Roaches: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of roaches? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are the Common Types of Roaches in the United States?

The cockroach is an insect that has existed for around 320 million years, can be found all over the world and is part of the same family as the termite. There are about 50 species of cockroach found in North America, however only three main types are found in homes: the German cockroach, the Oriental cockroach and The American cockroach.

The largest species of common cockroach found in North America is the American cockroach. Sometimes referred to as a “waterbug,” this species of cockroach is also often misidentified as a palmetto bug but is always seen as a pest. The American cockroach has the longest body size of all the common cockroach species and also has the longest lifecycle, up to about 2 years. American roaches are typically found in basements, crawl spaces and around drains. 

The German cockroach is typically smaller than the American roach coming in at about 1/2 inch in size. They are tan in color and feature two lines from their head down across their back. Like American roaches, German roaches like warmth and moisture and can be found in kitchens and bathrooms.

How Did I Get Cockroaches?

We often think that cockroaches are a product of a dirty environment and that keeping a clean house will keep roaches away. It is useful to make sure that your floors, kitchens and bathrooms are clean, thus keeping food sources scarcer for roaches. 

Keeping a clean living space is an important way to protect yourself from roaches, but won’t protect you from them entering your home. Roaches can enter your homes via cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior, through drains, sewer pipes and duct work. Some species of cockroach are attracted to light and may fly toward lights in your home, not for food purposes.

What Are The Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation?

A cockroach infestation can be difficult to discern because cockroaches are nocturnal and prefer to live and feed in the dark. If you see cockroaches in your home during the day it might be a sign of a possible infestation. You may detect an oily or musty smell which can indicate a larger infestation. Cockroach droppings, which look like small, dark pepper-like material left on counters, in drawers or in cabinets can be another sign that you have roaches in your home.

Why Is It Bad To Have Cockroaches In The Home?

Certain types of cockroach exude an odorous secretion that, if you have a large infestation, can make any room they are in smell. Cockroaches can also pick up disease-causing bacteria, like Salmonella, on their legs which may later be deposited on foods and can make you sick. Some people are allergic to house dust containing feces and body parts left behind by roaches. Asthma sufferers in particular are sensitive to cockroach allergens.

When Should I Call Pest Control for Roaches?

If you’re currently worried about roaches in your home, don’t wait for a full-blown infestation to occur before you take action to protect your home! You may have already started looking for answers and providers by conducting searches for “cockroach exterminators near me” or “pest control near me.” Let us help you end that search right now.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible!