American and Oriental cockroaches can use dark, damp, sheltered spaces; inspect for those conditions rather than assuming them from a river-bottom address.
Tulsa pest guide Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jenks
Behind a levee since 1948, because the Arkansas River flooded the town twice
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TULSA / FIELD GUIDE01 / The place
About Jenks
On the banks of the Arkansas River, Jenks grew from its 1905 plat on the Midland Valley Railroad into a town of 25,944 by 2020, and it grew behind a levee. The river flooded the town badly in 1908 and 1923; bond issues in 1945 paid for the levee, finished in 1948, that still stands between the town and the high water.
The levee history does not establish present-day seepage at a home. Where a property has damp, sheltered under-building spaces, inspect for American or Oriental cockroach activity and address moisture problems.
02 / What to look for
Around the property
After heavy rain, inspect containers and low spots for standing water; do not assume dam releases cause seepage at a particular property.
Near the Oklahoma Aquarium and riverfront development, assess each property’s drainage, waste storage and entry points.
03 / Take action
Practical steps
- Walk the property after storms and after high-water releases; check the crawlspace vent line on the low side of the lot.
- Keep the under-structure dry: vapor barriers, ventilation, and no wood stored beneath the house.
- Empty containers and low spots after the May rains; that month alone averages 5.73 inches here.
- Ask about suitable screening and repairs at foundation openings without blocking required drainage or ventilation.