When most people think of cockroaches, they imagine American and German cockroaches. But there’s another type of roach in San Antonio that you should know about. The smoky brown cockroach is a local home invader, and you never know when you may encounter it. Learn you should know about protecting your home from this gross pest.
What Do They Look Like?
The smoky brown cockroach is closely related to the American cockroach but is smaller in size. Typically, this cockroach measures about one inch in size. It is dark brown and has wings that are longer than its body. This type of cockroach loves to fly and spend quite a bit of time in the air.
Of course, you might not want to get close enough to this cockroach to identify it. If you want an identification, you should consult with a post control company. They can search for cockroaches and identify the invaders on your property.
Why Do Smoky Brown Cockroaches Come Inside?
Smoky brown cockroaches prefer to be outside, but that doesn’t mean they won’t end up in your home. If there’s not enough food or moisture for them outside, these San Antonio pests could end up inside. Like other cockroaches, these invaders can live for a significant length of time on a small crumb. However, they can’t last long without water.
Some types of roaches can last a week or longer without water. But the smoky brown can only last two days with no water. If there isn’t enough moisture for the insect in the outside environment, it might come inside.
Another reason smoky brown cockroaches enter homes is to escape the cold weather. In the winter, smoky brown cockroaches might head indoors in search of warmth. Food and water are also difficult to find outside in the winter, so the lack of either resource could drive them into your home.
Why Prevention Matters
Smoky brown cockroaches are dangerous in that they can transmit diseases to humans. When they hang out in alleys and other dirty places, these roaches pick up pathogens. They venture into your home and make you and your household vulnerable to illness. Additionally, smoky brown cockroaches can trigger allergies.
With a rapid reproductive cycle, smoky brown cockroaches can take over your home quickly. If you want to protect your home, you need to be proactive and focus on cockroach prevention.
Prevention Tips For Smoky Brown Cockroaches
To keep these pests away from your property, you should take the following precautions:
Seal Up Your Food And Garbage
To limit the food available to smoky brown roaches, seal up your food and garbage cans. Go through your pantry and seal up open bags and boxes of food. If you leave food out on your counter, make sure it’s also tightly sealed.
Your garbage cans also contain food for roaches. Only use cans with lids that close securely or food will always be available to these pests.
Address Moisture Issues
Keeping moisture to a minimum is a great way to keep smoky brown roaches away. Use a dehumidifier in rooms with high humidity and install vent fans in your kitchen and bathrooms. If you have any small leaks, repair them as soon as possible.
Clean Frequently And Thoroughly
If you don’t clean frequently and thoroughly, your home will have plenty of food for smoky brown cockroaches. Sweep, vacuum, and clear off surfaces. Occasionally, do deep cleans behind your appliances.
Hire A Professional
For effective smoky brown cockroach prevention, consult with an expert. Here at Romney Pest Control, we can safely and effectively deter or eliminate cockroaches from your property. Call us now to learn more.
