Cockroach
What is a Cockroach?
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in many homes and buildings. They are flattened and usually have 2 pairs of flat-folded wings on their backs, usually black or brown in color. They crawl quickly and usually hide in kitchens, storage spaces, rubbish bins, etc. Cockroaches live in groups and are active at night, but are usually on hiding during the day. They prefer starchy and sugary materials as well.
Having a cockroach infestation could be a problem because these creatures carry diseases such as diarhhea, typhoid fever, leprosy, cholera, and plague. They usually hide on drainage systems and other dirty areas so it is guaranteed that they are filthy.
Cockroach Types
German Cockroach
Color: Light brown to tan
Shape: Oval
Size: ½”-5/8” long
Egg:
German cockroach is the most common cockroach found worldwide due to its ability to develop insecticide resistance.
They also feed on the dead bodies of other cockroaches and prefer to live on cracks or areas with limited to no light.
American Cockroach
Color: Reddish brown
Shape: Oval
Size: 1 1/4” to 2 1/8” long
Egg:
Also called palmetto bugs, american cockroaches prefer living in moist places and are commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions.
It feeds on plant materials, organic material in sewage, and human foods, etc.
Brown Banded Cockroach
Color: Brown, with
banding across
wings
Shape: Oval
Size: 1/2" long
Egg:
Brown banded cockroaches are primarily nocturnal. They tend to hide in kitchen, bathrooms, even behind picture frames.
They live 206 days on average and can reproduce at alarming rates. Females lay 14 eggs in their lifespan, which usually contains 10-18 eggs per capsule.
Oriental Cockroach
Color: Shiny black
Shape: Oval
Size: 1” long
Egg:
Oriental cockroach is one of the larger species of cockroaches. They can bite people, but only rarely. Their sheddings and feces can also trigger allergic reactions.
Oriental cockroaches feed on organic matter, and usually gather near water sources.
Signs of Cockroach Infestation
- Foul Odor - Cockroaches emit an odor called cuticular hydrocarbons to communicate with each other. The smell may be hard to describe, but it sure doesn’t smell nice. In addition, the smell doesn’t go away immediately after eradicating cockroaches.
- Skin Sheddings - To be able to reach the maturity stage, cockroaches have to shed their skins. So if you ever come across a random cockroach skin, it’s time to be worried and call for a professional.
-
Cockroach Eggs -Cockroach eggs are called “ootheca” which can incubate 20 cockroaches inside. You can sometimes see oothecas sticking on surfaces, hollow if it already hatched. If you spot an ootheca in your property, there is a good chance that it is already infected.
- Cockroach Waste - Just like any living, moving beings, cockroaches also excrete body waste. It looks like black pepper that is usually located in the corners of their hiding spots.
- Damage on your valuables - Cockroaches love starchy and sugary material, Cockroaches love starchy and sugary material, it doesn’t always have to be food. Pay attention to your paper materials, leather materials, glue, etc.
Where Do Cockroaches Usually live?
Trash Bins
Food Preparation Area
Dumpster
Cockroach Infestation Prevention tips:
- Seal the Entrances
We all know how stubborn cockroaches are. These little creatures can squeeze in from small spaces or crevices of your property. Be sure to close gaps of windows and doors and seal it up with caulk.
- Watch Out for Crumbs
Eliminate crumbs that cockroaches might smell on floors or surfaces. Sweep or vacuum regularly and don’t forget to clean the hard to reach areas around appliances and furnitures too.
- Use Sealed Containers
Cockroaches might have a hard time sensing food sources if you use solid, sealed containers, instead of using cardboard or paperbag packagings that they might feast on.
- Dry Up Moist Areas
Check your property for leaks under the sinks, toilets, pipes, etc. You can use some dehumidifier to dry up moist areas as well.
- Free Your Space From Clutters
Aside from having a nice, cozy, fresh place, cleaning your property from clutters can also deter it from cockroach infestations. Without nothing to hide and take shelter from, cockroaches would be easy to prevent or spot.
- Focus on the Kitchen
Kitchen is one of the most susceptible areas for cockroach infestations because of the stored foods and moisture from water. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting kitchens would surely help prevent cockroaches from roaming around and appreciating all the goods from your place.
- Ask Help From a Professional
Having a professional check your property regularly could help you get an accurate diagnosis of your property condition and prevent cockroach infestation, thus, saving you money than having to pay for hospital fees if diseases spread.
Sources: https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/cockroaches
https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-23/E-23.html
https://www.orkin.com/pests/cockroaches/where-do-cockroaches-live
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/cockroach-prevention/
Why is Cockroach Control Necessary?
As troublesome as it is, we really hate having disgusting pests, especially cockroaches, in our property. They are usually undetectable during the day and would creep up on you during the night. You might find it hard to eliminate them on your own due to their hiding skills but professional exterminators know theirhiding spots best than anyone. They also have the proper equipment and expertise to do the job.
We, at SureSolutions Inc., only want the best results for your properties, and as pest control professionals, we are here to make sure that cockroaches in your property are completely eradicated.
Having trouble with cockroaches? We have the best solution for that!
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