Cockroaches

American Cockroaches

American Cockroaches

The American cockroach, also called a “waterbug,” is the largest of the house infesting cockroaches. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but was probably introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s.

Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are also common in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, food processing plants and hospitals. They are known to infest food storage and food preparation areas, as well as basements, yards and alleys. They often enter structures through drains and pipes.

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these onto food or food surfaces.

• Vacuum. Early and often is best for reducing harmful cockroach allergens.
• Keep a spotless kitchen. To prevent infestations, keep all your food and garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly. Clean behind and under appliances regularly, as these are favorite hiding spots for cockroaches.
• Ventilate. Air out basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
• Seal the entrances. Close off cracks and holes around utility pipes that provide easy access to your home.
• Act quickly. If you find evidence of an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem.

Did you know?
American cockroaches…

• can lay 10 or more oothecae (egg cases), each containing 14-16 eggs.
• are more active when the temperature is above 70°.
• are the most common species found in city sewer systems.

BrownBanded Cockroaches

BrownBanded Cockroaches

Brownbanded cockroaches get their name from the two lighter bands they have across their dark brown bodies. Males have full wings, which reach beyond the tip of their pointed abdomens, but females have underdeveloped wings, much shorter than their broad, rounded abdomens.

Brownbanded cockroaches can be found throughout structures, but show a preference for drier locations and warmer areas over 80⁰. They also tend to prefer higher locations than most cockroach species and are often found in upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Brownbanded cockroaches often hide their egg cases in or under furniture and glue the oothecae (egg cases) to surfaces.

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens are a leading trigger of allergic reactions in inner city children. They have even been shown to cause asthma in children.

• Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep counters free of crumbs and vacuum the floors often to reduce the accumulation of cockroach allergens.
• Keep garbage in a sealed container and dispose of it regularly to avoid attracting cockroaches.
• Pay extra attention to ceilings, wall moldings and high-hanging picture frames, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to brownbanded cockroach infestations.
• If you find signs of a cockroach infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem.

Did you know?
Brownbanded cockroaches…

• can fly if they are males. Females cannot fly.
• grow from egg to adult in about 161 days.
• live about 206 days.

German Cockroaches

German Cockroaches

The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach, found all over the world. German cockroaches prefer to live in cracks and crevices near food and moisture sources, hence their affinity for residential and commercial kitchen environments.

• frequently and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that attract pests.
• Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
• If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to recommend a course of treatment.

German cockroaches are found throughout structures, but they prefer warm, humid places. They are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They are good hitchhikers and often find their way into new structures via grocery bags, cardboard boxes, drink cartons and secondhand appliances.

In addition to being a nuisance, the German cockroach has been implicated in outbreaks of illness and allergic reactions in many people. Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Medical studies have shown that cockroach allergens cause allergic reactions in children and can exacerbate asthma attacks.

Did you know?
German cockroaches…

• can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year.
• will feed on almost anything, including soap, glue and toothpaste.
• can fit through an opening as small as ³⁄₁₆ inch in width.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches live in sewers and in wet, decaying organic matter. They are sometimes called “waterbugs” because they come out of drains, and “black beetle cockroaches” because of their smooth, dark bodies.

Oriental cockroaches can survive quite well outdoors, where they can be found under debris, leaves, stones and porches or in wall voids. They can enter homes through door thresholds, under sliding glass doors, along utility pipes and air ducts and from floor drains. Inside homes, Oriental cockroaches tend to hide in crawl spaces, basements and around utility pipes. Oriental cockroaches feed on all kinds of food, especially decaying organic matter and starchy foods.

Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. Oriental cockroaches’ habit of feeding on filth means that they are likely to pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these onto food or food surfaces.

• Keep food sealed and stored properly, particularly in kitchens.
• Clean kitchens daily, where crumbs and trash are more likely to build up.
• Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
• Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Contact a qualified pest professional to treat any infestations.

Did you know?
Oriental cockroaches…

• are believed to be of North African origin, despite their name.
• can survive outdoors in freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
• are known for their strong, unpleasant, “roachy” odor.