How to Keep Oriental Cockroaches Out of Your Houston Home

Understanding the Oriental Cockroach

Commonly referred to as water bugs due to their affinity for living in cool, damp areas, the Oriental cockroach has a dark brown, almost black coloration. Despite the Oriental cockroach having wings, it is flightless and dependent on moisture-laden regions to survive. One major identification factor for the Oriental cockroach is the strong, musty, foul odor that the insect emits – this will be particularly noticeable in a large infestation. 

Much like other cockroach species, Oriental cockroaches can transmit dangerous pathogens. This is due generally to unfavorable areas in which roaches walk, such as sewers, drainpipes, and dumpsters, before entering your home. The bacteria they pick up in these areas will be carried and deposited around your home and may contaminate any food you have as the cockroaches scavenge through it.

Additionally, Oriental cockroaches and most other cockroach species are known to trigger asthma problems. They can also cause respiratory difficulties or trigger allergies in certain people. The more widespread an infestation is, the more likely you or your family will encounter serious negative consequences.

Reducing Oriental Cockroaches Around Your Home

Several factors may draw Oriental cockroaches to your home. Fortunately, there are also a few ways to reduce or eliminate these factors once you know about them:

• Moisture is a significant draw for Oriental cockroaches. You should check around your home and seal up any leaks either inside or outside, paying particular attention to the lower levels of your home, such as basements or cool, damp areas like bathrooms. You may also want to ensure that your home has proper ventilation to reduce any hidden spots of moisture.
• Another huge factor in attracting Oriental cockroaches to your home is trash and food waste that is left disposed of unproperly. It would help if you were working to promptly throw out food and garbage in tightly sealed containers to reduce the chances of the aroma bringing roaches into your home. You will also want to clean up food and liquid spills around your property as soon as possible.
• Common entrances into your home for Oriental cockroaches include damaged weather stripping, damaged doorways, sewer lines, and attic vents. Do your best to seal up any cracks or gaps around your home and replace worn-out weather stripping to prevent cockroaches from entering in the first place.
• Keep your yard clear of debris, especially organic debris, and the grass trimmed low. Excessive yard foliage or grass may encourage cockroaches to hide out around your property, eventually moving inside when they search for food.

Effective Cockroach Removal

Oriental cockroaches, similar to most other types of cockroach species, are tough to remove once an infestation has started. If you have seen Oriental cockroaches around your home or suspect that you have a cockroach infestation of any type, contact the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite. The experts can help you indefinity the first signs of cockroaches, evaluate the scale of your problem, and provide you with safe, effective solutions that leave your home happily pest-free.

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