Cockroach Identification & Prevention

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are social pests, and one of the most common types of insects living across the world. These very adaptable pests have come to live successfully live with people. Cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs and two antennae that are the same length or longer than their bodies.

Two of the most common species of cockroaches in our area are listed below:

• American cockroach 
  American Cockroaches have a unique, yellow, “figure-8” marking behind their heads. American cockroaches are the largest species of cockroach to invade structures in the United States. These cockroaches have fully developed wings and are capable of flight, but most don’t fly on a regular basis.
• German cockroach 
  German cockroaches are a small species of cockroach, and they are common invaders of restaurants and homes. German cockroaches have light brown or tan bodies and two horizontal black stripes behind their heads; they also have fully developed wings, but do not fly.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are destructive, dangerous, and disease-spreading pests. Before cockroaches found their way into your home or business, they were traveling through some less-than-sanitary areas – picking up bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites on their bodies and legs. Indoors, cockroaches contaminate food, food prep areas, and other surfaces; they damage clothing, fabrics, and paper goods by chewing on them and staining the items with their excrement, and the buildup of their excrement and shed skins cause the flare-up of allergies and trigger asthma attacks in some.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Any property can become victim to a cockroach infestation. Living outside near the exterior of homes and businesses allows cockroaches to easily find their way inside while foraging for food. They move into homes and commercial buildings through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, spaces around air conditioners, and through drains or vents. People also accidentally introduce these pests inside on potted plants, in delivery boxes, or in used appliances infested with these hitchhiking pests.

Where will I find cockroaches?

American cockroaches prefer to live more outdoorsy lifestyles, but they do often find their way inside – usually while foraging for food. These cockroaches live in large numbers in dumps, sewers, steam tunnels, grocery stores, and food-processing facilities. Gardens, trees, and areas under mulch are also places where American cockroaches live. They usually invade homes at the ground level, and often hide out in warm, damp basements.

German cockroaches are common urban pests. They are the most common species of cockroaches to live inside of homes, restaurants, hotels, and other large facilities where food is stored or prepared. Inside, German cockroaches prefer to hide in dark areas of basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.