Cockroach Identification
Did you know that over 4,000 species of cockroaches exist worldwide? Luckily, only a small number of these hardy insects inhabit this area.
Types of Cockroaches
Brownbanded Cockroach
German Cockroach
Signs of Cockroaches
Because they are more active at night, you may not see live insects very often unless you open a cupboard or cabinet where they happen to be hiding. Beyond a physical sighting of a live cockroach, the following signs could indicate a cockroach infestation:
Droppings
Like all pests, cockroaches are indiscriminate about where they leave their excrement. Cockroach droppings are small, typically appearing similar to clusters of coffee grounds or dark-colored specks.
Brown-Tinged Streaks and Smears
In addition to their droppings, cockroaches often leave smears of food behind that have passed through them. These smears tend to look brown or may have a reddish tinge and are often tough to clean.
Shed Skin and Egg Casings
Cockroaches molt their exoskeletons, the hard shells that keep them intact, multiple times as they grow. You may begin finding them in dark spots where cockroaches like to hide. You might also see red or brown, oblong-shaped egg cases, which are a sure sign of trouble.
Unpleasant Smells
Cockroach infestations can create unpleasant aromas. If you begin noticing new, unusual smells like oily or musty odors, you may have a cockroach infestation.
How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are resourceful and adaptable pests that can be incredibly challenging to eliminate. Adding to the problem, they can reproduce quickly, causing a small infestation to grow out of control very quickly. Prevention is the key to remaining cockroach free. The following steps can help:
- Eliminate Access to Food: Wash dishes immediately after use, store all foods (including pet food) in airtight containers, and wipe down counters and tables daily to eliminate crumbs.
- Reduce Clutter: Clear out junk, remove piles of boxes or unused items, and eliminate clutter to reduce potential hiding spots.
- Call for Professional Treatment: The best way to eliminate cockroaches thoroughly and permanently is by partnering with experienced pros.
Cockroach Facts
Lifespan
Cockroach life spans vary from species to species, with females typically living longer than males. The average lifespan is anywhere from a few months to two years.
Food Sources
Cockroaches are omnivores that eat plants and living things. Some of their favorite food sources include starchy or sweet foods, meats, and greasy food items. However, these opportunistic feeders will chow down on just about anything derived from a once-living material, including book bindings, glue, cardboard boxes, hair, and decaying materials.
Reproduction
Female cockroaches deposit egg cases, which are typically brownish in color and shaped similar to a bean. Each egg case can hold up to 50 or so eggs, although the number varies from species to species. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs go through developmental stages that can last anywhere from a few months to a full year, shedding their exoskeletons several times before maturing. Upon becoming an adult, cockroaches consistently reproduce, often multiplying their populations very quickly.
Risk of Disease
Cockroaches are a major public health hazard. These dangerous pests can trigger allergies and asthma in humans. They can also contaminate surfaces and foods with disease-causing pathogens that cause conditions such as:
- Salmonella
- Streptococcus
- Staphylococcus
- Dysentery
- Cholera
- Typhoid fever
Where are cockroaches found?
Cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments, but they can be found almost everywhere in the world. They typically seek dark, sheltered places to hide out. You might find them in cracks and crevices, inside or behind kitchen appliances, under sinks, inside cabinets, or even inside gaskets and motors.
When are cockroaches active?
In this region, cockroaches in the wild typically hibernate in the winter and become active during warm weather months. Indoors, however, they can remain active year-round. These nocturnal insects tend to be most active at night, preferring the seclusion of darkness to forage for food.
More Information About Cockroaches
Are Cockroaches Dangerous or Carry Diseases?
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches: Tips for a Pest-Free Home
Signs of Cockroach Infestations
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find a cockroach nest?
Cockroaches tend to nest in dark, secluded areas. Common places include basements, crawl spaces, behind or within appliances, inside cabinets, throughout cluttered attics, and inside pantries and food storage areas.
How to deter cockroaches?
Proper sanitation and food storage, inspecting packages coming into the building, and sealing off potential entry points can help ward off these skittering insects. Additionally, you can try natural repellents like citrus and peppermint essential oils.
Do cockroaches bite?
Cockroach bites are rare. However, most species are capable of biting humans.
How did cockroaches get their name?
We know these bugs as cockroaches, a name derived from the Spanish word, cucaracha, which came from the Latin term “blatta.” Translated, blatta means insect that shines from the light.
What to do if you find cockroaches in your house?
Don’t panic. Contact USX Pest Control for professional cockroach removal, which will begin with a free inspection to assess the situation and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.