You may think that since the weather has cooled off, you no longer have to worry about cockroaches in your home. As a matter of fact, when the weather cools, cockroaches try their hardest to make their way into your home. You will want to safeguard your home from these disgusting pests at all costs. A-Tex Pest Management is here to talk about the most common cockroach species found in Greater Austin, Texas and how you can avoid their infestation in your home. There are three types of cockroaches commonly found in Texas; American, German and Brown Banded roaches. Following are a few ways to identify each of them.
Flying American Cockroach
The American cockroach is large, reaching nearly 2 inches long. This cockroach species is not only the largest, but they also have wings and are capable of flying away when they feel threatened. You can count on these cockroaches living for what seems an eternity. It takes the American cockroach 6 months to 2 years to fully mature and they will live 2 years past maturity. There is a reason that cockroaches have the reputation for resiliency.
German Cockroach Infestation
The German cockroach is much smaller than the American measuring about ½ inch long. They are usually a light brown or tan with two dark racing stripes located behind the head. These cockroaches are a common pest found in the kitchen area. They will reproduce quickly as each of their egg capsules has 30-40 eggs inside waiting to hatch. Most females will lay 5 of these capsules in their lifetime.
Brown Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches have dark brown bodies with lighter-colored bands. Their coloring helps them blend in among furniture, cabinets and food. The males have fully developed wings and are capable of flight, but the females have underdeveloped wings and are not able to fly. Adult brown banded cockroaches only grow to about ½” long.
How to Keep Cockroaches Out of Your House
No one wants to think about cockroaches in their home. They are usually associated with filth, which is not what anyone would want their home to be associated with. Here are some tips to help you keep cockroaches out of your home.
• Store Food Properly– Keep your food it containers with lids that fit tightly to keep pests like cockroaches out. They will eat any food that you will, so any food in your pantry is a possible attractant.
• Empty Trash Regularly– Cockroaches are usually attracted to filth and will seek out your trash. By emptying your trash regularly, you are removing any rotten food that may be attractive to cockroaches.
• Fix Leaky Pipes– Cockroaches are often found near water sources in your kitchen and bathroom. If you have a leaky pipe, it needs to be fixed right away so you aren’t providing cockroaches with the water they need for survival.
Cockroach Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If you find that you have a cockroach problem, it can be challenging to get rid of them. The experts at A-Tex Pest Management has the training and resources needed to efficiently get rid of this invasive pest. Don’t let them take over your home. Because they reproduce at such an alarming rate, it doesn’t take long for a few cockroaches to turn into an infestation. Call us today!