Seeing roaches lately? Texas is the worst state for pest invasions. How to prepare
There are two things you’ll need to adjust to if you live or plan to move to Texas: Extreme heat and bugs.
“Just moved down here from the north and pretty much every building I’ve looked up reviews for on Google says ‘Don’t move here, there are roaches’. Went to a buddies apartment and he said he’s seen a few since he recently moved in,” a Reddit user posted.
“Being from somewhere where there are none, is it detrimental to have a few cockroaches? I get that it’s not ideal to live in a house that’s infested like a tub of bugs on Fear Factor, but so far, it seems like they’re almost impossible to escape,” the poster wrote.
A recent report by New Jersey-based Excel Pest Services revealed that Texas, due to its hot climate, is the worst state in the U.S. for pest invasions.
“Texas is the worst state in the US for pest invasions, according to the data. The southern state has almost 400,000 searches every month for queries related to getting rid of pests, and it is host to at least 246,000 farms, the most of any state by a huge margin,” Excel Pest Services stated on its website.
Joe Orta, a customer service manager with Ideal Pest Control in Fort Worth, said cockroaches are indeed common in Texas.
“As temperatures go from wet to hot and dry, the moisture allows more bugs to survive and that includes roaches,” he said. “ They’re trying to find a better living environment because they want to be cool just like we want to. They invade homes to escape the heat.”
What kind of cockroaches are in Texas?
Texas is home to the American, German, Oriental, and flying cockroach species. The American cockroach is the state’s largest species, with an average length of 1 ½ inches.
The American roach can be identified by its reddish-brown body with tan markings on the back of its head. You’ll probably find them in the kitchen or bathrooms as they like warm, humid, and dark spaces.
The smallest common cockroach found in Texas is the German cockroach, measuring only 0.13 inches in length. They’re light brown and have little wings, but they can’t fly. German roaches are frequently seen hiding in cardboard bins, pantries, and restrooms. They’re the most common cockroach species in houses and buildings.
If I have roaches, does that mean my home is dirty?
According to the National Pesticide Information Center, roaches are not necessarily an indication of an unclean home. They typically have no trouble finding food and water, even in clean and well-maintained homes, which allows them to flourish in a variety of settings.
The number of roaches you see in or around the exterior of your house could determine if you need to call a professional. Certain breeds, like the German, are infesting, and if you see one, it’s likely you have more, Orta said.
How do I prevent roaches in my Texas home?
So, how can you reduce your chances of a roach infestation in or near your home? Orta says start with the yard.
“You can reduce the amount of bugs in your yard when it’s hot by reducing the amount of water. The water is going to attract them when it’s hot, just like it attracts us.”
The National Pesticide Information Center also recommends keeping pet bowls covered and food in airtight containers to prevent infestation. Here are a few more tips:
Keep food and oil off of floors, counters, and stovetops.
Fix any leaks in the plumbing.
Patch up gaps and cracks in the vicinity of windows, doors, and other home features.
Keep an eye out for cockroaches in your house, including eggs, droppings, and shed skins.
