Have a problem with huge tree roaches - do they "nest" in houses ?

Question

I live in a large very clean upscale house (in Houston Texas) with NO bug issues of any kind ........ until recently. A couple of months ago we started waking up to find large dead or half dead tree roaches in our den and sometimes breakfast room. The problem is getting worse. Usually we see 2-4 per week but occasionally more. I heard that they sometimes nest but not sure how or where. Any recommendations on how to find them and/or get rid of them. The house is sprayed so they are always at least half dead before we even see them, but it is still pretty gross.

Answer 1

Wood Roaches will not be able to live indoors. If they are Wood Roaches they will not scurry out of sight when exposed to light but will be very still and allow you to pick them up with a paper towel and dispose of them.  The pesky c**k Roach that invades houses and set up nests to multiply will quickly get out of sight when you enter the room and put the light on.

Answer 2

actually they wont be over two inches long  :)    the largest is the American roach...and #2 will be the Smokey Brown roach...outdoor population finding their way inside.   This time of year if you have any inside they will be the adults (very large) or newly hatched ones (adult dropped off an egg capsule).  Use any of the residual products around the entry points of the home...thresholds of the exterior doors, around window sills, treat the weep holes.  Then use the pre mixed product that you attach to the garden hose and and treat around the exterior of the home concentrating on the flower beds next to the structure.  Make sure there isn't a wood pile (especially and old rotting wood pile) next to the home.  Even tress within 40 feet of the home that may have a hollow spot on them may be the source of the population.   Also  when I get calls on these roaches this time of year that are found in a room with a fireplace, the damper may need to be closed.

If by chance you see many of the in between / immature sizes of theses roaches it may indicate that there is a moisture problem that needs fixing.

Answer 3

I live near Galveston and I know what you mean with these huge roaches. The best thing I have found is Bengal. It comes in a spray can and you can get it most anywhere. You'll still see them, but they'll be dead or dieing. They also leave droppings that are as big as mice droppings. I hope this helps you my fellow Texan. Things are bigger in Texas I know, but this is ridiculous. ha