Cockroaches are a nuisance, especially when they enter your home. However, regardless of where you go throughout the United States, you will inevitably find a member of the cockroach species inhabiting the same state, and Texas is not exempt from this roach problem.
There are five cockroaches you will see in Texas. Here is a quick list of them below:
- German roaches
- American roaches
- Smoky brown roaches
- Oriental roaches
- Brown-banded roaches
This article discusses the kind of roaches in Texas, how common they are, and where you would find them. Continue reading for more information.
What Different Roaches Live in Texas?
Five common species of cockroaches live in Texas: the German, American, smoky brown, Oriental, and brown-banded cockroaches.
Respectively, of these, you will find some are even more commonplace than others, but looking at them as a whole, these are the few species you will see most often.
Because Texas has a warmer climate, most roaches will feel welcome. Thankfully there is a bit of a saving grace thanks to Texas being relatively arid. This means roaches must double their efforts to maintain their mandatory moisture intake in most places.
Assuming you are seeing the signs of an all-out roach infestation, it is highly recommended you reach out to a pest control professional to get your problem back under control, regardless of which species of cockroach you are dealing with.
Before diving into specifics about each type of roach you can find in Texas, it’s worth noting that dealing with a cockroach problem might not be for everyone.
While some don’t pose nearly as many health risks as the following species, they all contribute some level of threat to your health, so diligence in prevention can be just as crucial as your method of removing them.
German Cockroach
German cockroaches are easily identifiable thanks to their pale brown bodies with two black streaks running parrel to their eyes.
Stopping just before their abdomen begins, these roaches may have long wings. Still, they are useless, as they cannot even fly short distances.
Putting your best foot forward is an easy task for the German cockroach, primarily because it is the most common household roach you can find.
For example, if you go into Dallas, you will find they are everywhere. However, German cockroaches are everywhere throughout the United States.
German roaches aren’t avid outdoor insects and will do everything they can to live in your home rent-free. Since they are so apt to make your home their home, you might even run across baby German cockroach nymphs if the infestation is large enough.
If that wasn’t bad enough, running around in such large droves could mean spreading bacteria all over your home, so if you see one, you’d be wise to take action immediately.
Read More: Eliminate The German Roach Fast
American Cockroach
Traditionally American roaches are dark brown, with a unique swirl pattern on the beige part of their shell.
They notably feature large wings that allow them to fly for over 100 feet if they are attempting to go for a distance and to glide.
American cockroaches don’t originally come from America but have origins primarily in Africa, arriving here through an all-expense paid trip via cargo ships several hundred years ago.
That being said, these indoor pests have a better callsign, which would be their size. American roaches are hailed as the largest invasive roach species in the United States. They reach over 1.5 to 2 inches in length, with an appetite just as significant to match!
Read More: How To Get Rid Of American Roaches
Smoky Brown Cockroaches
While smoky browns share quite a few similarities with American roaches, the smoky brown cockroach lacks any defining characteristic, like the swirl on the American roach.
Still, they come in deep brown color and feature long, curved antennas.
As with most other roaches, their wings and bodies are somewhat shiny and capable of flight, but only for very short distances.
You could go as far as saying they have poor endurance or perhaps dislike cardio.
Regardless of their training regimen, you can find these roaches anywhere, ranging from your front porch to nuzzling beneath some leaves, but you can rest assured they are close.
The smoky brown cockroach lives anywhere it can get its water needs to be met, so damp areas are a welcomed sight for them, and they are attracted to most outdoor lightning, so once again, opening doors at night could be an open invitation to them.
Read More: What To Do If You Roaches Outside Your House At Night
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental roaches can almost pass for crickets if it weren’t for their dark, almost black coloring and relatively smooth bodies.
One might think that with a nickname like a water bug, they would be very efficient at swimming or, at the very least, capable of the water, but this is not the case.
Read More: How To Eliminate Water Bugs
Most of the time you see these, they will be migrating from a big clump of damp leaves or perhaps the nearest sewer drain.
They prefer dark, moist places and won’t stray far from them without a good reason.
If you happen to see some in your home, the roach more than likely come from a local drain or were nesting in a plant you just so happened to bring inside without inspecting very well.
Read More: Eliminate And Remove Oriental Roaches
Brown-Banded Roaches
Brown-banded cockroaches earn their name thanks to the yellowish, almost tan streaks they have running on either side of their mahogany bodies. They are accustomed to warm, dry locations, making Texas their perfect home.
Like most of their kindred, brown-banded roaches have small wing sizes and overall capability differences for the sexes.
Males are well equipped to take to the skies, while the females are stuck waddling along due to their smaller, underdeveloped wings keeping them grounded.
Your typical brown-banded roach is roughly half an inch long, and while smaller than some, you can expect these pests to be around for a while, with an average lifespan of about 206 days.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
How Common Are Texas Cockroaches?
Texas cockroaches are extremely common due to their location being warm and dry. Overall, it fits their needs perfectly.
However, some cockroach species might be more likely to come directly into your home than others (like the German roaches.)
With sewers and leaf litter sprinkled throughout most of the state, it isn’t much of a stretch to see why they are everywhere.
Where Would I Find Roaches?
You would most likely find roaches grouping up where their needs are met in large clumps of leaves directly on trees and around the lights outside your home. Cockroaches can be found in almost every direction you look.
Suppose we were speaking strictly inside your home.
In that case, this varies slightly depending on the cockroach species, but your sewer drains, under large appliances, or in basements would be surefire bets if you have an infestation on your hands.
Read More: What Does a Roach Nest Look Like? How to Find and Get Rid of One
Are There Flying Cockroaches in Texas?
Yes, there are flying cockroaches in Texas. The smoky brown cockroach and the brown-banded cockroach can soar into your window and home.
Flying roaches aren’t a new phenomenon by any means.
However, encountering a flying cockroach could be shocking, especially if one lands on you or near your face, so if you intend to visit Texas or already live there, know it is a possibility.
Why Are Roaches Bad in Texas?
Roaches are so bad in Texas due to the state being relatively warm year-round and the cooler months being short-lived, creating a paradise of sorts for Texas roaches, or at the very least, a great vacation spot.
How to Solve a Texas Roach Problem
Texas roaches aren’t any more dangerous or resilient than a roach located anywhere else. So most common treatment methods to get rid of roaches, like boric acid or bait traps will yield good results.
If they haven’t infested your home, you could even utilize essential oil treatments and other smells to deter them from entering your home.
Suppose things already have gotten out of hand, and you have one too many of these common household pests ruining your day.
In that case, you can either begin setting up traps, like a peanut butter boric acid bait trap that will kill the roaches upon ingestion, or a basic sticky trap to kill them.
Read More: Using Boric Acid Against Roaches
Getting a handle on most roach infestations isn’t a question of killing them, though. Your more significant issue boils down to keeping them from having ready access to food and water and limiting the number of ways they can get into your home.
Suppose they are swarming everything from your laundry rooms to cockroaches invading your bathroom, and you aren’t finding success with any traditional treatments.
In that case, your best action may be to hire a professional pest control service to get everything back in control.
Types of Cockroaches in Neighboring States
Since it’s possible for roaches to hitch a ride on your belongings or otherwise become introduced to a new area, it’s also important to know what other types of roaches may be found in some of the nearby states.
Luckily, Oklahoma has the same types of roaches, meaning you don’t need to be on the lookout for any others.
You’ll also see the same types of roaches in Louisiana. However, the Pennsylvania wood roach is also found in this state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Eats Roaches in Texas?
Toads, mice, and even spiders will happily eat roaches in Texas as their next meal.
Still, these fine folk won’t give you much of a solution if your home has already been invaded (unless you are okay with any of these creatures running rampant, in which case, more power to you).
If you are on the other side of the stick, you’ll want an exterminator instead of one of nature’s most seasoned hunters!
Read More: Do Cats Eat Cockroaches? Is It Okay for Them?
What Is Cockroach Season in Texas?
Cockroach season in Texas is the same as it is for most of the United States, and that would be summer when it’s hot, and roaches can roam without fear of getting too cold and having ample sources of water to hydrate from.
