Cockroach Identification & Prevention

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a year-round pest that people living in Texas have to contend with regularly. Like Oriental and American cockroaches, some species live outside but move indoors while foraging for food and areas of safe shelter. Like the German cockroach, other species have adapted to living indoors and thrive in our temperature-controlled homes and businesses throughout the year.

Though a cockroach’s appearance varies by species, its oily appearance, oval shape, long antennae, and quick movements are usually pretty easy to identify. Cockroaches gather and live together in large groups, so if you find one roach in your home, you can be sure that many more are hiding nearby.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

There is no getting around the fact that cockroaches are dangerous pests and should never be allowed to live in any home or business. Not only do cockroaches create serious health risks, but they are difficult to control, make people uncomfortable in their homes, contaminate food, and stain and cause damage to walls, upholstered furniture, clothing, curtains, and more.

Since cockroaches hang out in less-than-clean places (garbage piles, sewers, drains, and in areas of decaying vegetation), they come into contact with a lot of bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens. When cockroaches are in our homes, they spread disease, trigger allergies, and asthma attacks, and leave behind unsanitary piles of excrement and shed skins.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

The biggest reason cockroaches are so problematic is because they are so difficult to prevent. The tiniest amount of crumbs or excess moisture will make these pests think that they are welcome. Once they discover food or water, they will move in, get comfortable, and be very difficult to eliminate.

Cockroaches can invade any indoor or outdoor space. These pests are adaptable and can make themselves at home anywhere.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Believe it or not, not all cockroaches prefer the same living conditions — where they like to live depends on their species. 

German cockroaches live primarily indoors. Some of their favorite hiding spots are cardboard boxes, cabinets and drawers, appliances, and behind wall voids. They also like to hide in wall cracks, behind baseboards and trim, and in clutter. 

Also called “water bugs,” Oriental cockroaches prefer to live outside in very damp areas. Sewer drains, garbage piles or wet mulch, leaf litter, and other organic debris often harbor these roaches. If these pests find a way into a home or business, they will hide in traditionally damp areas like crawl spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms. Leaking pipes, clogged drains, stopped-up downspouts, and dripping air conditioners often supply the excess moisture that these pests are looking for. 

The American cockroach’s favorite outdoor habitats include tree bark, damp soil under shrubs and landscaping, and garden areas under mulch. Inside, like most other roaches, they like to hide in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a pest that we can’t allow to live inside of our homes or businesses. At the first signs of cockroaches in your home, reach out for help from the professionals at EcoArmor Pest Defense — we’re here to help!

We don’t believe in blanket, one-size-fits-all pest control solutions; instead, we offer customized solutions that meet each of our customers’ needs. Our seasonal pest control options give you protection against area pests throughout the entire year! We believe in our services so much that we back them with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you live in McKinney, TX, or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about our residential or commercial pest control options, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Protect your Texas home and property from cockroaches with the help of EcoArmor Pest Defense’s professional pest control services and our easy-to-implement prevention tips.

• Eliminate clutter from your home to reduce hiding spots for roaches.

• Reduce excess moisture, such as leaking pipes, fixtures, clogged drains, gutter, and downspouts.

• Keep counters, floors, stovetops, and tables clean of crumbs, spills, and leftover food.

• Keep pantries and cabinets free of food debris and sticky spills. 

• Regularly vacuum your home’s floors.

• Take care when bringing secondhand items like appliances and furniture and deliveries into your home — always thoroughly inspect items for cockroaches.

• Stop cockroaches from being able to wander into your home as they please by sealing cracks in the exterior walls, gaps around vents, and spaces around utilities.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control.