Why You’re Seeing More Roaches This Time of Year
You’ve heard it before. When the temperatures rise, homeowners start noticing a major spike in pest activity. And one of those pests can be a little unsettling to some people. Whether it’s giant American roaches or smaller German roaches, the warm air creates the perfect environment for them.
But here’s where it gets a little disturbing. If you see one roach in your kitchen, there’s a good chance they’re not traveling solo. Odds are, there’s more where that came from on the other side of your wall.
Every homeowner needs to pay close attention to this. And yes, that includes the people who are currently renting a place.
Why You’re Suddenly Seeing More Roaches
Now, you already know that roaches absolutely adore the warm weather and moisture. So of course, when the spring rolls around and the humidity starts to rise, roaches start moving out of hibernation to search for food, water, and shelter. They’re just trying to survive like us at the end of the day.
Several homeowners use this time of year to start planting flowers, growing their gardens, and laying down mulch for their landscape. And if you own a house, you know it’s important to have the best looking landscape on the block. However, these hobbies often disturb roach habitats and push them closer to your home over time.
Roaches can be found living in dark and damp environments, typically under the ground. But when the outdoor hiding spots become too hot, too wet, or disrupted by humans, they begin moving indoors where the conditions are far more relaxed.
As you can see, the spring and early summer are the busiest seasons for roach infestations.
How to Tell the Difference Between an American and German Roach
It might be extremely difficult to tell the difference, especially if you don’t know much about pests. But we’re here to tell you that not all roaches are the same. The two most common ones that homeowners deal with on a daily basis are American roaches and German roaches.
Don’t let their looks fool you, though. They behave very differently from each other.
First, let’s talk about the American roach.
American Roaches
American roaches are known as the giant roaches that people often see around their home. These pests are reddish-brown and are able to grow over two inches long.
They can be found in sewer systems, crawl spaces, mulch beds, drains, and any moist area. When the temperature rises and moisture conditions change, they start moving inside homes to look for water and an overall cooler environment.
Now, we don’t mean to scare you with this, but it’s important to keep in mind. Most homeowners freak out when they see one running across their kitchen floor. And while seeing one roach doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a full-blown infestation, it does mean that there’s more hiding nearby.
So, the next time you see a roach in your home, don’t panic. It’s time to make some changes by scheduling a professional service.
German Roaches
On the other hand, German roaches are much smaller, but far more dangerous when it comes to an infestation. They mostly live inside your home, unlike the American roach. You might find them hiding out in your laundry room, kitchen, basement, or behind appliances where food and moisture are.
Here’s a fun fact: German roaches are actually considered an invasive species. This means that they are extremely good at playing hide-and-seek and growing their colonies in a timely manner. By the time you spot one German roach, you’re out of luck because there’s more hiding closer than you think.
Take this as a sign that you should never ignore a single German roach sighting. One small roach can quickly turn into a massive infestation in the future. Treat it quickly!
Why Do Roaches Want to Go Inside When It’s Hot Outside?
Have you ever heard someone ask this question: “If roaches like the warm weather, then why do they come inside during the summer?”
Here’s the answer to that.
The extreme heat and dry conditions force them to search for moisture and shelter. Roaches are prone to dehydration. That’s why they depend on moisture because if they don’t have it, then they’ll die from dehydration in about one week. However, they’re able to survive a month without food.
If your home has any moisture issues, then that’s your sign to call a trusted pest control service to come out and save the day.
Crawl Spaces Just Might be a Hotspot for Roaches
If you live in Middle Tennessee, you’re going to want to pay extra attention to this.
One of the biggest reasons why homeowners in Tennessee deal with excessive roach activity is because of moisture issues in their crawl space. Those dark and humid environments create the most ideal place for them to live in. Since most homeowners never step foot in their crawl space, it allows roaches to grow their colonies without being disturbed.
If you notice standing water, poor ventilation, wood rot, or plumbing leaks in your crawl space, it’s time to call a professional. Not only is it important to have monthly inspections, but it’s also great to know what might be going on underneath your house.
Why Seeing One Roach Means There’s More Closer Than You Think
Did you know that roaches are nocturnal? They spend time hiding in dark, cramped spaces during the day to avoid predators and bright lights. Since they’re experts at hiding, people only notice them after their population skyrockets. And if you start seeing roaches during the day, it means an infestation is gradually becoming more dangerous.
Professional services focus on locating the nests and eliminating the root of the problem. Our focus is not about getting rid of only what we can see. It’s about targeting where they’re coming from in the first place.
Why are Giant Roaches Even a Thing?
One of the most common questions that pest professionals hear is, “why are the roaches in Tennessee so large?”
Well, there’s a reason for that. Tennessee’s humidity creates exceptional conditions for American roaches to grow larger and survive longer. And of course, sewer systems, crawl spaces, and wooded areas provide plenty of moisture and shelter for these pests.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause roaches to evacuate, which leads them to your bathroom, garage, or even your kitchen.
Hear us out.
These sightings can be intense at times, but they’re a sign that moisture issues and entry points need to be addressed immediately.
How to Reduce the Amount of Roaches Around Your Home
The best solution to limit the amount of roaches is by reducing moisture and eliminating their hiding spots.
Follow these seven steps when dealing with roach activity:
Step 1: Fix plumbing leaks immediately.
Step 2: Reduce the humidity in your crawl space.
Step 3: Seal up cracks and entry points along the foundation of your home.
Step 4: Clean up your kitchen after every meal. Don’t leave any food out for a long period of time.
Step 5: Store food in sealed containers.
Step 6: Eliminate standing water.
Step 7: Schedule regular pest control inspections and services.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, roach activity increases as the temperature continues to climb throughout the summer. And the earlier you address a problem, the easier it is to prevent a full infestation. Don’t be like most homeowners who choose to wait until they actually see something. Stand out and call U.S. Pest. Because when it comes to roaches, early prevention is always the better option.
