Bob Klepac Exterminating Service is no stranger to dealing with invasive species of insects. We were the first company in Matagorda County to discover the Rasberry Crazy Ant, later renamed the Tawny Crazy Ant. We have since, lead the way in providing effective management strategies for our customers. We have discovered another invasive pest, The Asian Cockroach.
Asian Cockroach found in service area
This week we discovered a new pest in one of our service areas. Blatella asahinai, AKA The Asian Cockroach. This roach was first discovered in Japan in 1981. It was introduced into the United States around 1990 in Florida and since then has spread to many areas of the Gulf Coast. We now have it in our area of Southeast Texas.
Virtually Identical twin
Asian Cokroach Adult Female 
Juvenile Asian Cockroach 
Juvenile Asian Cockroaches
As you can see in the pictures above, the Asian Cockroach is easily mistaken for the better known German Cockroach. The German Cockroach primarily infests the interiors of homes or offices. It also is not adapted to survive very well outside, Whereas the Asian Cockroach thrives. Another significant difference between these two species of roaches is that the Asian Roach is a strong flyer. At dusk and night large amounts of the roaches will fly to gather at light sources.
Without its natural enemies present here in the US,
The Asian Cockroach will reach populations in the thousands to tens of thousands. Couple the sheer volume of roaches and the fact that they fly and it can truly become something of a nightmare.
What to Do…
Populations of these Cockroaches will not reach these highest threshold until late summer. For more information visit the Texas A&M Department of Urban Entomology website.
However, if you have a severe infestation We recommend giving us a call and letting us help. We have expansive knowledge and experience to identify these pests and their entry points. We look forward to talking to you about all of your pest control needs.