Cockroaches in Arkansas pose a significant health hazard, not only because they can trigger asthma attacks but also because they carry pathogens and bacteria. Moreover, most methods to eliminate these pesky pests can cause extra health dangers.
These creatures can infest homes to establish themselves where they can find a steady supply of water, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, all these can be found in Arkansas homes. That said, the first step to getting rid of a cockroach infestation is to identify the species you are dealing with. This is because different species have different behavior and diet preferences, which play a significant role in determining the best treatment method.
This article will discuss the common cockroaches in Arkansas, how Arkansas climate affects the roach population, health dangers associated with roaches, prevention and control measures, and local Arkansas resources and pest control regulation. Keep reading!
How Arkansas Climate and Environment Affects Cockroach Population
Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate, usually mild and pleasant. On the other hand, the southwest lowlands have an almost tropical climate characterized by long, hot summers and short winters. However, there is significant monthly precipitation, and the temperatures tend to decrease from south to north. Besides, the Ouachita and Ozark mountains greatly affect the weather and climate of Arkansas.
With all the pleasant views, convenient sites and mild climate, there is one main turnoff. Cockroaches thrive in warm and humid areas. Unfortunately, the increased precipitation and hot summers in Aransas offer an excellent breeding and thriving ground for cockroaches.
Common Cockroach Species Found in Arkansas
There are at least 55 cockroach species in the United States; however, only five are considered a common nuisance in Arkansas. The following are common roach species you can find in Arkansas
American Cockroach
Identification: The American cockroach is the largest house-invading cockroach species. Also known as the water bug or palmetto bug, these species can grow up to one and a half inches in length. The American cockroach is reddish-brown and has a yellow figure-eight band behind its head. Both male and female American cockroaches have wings and can fly or glide short distances.
Habitat: This cockroach species is an outdoor dweller found in damp shady areas like hollow trees, mulch, and wood piles. However, it can infest homes while foraging for food and water.
Behavior: American roaches are nocturnal. They hide in areas close to sinks, water pipes, toilets, and anywhere where the climate favors them during the day.
Diet: This roach species is an omnivorous scavenger that feeds on decaying organic matter and will eat anything to survive, from book bindings and hair to dead insects.
Read More: Getting Rid of American Roaches
German Cockroach
Identification: The German cockroach is the most cockroach species in Arkansas. It measures at least 5/8 of an inch long. The German roaches vary in complexion and can be dark brown to almost black. In addition, this roach species has two dark parallel stripes on their pronotum behind their heads. While they have wings, these roaches seldom fly.
Habitat: The German cockroach prefers establishing nests in warm and humid environments. These domestic cockroaches can be found hiding in kitchens, bathrooms, and other similar areas.
Behavior: German roaches are nocturnal and can be seen foraging for food, water, and mates at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and other warm, damp, secluded areas.
Diet: This cockroach species are scavenger and are attracted to sweet, fatty, and starchy foods. When these items are scarce, these cockroaches can eat glue, soap, or toothpaste.
Read More: How to Control German Roaches
Oriental Cockroaches
Identification: Also known as black cockroaches or water bugs, the Oriental cockroach is a large roach species that measures at least 1 inch in length and is glossy black or dark-reddish brown.
The female and male Oriental cockroaches differ in appearance. The females are longer and slimmer and lack wings. Conversely, the males are shorter, with stubbed wings that cover a section of their abdomen, leaving the rest exposed.
Habitat: This species prefers to live outdoors, where they can be found under mulch, stones, outdoor debris, and leaf litter. They can hide in wall voids, drains, basements, and crawl spaces when they invade homes.
Behavior: Oriental cockroaches are rarely seen during the day as they are nocturnal. While they can survive for a month without food, they cannot live without water for more than two weeks.
Diet: These cockroaches feed on decaying materials and rely heavily on water.
Read More: Get Rid of Oriental Cockroaches in Your Home
Smoky Brown Cockroach
Identification: The smoky brown cockroach gets its name from its complexion; dark, shiny brown or consistently mahogany color. This cockroach measures 1 ¼ -1 ½ inches long and can be mistaken for the American cockroach due to its size and complexion; however, the smoky brown lacks the yellow figure eight accent behind its head.
Habitat: They are outdoor dwellers usually found in leaf litter, planter boxes, wood piles, and similar habitats. Indoors, you can find them in meter boxes, roof shingles, sheds, and rain gutters.
Behavior: These cockroach species are attracted to light and can sometimes fly into homes through open doors and windows toward the light sources.
Diet: The smoky brown cockroach feeds on a wide range of foods, including dead insects, plants, human food, and feces. Additionally, they are very dependent on water.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Smoky Brown Roaches
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Identification: This is the smallest cockroach species you can find in Arkansas. True to its name, this cockroach has two light brown bands running across its wings. Brown-banded cockroaches measure at least ½ an inch long and have slim and flat bodies.
Males have wings longer than their abdomens, while females have shorter wings. Male brown-banded roaches are capable of flight.
Habitat: Unlike most species, brown-banded cockroaches like higher locations. They congregate behind picture frames, high cabinets, crawl spaces, and shelves. They also like hiding in electronics.
Behavior: These cockroaches are nocturnal but can also be seen during the day foraging for food, water and shelter.
Diet: Brown-banded cockroaches are scavengers. They feed on human food and dead insects. They have also been seen feeding on glue, dye, wallpapers, and pastes.
Read More: How to Control Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Spotlight on Arkansas’s Largest Cities
Little Rock City
Little Rock is Arkansas’s capital, with a population of 201,893. With this high population, it is unsurprising that cockroaches are a common pest that infest homes, hospitals, restaurants, and other commercial facilities in Little Rock. In addition, these pesky pests can be found in cluttered streets, subway tunnels, sewer systems, and parks.
While they pose a significant health threat to residents, these creatures can affect business reputations and damage their publicity. Moreover, businesses in the hospitality industry are primarily affected by cockroach infestations. So, to control and avoid this problem, the Arkansas Department of Health has taken measures to regulate the sale of food to address the risk factors.
Cockroaches in the Neighboring States
There are six states bordering Arkansas; in the north, it is bordered by Missouri, in the south by Louisiana, in the east by Tennessee and Mississippi, and the west by Oklahoma and Texas. That said, cockroaches are highly associated with human settlements and are a common problem in these states. According to data from the American Housing Survey, New Orleans, Louisiana, was ranked the most cockroach-infested city, followed by Houston, Texas.
While there are various cockroach species in these neighboring states, the American, German and Oriental cockroaches are the most common. Each species is different and can result in different problems for home and business owners in these states.
Health Risks Associated With Cockroaches in Arkansas
When cockroaches move around your home, they shed their skins and leave behind droppings and saliva. When these substances become airborne, they have a similar consequence as dust mites. They can trigger asthma and other allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Sensitive people will experience the following:
- Nasal Congestion
- Wheezing
- Skin rashes
- Coughing
- Sinus and ear Infections
While cockroaches rarely bite, they can also cause skin allergies when they touch your skin. This is because their legs have spikes that can irritate your skin, and because they walk on all kinds of filth, they carry bacteria that will cause an infection in the scratched site.
In addition, cockroaches carry bacteria and spread diseases. For example, cockroaches can contaminate food with bacteria and cause salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. Also, cockroaches are known carriers of intestinal diseases like cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and diarrhea.
How to Prevent and Control Cockroaches in Arkansas
Cockroaches usually enter homes in search of food, water and shelter. So, to prevent an infestation, the best thing to do is make your home less inviting to them. Start by:
- Fixing all leaky pipes
- Sealing all entry points
- Cleaning dirty dishes after use
- Vacuuming up any food crumbs and wiping spilled drinks immediately
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Making sure your trash can is tightly sealed, and taking the trash out every day
- Decluttering your home to make sure cockroaches don’t get any nesting ground
There are various measures you can take to control cockroach populations. The following are some to try
- Cockroach traps and baits
- Boric acid
- Spray an insecticide around the perimeter of your business or home
- Diatomaceous earth
- Borax
- Baking soda
- Liquid concentrate
If everything fails, it is best to get the help of a professional pest control company.
Local Arkansas Resources and Pest Control Regulations
Regulations
- Pest control laws and regulations in Arkansas require any person who wishes to use (RUP) Restricted-Use Pesticides to be licensed or work under the supervision of a trained pest control expert.
- Businesses or people who wish to engage in pest control services must get a commercial license.
- Arkansas law has little to say about pest control; in fact, this state is the only one without a warranty of habitability. The laws of Arkansas, however, state that if you rent a house, with or without the knowledge of a cockroach infestation, you agree to take it as it is. So, the landlord is not responsible for any maintenance.
- Arkansas law also lays out several tenant responsibilities, including maintaining cleanliness. So, as a tenant, you can be held responsible for pest control if you fail to keep your home or business clean and cause an infestation.
Pest Control Services
- Fumigation
- Dusting
- Tenting
- Spray
- Glue traps and baits
Resources
Arkansas Pest Control Law: This document contains all laws and regulations regarding pest control in Arkansas.
Cockroach Identification and Management for the Homeowner: This is a University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture extension program handout that aims to help homeowners identify and manage cockroaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Arkansas’s Cockroach Season?
Arkansas’s cockroach season is the spring and summer months. However, roaches are resilient pests that can adapt and thrive in most environments, so as long as the temperatures remain over 50 degrees, they can stay active all year round.
During the hot summer, cockroaches can suddenly appear in multitudes and infest homes. It is, therefore, crucial to keep your home or business clean and discourage cockroaches from entering your home.
What Eats Roaches in Arkansas?
Other insects and arachnids, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals like opossums eat roaches in Arkansas.
Are There Any Arkansas-Specific Regulations or Guidelines for Cockroach Control or Pesticide Use?
Yes, there are Arkansas-specific regulations or guidelines for cockroach control or pesticide use.
For example, the sale and distribution of state-restricted pesticides and their use in cockroach control in Arkansas is prohibited unless it is done in accordance with the rules. These rules might include prescribing when and the conditions under which the materials can be used in various areas of the state.
