Roaches in Greater Houston: Why They’re Here, What They Mean, and How to Fight Back
It’s a familiar moment for many families in Champions Park: you turn on the kitchen light late at night, and something small scurries across the floor. Maybe it’s just one—until there’s another one in the bathroom, and then one more near the pantry. It doesn’t take long to realize this isn’t a one-time visitor but an invasion that keeps coming back despite a clean home and careful habits.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Roaches are a year-round challenge in the Houston area, and their resilience is part of what makes them one of the most unwanted household pests.
“Cockroaches love heat and humidity—and there’s no denying that Houston offers ideal conditions for them,” said Cheryl Conley of Lake Creek Nature Preserve. “Globally there are 4,500 species but only 69 of them live in the United States. Texas has about 30 species but in Houston, there are 4 prevalent species—American, German, Oriental, and Brown-banded cockroaches.”
And these pests aren’t just unpleasant; “cockroaches aren’t just an annoyance; they are a health hazard,” Conley warned, noting that they can carry bacteria and worsen allergies and asthma in vulnerable individuals.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Why Roaches Keep Coming Back
Not Just a “Dirty Home” Problem
One of the biggest myths about roaches is that they only show up in unkept homes.
“It is a common misconception that roaches are only found in dirty homes. Although unkept areas offer ready-made harboring and food sources for these critters, they will inhabit anywhere they are able to set up house,” said Scott Currier, owner of A-American Pest Control near Cypress.
Tree Roaches and “Hitchhikers”
Currier explains that one of Houston’s most notorious pests, the “tree” roach, is known for flying straight into homes:
“These will come in from outside at any point in the year looking for coolness in the heat, water when it is dry, or dry in the rainy seasons and always hunting for new food sources.”
Smaller roach species are even sneakier.
“There are also smaller roaches, some of which come in when brought into the home in anything from pet food containers and luggage to used furniture and fish aquariums. These roaches have a very fast reproductive cycle and will infest a home within a relatively short period of time.”
A-American Pest Control, founded by Currier after seven years of service in the U.S. Navy, has spent 22 years serving Greater Houston homes and offers free inspections and personalized treatment plans to stop these pests fast.
What Champions Park Residents Can Do to Keep Roaches Away
Even with professional pest control, prevention plays a major role in reducing infestations. Conley recommends focusing on three areas: food, water, and shelter. Here’s how:
-
Seal entry points: Close cracks in walls, floors, and around plumbing. Inspect doors, windows, and vents for unsealed gaps.
-
Eliminate water sources: Fix leaking faucets, clean out gutters, and wipe up standing water near sinks, pet bowls, or AC drip pans.
-
Control clutter: Boxes, stacks of paper, and unused appliances make perfect hiding spots. Declutter storage areas and rotate stored items.
-
Protect your food: Store pantry items and pet food in airtight containers. Empty trash often and make sure garbage lids close securely.
-
Tidy up daily: Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight, sweep up crumbs, wipe down counters, and mop up spills immediately.
-
Deep clean hidden areas: Move furniture and kitchen appliances at least once a year to disrupt nesting spots.
-
Watch for “hitchhikers”: Inspect used furniture, cardboard boxes, and even grocery bags for pests before bringing them inside.
Currier advises combining these steps with professional help if roaches continue to appear:
“If you are seeing roach activity that seems to be a persistent problem, contact us here for a free inspection and treatment recommendations today.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Take Back Your Home
Roaches don’t care how clean your house is—they care about survival. But with consistent prevention and expert support, Champions Park families can regain peace of mind and reclaim their homes.
As Conley puts it: “Cockroaches are squatters and may act like they own the place, but show them the door. With a little diligence, you can evict these six-legged squatters and reclaim your home—one squeaky-clean corner at a time.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
