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Roaches
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Although
all cockroaches may look alike, there are actually five species common
to south Texas: German, Brown-banded, Oriental, American and Smokey
Brown.
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German
Roaches are the most common cockroach species in houses, restaurants,
hotels and other dwellings in the USA. This domestic roach usually
brought in by a grocery bag, clothing or on items when moving can be one
of the most troublesome pest one can encounter. One female could
possibly produce up to 35,000 offspring in one year. They usually nest
in wall voids, cracks and crevices for they prefer dark places. They can
feed practically on anything such as glues, wallpaper paste, and any
starchy substances. This roach can quickly become a severe infestation
if not treated properly. Over the counter sprays very seldom control
these roaches.
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Brown banded Cockroach
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Brown Banded Roaches look
similar to the German roach. They can be distinguished however by the
presence of two lighter bands running across one side to the other of
the base of the wings and abdomen. The adult males can fly in these
species. Also they have been known to jump when disturbed. These roaches
differ in the way they do not require a close association with moisture
sources as the German roach. Therefore they are seen more often
throughout the home rather than kitchens and bathrooms mostly. Since
these are domestic roaches be careful about bringing them in food,
furniture, and other items carried in the home |
American Cockroach (Tree
Roach, Water Bug, Palmetto bugs)
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American
Roaches are larger reddish-brown cockroaches which usually forage
outside. They average around an inch and a half in length and some
species have wings. They can feed on grains, sweets, and some plants.
They can be found in crawl spaces and woodpiles around the house.
Occasionally they enter randomly inside homes because of temperature
changes and various other reasons. Other names are water bugs and
Palmetto bugs. |
Smokey Brown Cockroach (also
known as Palmetto bugs)
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Click to enlarge
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Smokey
Brown Roaches are closely related to the American cockroach as described
above but are distinguished by their slightly smaller size (about one
inch long) and uniform Mahogany brown color. This is a common roach
found mainly in the South. |
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