Cockroaches?
 

So….I moved to Deep South Texas a few months ago, we’re north of Corpus. I’m excited to start growing bananas…and then a friend said they attract roaches. Not what I wanted to hear. There are roaches here more than anywhere I’ve ever been….just naturally. So….could this be a problem? Should I grow them away from my house? I was hoping for some shade from the plants, too. Thanks so much. I have read a ton on here and just love it. I think banana plants are very pretty. We had some when we lived in Hawaii.

Re: Cockroaches?
 

Yes the roaches are attracted to the mulch you will be putting around the bananas to keep them healthy. But I've never had roaches in my house and we have a compost pile right near the house.

Re: Cockroaches?
 

Thank you. I do not want them in my house obviously!

Re: Cockroaches?
 

Make sure all doors and windows have good seals. Spray pesticides around the doors, windows and foundation of the house.

Re: Cockroaches?
 

i have no problem with this.

Re: Cockroaches?
 

In general it looks like -maybe- some banana tree species are native habitats for a specific roach depending on the region. They're attracted to the bananas, shelter, and soil composition!

https://asktheman.xyz/
details
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchlora_nivea
https://www.nypestpro.com/roaches/gr...cockroach.html

Re: Cockroaches?
 

Thank you! That’s very interesting. But good to know at least these pests are mostly outdoors

Re: Cockroaches?
 

They're drawn to the bananas, shelter, and soil composition. Thanks for sharing those links

Re: Cockroaches?
 

I live in Florida and we have roaches BAD. But I personally haven't noticed any type of roach problems or any specific attraction to the banana plants themselves. The mulch around it remains moist, but where I live remains very humid in most places, the mulch on my trees and my other ornamentals don't see much roach activity due to the previously mentioned humidity and moist foliage pretty much everywhere.

I can see how in a dryer climate like Texas, the moist mulch would attract little critters who thrive in those environments.


Although, it seems like Hornets and Wasps are VERY MUCH attracted to the plants.

So far it seems like they're just there to eat the aphids and other small bugs.

Even though the 'sting-y bois' aren't harmless, I talk to them and they seem to respect the sharing of the space.