Cockroaches

Professional Cockroach Pest Control San Antonio TX

While considered a household pest, the cockroach is known for infesting commercial and industrial properties as well. Scientists believe the cockroach is part of the Neopteran species, a group of insects with wings that cover the abdomen. With nearly 4,000 species of cockroaches roaming the earth, it is easy to see why human encounters are not that uncommon. Some cockroach species inhabit human spaces, while others remain in the outdoors, around public sewers, landfills, and waste treatment plants.

Of the approximately 4,000 cockroach species, only 5 are known to inhabit San Antonio properties. Cockroaches have been described by renowned entomologists as “prolific breeders”. Most species can lay up to 50 eggs, which are protectively stored in a case or capsule. Mature females from different cockroach species produce uniquely shaped egg capsules. For example, the female, brown-branded cockroach produces an egg capsule with a slight arch, measuring up to 5 millimeters in length. The female Oriental cockroach, on the other hand, produces a significantly larger, more rounded egg capsule. Most cockroach egg cases are dark brown to reddish/brown to reddish/black in color. However, the female German cockroach’s egg capsule is rectangular-shaped, varying between yellowish/orange and yellowish/brown.

Prominent Cockroach Species In San Antonio

The two most prominent species of cockroaches that inhabit San Antonio properties are the American cockroach and German cockroach. The species share many of the same physical characteristics, making them extremely difficult to identify. Fortunately, there are a few notable features that make differentiating between the American cockroach and German cockroach easier.

American Cockroach Species 

The adult “Periplaneta americana” grows up to 2 inches long, making it one of the roach species of cockroaches. While a unique physical characteristic, a physical characteristic, nonetheless, a centralized dark line running vertically down the prothorax. Most people will not dare get as close to the American cockroach as needed to identify this unique feature.

The cockroach has a full set of wings, with flying capabilities. The insect can be seen after dark, flying toward outdoor lighting fixtures. While one of the largest species of its kind, it is also one of the longest-living cockroaches. In controlled environments, the American cockroach can easily survive up to 3 years. Given that, it takes about 2 years for the cockroach to mature.

The American cockroach does not inhabit human living spaces. Instead, the insect builds its nest in steam tunnels, public sewage systems, and other damp areas. The diet consists of human waste.

German Cockroach Species 

The mature “Blattella germanica” grows up to 5/8” in length, significantly shorter than the American cockroach. The cockroach is easily identifiable if you dare get close enough to inspect the prothorax. Here, you will find, not one, but two dark vertical lines, running from the tip to the bottom of the prothorax. These markings have been deemed “racing stripes”.

The mature female produces up to 5 capsules, consisting of a maximum of 40 eggs within her lifetime. The commensal cockroach invades human habitats, feeding on scraps, fecal matter, household waste, and other edibles.

The female German cockroach builds its nests underneath appliances, kitchen sinks, and other dark, warm, and discrete areas.

Not-So-Notable San Antonio Cockroach Species

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Species

The adult male grows up to 1” in length, about 1/4” bigger than the female (3/4” in length). While only about half the size of the American cockroach species, the Pennsylvania wood cockroach has a full set of wings. More commonly found outdoors, the cockroach is not a commensal insect, meaning it does not inhabit human living spaces. In its natural habitat, the cockroach erects its nest underneath piles of lumber and firewood. Nests can also be found underneath loose wood siding and shingles, as well as near stagnant water from clogged gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach Species

The mature insect grows up to 1/3” in length, only slightly larger than the female. Another difference between the two genders is color, which may or may not be noticeable. The female is solid black to brownish/black, while the male is reddish/brown to reddish/black. The male’s antennas are significantly longer than its female counterpart. Both genders have a full set of wings, allowing them to fly into bright lights after dark.

The species made its way to the United States in the mid-1900s. Its ability to discretely access shipping containers has allowed the insect to migrate to Texas, since its arrival in the US.

The adult female reproduces outdoors, where she builds her nest near garbage dumps and landfills.

Oriental Cockroach Species 

The adult grows up to 1-1/4 inches in length, with the female being only slightly smaller. Only the male has a full set of wings and flying capabilities. The male’s wings are longer than most other male cockroach species, covering nearly ¾ of the body.

The female erects nests outdoors near what she believes is an endless supply of food. The diet consists of human and animal fecal matter, rotting organic materials, and household waste.

Smokey Brown Cockroach Species

The adult grows up to 1.5 inches in length. The species is comprised of both males and females. The female reproduces outdoors. If the cockroach is detected indoors, it will be considered accidental.

Surinam Cockroach Species 

The mature adult grows up to ¾” long, with a dark brown body. Since the species is limited to only the female, there is no comparison between genders. The mature female has a full set of wings, allowing her to fly necessary.

Unlike most other female cockroach species, the Surinam cockroach carries her egg capsule inside her body. She has a live birth, which is also unique to the cockroach species.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Species 

The cockroach is about ½” at maturity. The body varies between a light brown and tan. The insect shares the unique prothorax racing stripes with the German cockroach species.

The female erects her nest outdoors near trash bins and landfills.

Why Is My San Antonio Home Infested With Cockroaches?

Commensal cockroaches are drawn to homes and businesses with vulnerable structural components. These very important structures are responsible for keeping human and insect predators from infiltrating the home. When the structural components begin to deteriorate, they can become an access point for the cockroach and other insect species.

Once the cockroach invades your home, its plan is to remain forever. It will do just that as long as food, water, and shelter are accessible.

Do Cockroaches Pose A Health Risk To Humans?

Yes, cockroaches spread disease through contaminated urine and fecal droppings, which are left behind after feeding. People living in severely infested homes are at a high risk of developing foodborne illnesses – Shigella, E. coli, and salmonella – due to the ingestion of contaminated food and water.

People who live in high-risk properties, such as apartments, condominiums, and flats should protect their nonperishable food products. This is possible by transitioning from store-bought food packages to glass, stainless steel, and ceramic storage containers.

Young victims of severe cockroach species are also at a high risk of developing respiratory illnesses like asthma.

Is It Possible To Fully Eradicate A Cockroach Colony In An Apartment?

It is a fact, a cockroach infestation is much more difficult to contain in multi-family rental units. When one apartment becomes under attack by cockroaches, it is almost always guaranteed, the entire building will become infested. In these severe cockroach infestation cases, the only option is professional pest control and management.

Our professional cockroach management utilizes industrial-strength pesticides, adhesive traps, and eco-friendly treatments to fully eradicate such pest infestation. A custom cockroach control strategy is ideal for a severe infestation in multi-family units.

How To Schedule A Cockroach Inspection?

By contacting our San Antonio customer support via email, phone, or social media. We are here, to serve your every pest control need 7 days a week. However, our service request process takes up to 48 hours to complete. Schedule early and eliminate any delay that could complicate your case.

Does Your Pest Control Company Utilize EPA-Approved Pest Control Products?

Our San Antonio pest control line consists of only pest control brands approved by the Environmental Protection Agency “EPA”. The EPA is a governmental agency responsible for helping pest control companies and contractors across the US to manage the cockroach population.

How To Prevent Repeat Cockroach Infestation?

The key to preventing a secondary cockroach infestation is eliminating access points. This is possible with the help of a waterproof sealant – caulk or silicone. Fill all exterior-to-interior openings to the brim and keep cockroaches out of your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.