Even if you have lived under a rock, chances are you have come face to face, in a manner of speaking, with a cockroach. Their grotesque appearance can send grown men into full evasive action. Knowing that they simply do not have a care as to where they live or even eat can give anyone the heebie-jeebies. But cockroaches can do more than induce startled gasps; they can contribute to allergy problems, potential health risks related to the germs, bacteria, and other diseases they easily spread, as well as property damage in constructing nests and foraging for food. With that in mind, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to expound on the common cockroaches found in the greater Austin, TX area.
Found in Greater Austin, TX homes and businesses are insects of every shape and size, the more common species of cockroaches consists of American Cockroach, Brown-banded Cockroaches, German Cockroaches and Oriental Cockroaches.
American Cockroaches
American Cockroaches are the largest cockroach in the Southwest reaching up to 2 inches long. Ranging in color from red to brown they all share a distinctive light brown band around their heads. They feature wings and though they can fly it is often perceived as clumsy. These cockroaches don’t do any real structural damage but the diseases they carry can be a significant health concern. By traversing surfaces and food products, they deposit the diseases and germs contaminating as they go.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded Cockroaches are smaller, only reaching up to ½” in size. They range from dark red to dark brown in color and though they have wings, they are incapable of using them; on the wings they feature light brown bands that run across the base of the wings. Like most cockroaches they will contaminate food by depositing the various germs, bacteria and diseases on surfaces where food is prepared and on food itself.
German Cockroaches
German Cockroaches a particularly common in the area, being brown in color and up to a 1/2” long, their distinct characteristic is the 2 dark brown stripes behind their heads. Though these roaches have wings, they can fly but rarely do. In comparison to other species, German cockroaches reproduce very quickly and can be a challenge to control.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental Cockroaches are the darkest of the 4 most common roaches in the area and have a glossy sheen and range from dark brown to black in color. They can get just over an inch long and though they have wings, Oriental cockroaches are flightless. Oriental cockroaches are prone to the moist warm areas, but like most cockroaches, they are often found their food supply is located.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Treatment & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
No matter the species, spotting cockroaches in your home indicates a deep infestation somewhere on the grounds, in your home, or in the sewer system. Effectively relieving your home of the infestation requires professional assistance for quality. To keep these nasty little invaders out of your routine maintenance is ideal. If you are having a cockroach problem, contact A-Tex Pest Management and let our specialists assist you!