As temperatures rise in Sacramento, pest experts report an increase in Turkistan roaches invading homes, driven by ideal breeding conditions from late-season rain.
SACRAMENTO, Calif — As temperatures rise across the Sacramento area, pest control experts say homeowners are also seeing more cockroaches — particularly an invasive species known as the Turkistan roach.
The Turkistan roach, originally from Afghanistan, has adapted quickly to California’s warm climate and is becoming more common throughout the region.
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Why Sacramento residents are suddenly seeing more roaches around their homes
Experts said the roaches are typically found outdoors near sprinklers, irrigation systems and other moist areas. But as temperatures climb, they can also move inside homes in search of water.
Combined with recent late-season rain, the warmer weather has created ideal breeding conditions for the pests, leading to an increase in service calls.
“We are getting more calls for the outside roaches and that late-season rain has made a big impact,” said Mike Bullert, owner of Big Time Pest Control. “And so as weather gets warmer, the bugs are coming out and looking for moisture, looking for food, and starting to reproduce — they start to reproduce the warmer it is.”
Bullert said seeing a cockroach inside a home does not necessarily mean homeowners need indoor pesticides. Instead, he recommends focusing prevention efforts outside the home.
Homeowners can help prevent infestations by reducing excess irrigation, removing outdoor clutter and sealing cracks around doors and windows.
Why Sacramento homeowners are suddenly seeing more roaches
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