Asian Cockroach Could Benefit Some Texas Producers
Save Email Print
Asian Cockroach Could Benefit Some Texas Producers
A flying Asian cockroach could actually be beneficial for some Texas agricultural producers.
Font Size:

(March 2, 2008)--The reviled and prolific cockroach that homeowners love to hate could finally be getting some respect.

A flying cockroach from Asia has shown a voracious appetite for pests that plague South Texas cotton farmers.

Bob Pfannenstiel is a South Texas bus expert for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

He concedes that the numbers of roaches that feast in the fields would probably repulse the general public.

But he says he thinks people might give the bugs some grudging respect if they knew what they were up to.

The Asian cockroach first appeared in Florida in 1986, and the species has expanded its range ever since.

The nocturnal insects next migrated to southern Georgia, Alabama and up the east coast.

It ventured west into Texas in 2006 and became the most common predator of bollworm eggs in the state's Rio Grande Valley region.

That's where Pfannenstiel gathered data on predation in soybean fields.

The bollworm threatens cotton, soybean, corn and tomato crops.

The cockroach is an omnivore that also eats the eggs of the beet armyworm, a pest to cotton, cabbage and a variety of other crops.
More Stories
Video
13 Confirmed Dead, 30 Injured In Ft. Hood Shooting
305 Comments
Local Woman Claimed She Had Cancer To Get Money For Breast Implants
128 Comments
Community Rallies In Support Of Animal Shelter After Deadly Fire
70 Comments
Apartment Complex Where Suspected Gunman Lived Evacuated
62 Comments
Jury Acquits Local Paramedic Accused Of Fondling Female Patient
60 Comments
Central Texas Boy Suffers Head, Face, Eye Injuries In Dog Attack
58 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
AP Video