The cool damp weather experienced off and on over the last 2-week period has led to an increase in insect pest activity.

A few people have been quite surprised to find cockroach infestations as they have unpacked Christmas decorations.

When conditions are favorable, cockroaches can infest even the most sanitary and well-organized homes and buildings.

There are approximately 3,500 species of cockroaches worldwide and 55 species are known to live in the United States.

In Texas, five species of cockroaches can become troublesome in homes and buildings.

The German cockroach is the most prevalent in Texas. It is light brown and ½ to 5/8 of an inch in length.

Adults are winged but rarely fly. The Brownbanded cockroach is light gold to glossy brown in color and about the same size as its cousin the German cockroach.

The Brownbanded cockroach will fly when disturbed. The American cockroach is the largest of the common species, growing to a length of 1 ½ to 2 inches.

It is reddish-brown in color with well-developed wings.

However, it seldom flies. This giant cockroach thrives indoors. The Smokeybrown cockroach is most commonly found in South Texas but mainly lives outdoors.

It is very dark brown and about 1 inch in length. The Oriental cockroach for the most part calls North and Central Texas home. It will migrate indoors during the winter months.

Cockroaches enter homes around loose-fitting doors and windows where electrical lines or water pipes pass through walls.

They can also enter in infested boxes, cartons, furniture, dried pet food and other items. Once in the home the pest feed on a variety of plant and animal products, including meat and grease, starchy foods, sweets, baked goods and other unprotected kitchen goods.

They also feed on materials such as leather and wallpaper paste. Boxes of stored Christmas decorations provide favorable living conditions as well.

Cockroaches contaminate food with their excrement and salivary secretions.

They can also leave an unpleasant odor. Cockroaches are nocturnal and appear during daylight only when disturbed or where there is heavy infestation.

They prefer warm, dark, humid shelters near food.

Therefore, the kitchen and bathroom are the mostly likely areas for an infestation to develop.

However, when populations become large and food scarce, they will appear in bedrooms, hallways and other areas.

The key to successful cockroach control is the use of preventive measures. Proper sanitation indoors and out is the first step in limiting a population buildup.

Kitchen waste should be kept in cockroach proof containers and disposed of frequently. Pet food should be stored in tight containers away from the kitchen and all leftover pet foods should be cleaned and removed from feeding dishes daily. Garbage cans should be cleaned regularly.

Discouraging the pest from entering is another step that is effective in preventing the pest from becoming established. Cracks around windows, door frames, pipes and air conditioner units should be sealed.

Should chemical control be needed, there are numerous products available. However, if the infestation is severe consider securing the services of a professional pest control operator. They have the insecticides, application equipment and training to do a safe and effective control job.