Cockroaches

The cockroach is a social insect that targets residential and commercial establishments. The species has around 4,000 members, with unique characteristics that set them apart. In the United States, thousands of sightings are reported each year in hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores alone. When commercial establishments do not have a pest management strategy, they are bound to be infested at some point.

Cockroach Management

Cockroach control is much more than just extermination. The process includes prevention, deterrence, and eradication. The top pest control companies provide custom cockroach management. Instead of utilizing a universal treatment strategy for every case, they customize based on several factors. Severity, species, and location are just a few examples.

Every cockroach control strategy is based on an inspection. The process begins the moment a service request is processed. Customer support contacts the client who requests pest control services to set up an appointment for the inspection. On the scheduled date, a technician is dispatched to the client’s home to conduct the inspection, which generally takes about two hours. Once the inspection is complete, the technician consults with the occupants of the home.

Identifying Cockroaches

Initially, you may believe a cockroach is a cockroach. While this is basically true, it is a bit more in-depth than just that. As mentioned above, there are around 4,000 species of cockroach. Entomologists have identified approximately 30 species habituating in the United States.

It is important for every property owner to have some knowledge of the cockroach. Since every type of home and business is a target, learning the identifying characteristics would prove valuable. It is guaranteed, that you will no longer believe a cockroach is a cockroach.

German Cockroach Species

The German cockroach species have both genders – females and males. The female produces a shell-like casing “to store her eggs until they are ready to hatch. The egg case “ootheca” is stored on the outside of the body. The casing holds up to 40 eggs, where they will remain until it is time to be hatched.

The adult can easily grow as long as 5/8 of an inch or as short as ½ of an inch. Identifying the German cockroach is not as simple as it may seem. A brief look will not do the trick. It may be necessary to bring the insect up to eye level. What you are looking for is the strip in the center of the head. Entomologists deemed the cockroach’s strip as a “racing stripe.”

The body ranges between light brown and dark brown. The insect has three sets of elbow-shaped legs and two antennas. 

American Cockroach Species

The American cockroach species have both genders – females and males. Like the German cockroach, the American cockroach carries its egg casing on the outside of its body. The female can produce up to 16 eggs, which remain inside an external egg case. She will deposit her eggs in a safe location in seven to 14 days. In controlled environments, hatching can take a little over five months to occur. Healthy females can produce up to 10 egg cases in their lifetime.

The lifespan of the insect is about three years since maturity can be delayed for up to two years. The segmented body ranges between light brown and reddish/brown.

The insect has two hind legs, two midlegs, and two forelegs. The legs are elbow-shaped like other cockroach species.

American cockroaches do not habitat indoors. They prefer public sewer systems and landfills.

Pennsylvania Cockroach Species

The Pennsylvania cockroach species have both genders – females and males. The female grows is about ¼ of an inch shorter than the male at ¾ of an inch in length. The male can grow up to 1 inch in length in the right environment. The bi-segmented body ranges between brown and dark brown.

The insect prefers an outdoor habitat in lumber and firewood piles, wooden siding, and shingles.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach Species

The spotted Mediterranean cockroach species have both genders – females and males. Adults grow up to 1/3 of an inch long. The bi-segmented body ranges between brown and dark brown. The insect is one of the smallest of all the cockroach species.

The insect builds nests in gardens and heavily landscaped areas.

They are attracted to bright lights in low light conditions. At dusk, they can be seen lighting in the direction of porch, landscape, and other outdoor lighting fixtures.

Oriental Cockroach Species

The Oriental cockroach species have both genders – females and males. The insect shares many of the same characteristics and behaviors as the American cockroach species.

The female builds her nest in landfills, piles of compost, stagnated water, and sewage. The bi-segmented body is dark brown in color.

Smokeybrown Cockroach Species

The smokeybrown cockroach species have both genders – females and males. The reddish/brown body is segmented and the legs elbow-shaped. Both the male and female have a full set of wings.

Surinam Cockroach Species

The Surinam cockroach species have only females. The body ranges between tan and brown. Unlike most other cockroach species, the Surinam cockroach stores her eggs in an internal case. She appears to give live birth.

The head is solid and slightly darker than the body, wings, and legs.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Species

The brown-banded cockroach species have both genders – females and males. The adult is about 0.5 inches in length, with a light or medium brown body. The head had a single racing stripe that runs longitudinally.

How Did My Home Get Infested With Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are social insects that build colonies. Unlike the ant and termite, the cockroach does not have a queen. All females reproduce at a rapid pace.

The insects access the indoors through windowsills, door thresholds, damaged ventilation screens, and utility passageways. The species with flying capabilities can access your home through open windows after dusk.

Are Cockroaches Infected With Diseases?

Evidence shows the cockroach species causes a variety of health problems. Children living in cockroach-infested settings have reported allergy and asthma symptoms.

The insects have also been linked to foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli.

What Is The Most Effective Residential Cockroach Treatment?

The treatment strategy will depend on the severity of the problem, type of cockroach, and location. Once cockroaches are sighted in your home, you can almost guarantee an infestation is in the wake. To minimize the damage caused by these aggressive insects, immediate action must be taken. It is highly recommended to have your home inspected by a professional. The data collected through cockroach inspections will play a role in determining the best treatment strategy.

Over-the-counter pesticides and insecticides may not be effective for cockroaches. Big-box, hardware, home & garden, and retail stores provide consumers with a decent selection of brands. Consumers really need to do their homework before making an investment. Not all pesticides are created equal, regardless of the brand.

When Can A Friendly Technician Arrive?

We’ve been in the business for a long time and understand the need to deliver rapid results. Once you’ve found cockroaches in your cupboard, call our office. We strive to get back to our clients within 24 to 48 hours. Then, it is only a matter of time before your home is free of pests.

Safest Treatments For Cockroaches

Many of our clients are worried about conventional treatments and the risks involved. Our technicians understand how you feel because some of these techniques use toxic materials. We’ve taken numerous steps to ensure that we’re only going to use the safest treatments. Our cockroach treatments rely on nontoxic materials to resolve the problem. Any insecticides we use have been tested and approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. We’re confident that these products are going to resolve the problem without putting anyone at risk.

Would you like to know more about our safe cockroach treatments? We always have a representative on standby. Don’t hesitate to call our office to learn more about these methods.

Preventing Cockroach Invasions

Once we’ve removed the cockroaches from your dwelling, begin taking steps to keep them out. If you can prevent them from returning, you can avoid future problems and expenses. For starters, clean your home thoroughly so these pests cannot find food. Clean your home while keeping it dry. Moisture can lead to major issues. You’ll also want to store your food in durable containers and keep your garbage area clean. Thorough cleanings can reduce the likelihood that you’re going to deal with another cockroach infestation.

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