Cockroaches

Around the world, it is estimated that there are more than 4,000 identified species of cockroaches. While you may encounter others, we regularly deal with 30 species in our service area. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, you must learn more about these dangerous pests. Before you can do anything, you must identify the species because each is different in numerous ways. After learning about the species, you’ll know why the pest is entering your home and what you can do to get rid of it.

You’ll be surprised to learn that some cockroach species do not enter structures. Instead, they’re attracted to sewer systems and leaks. Therefore, you shouldn’t panic if you find a cockroach outside of your home. It might not be interested in entering your residence. Work with a professional to identify the species so you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with. Call our office once you’ve found cockroaches outside of your residence.

Knowing Which Cockroaches Are On Your Property

Have you found cockroaches on your property? If so, there is a risk that they’re going to infest your home shortly. Use the information below to identify the species. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know whether they’re a risk to you and your loved ones.

German Roaches

One of the most common cockroaches in our area is the German cockroach. German cockroaches will quickly establish a massive colony in your home because the female members can reproduce swiftly. It is common for them to produce up to five egg capsules before they die. Each case can hold up to 40 eggs. When German cockroaches reach adulthood, they can reach maximum sizes of 5/8s of an inch in length. They’re either tan or light brown. One unique thing about German roaches is the fact that they have dark stripes on the back of their heads. Some people say the stripes as like racing stripes. German cockroaches will enter your residence.

If you’re searching your home for cockroaches, be sure to check around your appliances because they warm the warmth. German cockroaches have wings, but they do not fly.

American Roaches

American cockroaches are massive. It is one of the biggest cockroach species in our area with the biggest American cockroaches reaching two inches in length. In terms of color, they’re primarily reddish-brown. You’ll also find a light spot surrounding the dark center on the back of the cockroach’s head. Unfortunately, American cockroaches are downright frightening because they’re large and capable of flying. Another issue is the fact that they’re not going to die quickly. It regularly takes these cockroaches up to two years to fully mature. Once they’ve matured, they can survive for another year. Suffice to say, an American cockroach infestation is going to turn your life upside-down for a long time.

However, most of them are not interested in entering your home. Instead, they are attracted to broken sewer pipes. An American cockroach infestation can also be a sign that you have a dried plumbing trap. Find out and rectify the problem swiftly to get rid of them. Otherwise, call our office for assistance.

Other cockroaches that you may encounter include Surinam cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, smokey brown cockroaches, and Pennsylvania wood cockroaches. Learn more about these pests below.

Pennsylvania Wood Roaches

Locals are likely going to encounter Pennsylvania wood cockroaches. Although they’re primarily found in the Eastern United States, they sometimes reach our area. You can easily determine whether you’re dealing with a male or female because they’re remarkably different. For instance, adult Pennsylvania wood roaches are going to have full wings. They are usually around an inch in length during adulthood. Females tend to be smaller since the largest female can only reach three-quarters of an inch. While you may encounter these pests, you don’t have to worry about them invading your residence.

They prefer staying outside. Having a Pennsylvania wood cockroach infestation could be a sign that your gutters are stopped up. It could also be caused by a pile of wood nearby.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

The Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach is slightly smaller than the others on this page. Even as an adult, this cockroach will only be a third of an inch. The pest is a light tan with a few dark spots. One thing to know about Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches is the fact that they’re native to Europe. Regardless, they’ve been living in the United States since the mid-1900s. Today, they can be found across the country. They’re regularly found in our service area.

A spotted Mediterranean cockroach may enter your residence, but it will not reproduce inside your home. Since they’re attracted to lights, they may accidentally enter buildings though.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are often found in our area. You’re likely not going to find them in your residence, but they will be around your home. Adult oriental cockroaches grow up to an inch or longer. They’re black or dark brown. Female oriental cockroaches will never develop wings, but males do. A male can have wings covering three-quarters of his body. In terms of behavior and biology, the oriental cockroach has a lot in common with American cockroaches. Oriental cockroaches are primarily found outside or in old structures downtown.

Oriental cockroaches can handle cold temperatures better than American cockroaches. From time to time, you’ll find these pests living in your garbage outside.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

The smokey brown cockroach is large with some growing up to an inch and a half in length. They’re reddish-brown. These cockroaches are generally found in southern states, but they sometimes are found in our service area. They may hide in shipping containers to hitch a ride to your home. Unfortunately, this happens. Smokey brown cockroaches are often mistaken for oriental cockroaches and American cockroaches. However, you can tell the difference because smokey brown cockroaches are one color and have full wings.

Surinam Cockroaches

Despite being small, the Surinam cockroach is one of the most unique cockroaches in our service area. You have to understand that Surinam cockroaches are all female. There are no male members of the species. How does that work? Surprisingly, the Surinam cockroach can still breed profusely. The female cockroach will hold eggs in until they’re ready to hatch. Then, it’ll give live birth to new cockroaches. The Surinam cockroach is roughly three-quarters of an inch in length. They usually are not found in residential structures although they may enter greenhouses.

Brown-Banded Roaches

The brown-banded roach shows up in our area from time to time. It is only half an inch, but it can create a big problem for homeowners. It is light brown or tank. It is easy to mistake a brown-banded cockroach for a German cockroach. The easiest way to determine the difference is by looking for racing stripes on the cockroach’s head. If it has racing stripes, you’re looking at a German cockroach. Brown-banded cockroaches are rarely found in our area, but they will sometimes infest residential and commercial structures.

Why Are Cockroaches In My Home?

Are you curious to find out why those pesky cockroaches have invaded your home? Unfortunately, there is no definite answer since it generally depends on the species. Some cockroaches are not interested in entering your home. Others want to enter your home so they can eat your food. Once you’ve identified the species of the cockroach on your property, you’ll have a better idea of why they’re there.

Primary Health Risks

It would be foolish to ignore a cockroach infestation because these pests are indeed dangerous. They aren’t dangerous in the traditional sense. After all, they will not bite or sting people. Nevertheless, they can spread disease. The thing you have to remember is that cockroaches carry diseases and contaminate food. If they invade your residence, you can guarantee that they’re going to contaminate your food sources. Then, you’re going to be at a higher risk of developing diarrhea, dysentery, and food poisoning. These pests are sometimes responsible for causing outbreaks of salmonella.

Have you found cockroaches in your residence? The risks are too high to ignore the problem. If you do, your loved ones could be exposed to major problems. Call our office to get assistance immediately.

Eliminating Infestations Of Roaches Effectively

Ultimately, you’ll want to clear your home of cockroaches as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this is often harder than most people imagine. The truth of the matter is that cockroaches are hardy. They can survive in the most trying conditions. Therefore, you need to pick an effective treatment method to rectify the problem before someone gets sick. Homeowners can use DIY methods to eliminate some cockroaches, but there is no guarantee that the infestation will be fixed. Instead, you may kill some of the roaches but not all.

We recommend calling our office to take advantage of our cost-effective, safe treatments. We’re always working to improve our treatments to ensure that our clients receive the best results. If you want to resolve this problem rapidly, call us. We’ll develop a plan that works well for your unique situation. The best way to resolve the problem is by teaming up with us.

Timeline

Cockroach infestations cannot be ignored. Once you’ve found them in your home, call our office. We’re ready to begin helping you. We can get back to our clients within 24 to 48 hours.

Only Safe Cockroach Solutions

We’re adamant about protecting our clients from start to finish. We know how worried you are about being exposed to dangerous chemicals. We want to help you rectify the problem without exposing you to dangerous chemicals. Our technicians provide low-cost, safe solutions.  We take numerous steps to guarantee that our clients are okay. For starters, we only let our technicians resolve these problems using EPA-approved methods. Since these techniques are EPA-approved, they’re guaranteed safe around people, pets, and plants. They’re minimally toxic.

We’ll also guide you through the process before it begins. You’ll know what is going to happen so you can be ready for everything.

Avoiding Infestations Of Roaches

Once you’ve removed the roaches from your residence, take steps to keep them out. We recommend working with a professional who can create a plan to protect your home. You’re also encouraged to properly clean your home to ensure that roaches cannot find food in your residence. You’ll also want to search your property for potential problems that could lure cockroaches. For instance, you should check for dried plumbing traps, broken sewer pipes, and clogged gutters. Fix these problems to decrease the likelihood that you’ll deal with a cockroach infestation.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.