroach Identification Guide

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are adaptable and disease-transmitting pests. Unfortunately, cockroaches are common pests in Cypress; they are commonly found in places like homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and any place else where food is stored or consumed. You can identify these insects by their oval-shaped bodies, two long antennae, and six spine-covered legs. The different species of cockroaches come in a variety of colors, including black, mahogany, tan, and brown. Many species of cockroaches have wings, but most are not great flyers and rely on their legs to get from place to place. Cockroaches that frequent properties located in Greater Cypress, TX include German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are incredibly dangerous pests. They will contaminate surfaces with their feces, and chew on upholstered furniture, books, clothing, curtains, and more. Many species, including the German cockroach, emit a strong, unpleasant odor. The main concern with cockroaches is their ability to spread disease-causing pathogens that make people ill. Inside our homes, they contaminate food, food prep areas, and other surfaces, as they forage for food. Their presence also triggers allergies and asthma attacks in some, especially young children.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

There are about 4,500 species of cockroaches living worldwide but only about 30 of those species are a problem for people. German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches have all learned to take advantage of the food and shelter our homes and businesses offer. Places where cockroaches forage for food near our homes include our pet’s food dishes, trash cans, compost piles, and garden areas.

While it is very common for cockroaches to move inside of homes while foraging for food, it is also common for them to hitchhike their way inside. Cockroaches often get into buildings inside of things like potted plants, bags, and delivery boxes.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Where you will find cockroaches gathering in your home depends on their specific species:

• Oriental Cockroaches are referred to as “water bugs” because they prefer to live in or very near extremely damp conditions. Outside, they live near sewers and drains, under mulch, leaves, or other debris that traps moisture. Inside, these cockroaches live around toilets, in basements, under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
• German cockroaches are a species that have adapted to living indoors. They like to hide in warm, humid areas of a structure and live in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
• American cockroaches like to live outside in gardens, trees, and under mulch. They invade homes while foraging for food, entering indoors at ground level. In our homes, these roaches hide in warm, damp basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Brown-banded cockroaches very slightly in habitat compared to other species of roaches. They prefer to live in dry areas, not in humid areas. Inside, they usually gather in the upper parts of cabinets, attics, under pieces of furniture, and inside of electronic equipment. They are most active in temperatures above 80 degrees.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

The best solution to your problem with cockroaches is a professional solution. At TNT Home & Commercial Services, we take our time and provide the thorough services needed to solve pest problems once and for all. Our central focus is to ensure that our customers are satisfied, and their property is free of pests! For more information about protecting your Greater Cypress home or business from cockroaches and our area’s other common pests, reach out to TNT Home & Commercial Services today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

More than an inconvenience, pests can be dangerous and cause a lot of damage. In addition to our professional home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to keep cockroaches out of your home:

• Seal up gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
• Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Outdoor trash cans and compost bins need locking lids; store both away from the outside of your home.
• Inspect boxes, bags, and potted plants for cockroaches before bringing them inside your home.
• Remove standing water from your property.
• Fix any leaky pipes and fixtures.
• Wash dishes, wipe down counters, and vacuum floors daily.
• Remove trash from your home daily.