Cockroach Exterminators – Control – Removal

Roaches are oval, flat insects that, depending on their species, can be anywhere from 13 mm to 40 mm. Other common characteristics of cockroaches include the following.

1. Roaches have six long legs with pads that enable them to scale surfaces or walk on walls and ceilings.
2. Male cockroaches are smaller than females, who carry the eggs. Male cockroaches of certain species, on the other hand, can possess wings.
3. Roach nymphs are paler in color than adults and will molt several times before reaching maturity.
4. Cockroaches vary in appearance depending on their species: American cockroaches are large and reddish-brown in color. German roaches are nearly half the size of American roaches and are brown in color. Oriental roaches are nearly black in color and are also on the larger side.

Cockroaches are omnivores and not picky, meaning they will feed on just about anything they come across so long as it’s organic. That said, roaches prefer three types of food: starches, sweets, and animal proteins. They will gravitate toward greasy foods or anything that is fermented. When these types of food are unavailable, roaches will go as far as to feed on book bindings, glue, paper, and even other dead insects.

Cockroaches can easily get inside your home in a number of ways:

1. Cracks and crevices. Like other bugs and insects, roaches can crawl indoors from your yard through openings around your windows or doors.
2. Plumbing fixtures. Some roaches are able to move from one unit to another in a multi-family housing situation by crawling through the pipes and plumbing. This is especially common with Oriental cockroaches.
3. Groceries. German and brown-banded roaches in particular dwell in groceries and boxes. They can easily be brought inside your house from an infested environment.
4. Sewers or drains. Similar to plumbing, sewer systems are a common means through which American roaches travel. Use screens or steel wool to fill in openings.

Although many cockroach species can fly, not all of them can fly. In fact, even the ones that are capable of flight are known to be very poor fliers. The American cockroach, which is one of the most common roaches, will use its wings to glide from a higher elevation to a lower one. In general, roaches rarely fly as they prefer to use their long legs to run.

While uncommon, cockroaches are capable of biting. In general, a roach is uninterested in humans and will leave them alone. If a bite occurs, it’s because the population of cockroaches has outgrown its food sources. A rare cockroach bite can occur at nighttime on your face, hands, or fingers. The bite will appear similar to a bed bug bite, but typically only one bump will appear.

Yes, you may get sick from a rodent infestation. This is because rodents carry germs and bacteria that can contaminate food and surfaces in your home. When roaches feed on your food, they can spread bacteria that can possibly infect you.

Roaches are also known to possibly trigger allergies in certain individuals. Roach droppings, skin, and saliva are all known to release particles that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

In general, all cockroach species prefer dark, damp environments. Here’s how their preferences differ depending on their species:

1. American cockroaches are common in homes and restaurants, as they gravitate toward human good. They are most typically found in basements, laundry rooms, and near pipes, heaters, and drains.
2. German cockroaches are the most common indoor roach, especially in multi-family housing. They prefer dark and humid environments, making them commonly found in kitchen areas, cabinets, and bathrooms.
3. Oriental roaches prefer cool and damp environments, and are typically seen outside. They will hide beneath patio bricks, woodchips, mulch, and sidewalks. Indoors, they’re often in plumbing and drains.

Depending on the resources they have available to them, cockroaches will live anywhere from 6 months to a year. Roaches are infamous for being able to live without food for months at a time. However, they will die within a week if they lack a source of water.