Cockroach Pest Control: Protect Your Home
German Cockroach
Appearance
Size: Adult cockroaches reach lengths of 1/2 an inch (12.7 mm) to 1-1/2 inches (38.1 mm) long.
Color: Light to dark brown, reddish-brown
Characteristics:
Generally, cockroaches have flat or oblong bodies. Most species of cockroaches have wings that either cover the length of, fall short of or extend past the abdomen. Some cockroaches also have distinguishing markings such as two parallel lines on the shield-like pronotum or a yellow border on the thorax and wings.
 American Cockroach |
 Oriental Cockroach |
Read more info on what roaches look like.
View images of cockroaches.
Problems Caused by Cockroaches
Cockroaches bring many health risks into the home.
- Contaminate Food:
Aside from being unpleasant, the odorous secretions given off by the insects contaminate any food supply from which the insect feeds. - Carry Bacteria:
Cockroaches also carry bacteria, protozoans and viruses on their bodies. Humans often contract food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea and other unpleasant conditions resulting from the existence of cockroaches in the home. - Contain Allergens:
Additionally, the insect’s excrement and skin casings contain allergens which may cause affected individuals to contract skin rashes, experience congestion and become watery-eyed and sneezy. - Asthma:
Furthermore, cockroaches contribute to the development and irritation of asthma. - Property Damage:
Lastly, as many species of cockroaches prefer warm and dry or moist environments, the insects may cause damage to machines or piping.
Food
What Do They Eat?
While specific dietary needs differ between species, decaying organic matter represents a significant food source for the insect. Specifically, cockroaches feed on the following:
- starches
- sweets
- grease
- garbage
- meat products
- glue and paste
- dead skin particles
- wallpaper
- book bindings
Biology
All cockroach species go through three stages of life: egg, nymph and adult.
Most female cockroaches lay eggs in a protective capsule which may contain anywhere from 13 to 48 eggs depending on the species.
After carrying the capsule around on her abdomen for a species-specific amount of time, the female deposits the egg capsule in a protected location preferably near a food source.
The egg stage of the cockroach life cycle lasts from less than one month to almost a year in duration. German cockroaches who complete the life cycle the quickest, produce more eggs at a time and therefore pose significant problems for Mid-Atlantic homeowners and live longer than seven months as adults.
Geographic Range
Many cockroaches thrive in tropical climates but are found throughout the world. Though more prominent in subtropical areas, the insects were brought to the north in ships and similar modes of transportation that carry imported food.
Detection
- May notice a foul odor given off by large infestations.
- Look for excrement, skin casts and empty egg capsules in crevices close to the ground.
- Examine basements, crawlspaces, sinks, and bathtubs for leaky pipes and fecal smears.
- Check electrical areas for live cockroaches, skin casts and feces.
Read more about signs of cockroaches.
Choose Cockroach Pest Control that Works
If you spot a cockroach on the wall or scurrying from the light, reconsider do-it-yourself cockroach control techniques. The cockroach reproduction cycle is amazingly fast, and a single intruder can quickly create a full-on infestation. You are also impacted by your neighbors, and their cockroach problem can quickly become yours.
Western Pest Services offers thorough cockroach pest control as part of our Home Protection Plans, uncovering infestations, identifying their sources and keeping your home pest free all throughout the year. Using Integrated Pest Management(IPM) practices, we not only get rid of cockroaches – we teach you what steps to take to ensure that they don’t return.
Learn more about Western’s comprehensive Home Pest Control Plans.
Call for service: (877) 250-3857