Type of Cockroaches

Cockroaches crawl at incredible speeds, skitter across the floor and disappear in seconds. Did you know that there are different types of cockroaches? Here’s everything you need to know.

There are over 4,500 species of cockroaches, but only 60 species are in the United States. Some common cockroaches include:

• American Cockroach
• German Cockroach
• Oriental Cockroach
• Smoky Brown Flying Cockroach

Latin Name

Periplaneta Americana

Appearance

Cockroaches have an oval-shaped body and with small heads.  They have a pronotum shield-like around their head, and their mouth is directed down.

Facts about Cockroaches

Where Do They Live?

Cockroaches love moist, warm areas like around pipes, in boiler rooms, wet floor drains, and around the basement.

What Do They Eat?

They feed on organic matter, and some of their favorites include meat, pasta, bread, potatoes, sugar, soft leather, and other insects.

How Did I Get Cockroaches?

Cockroaches can be easily transported in boxes, grocery bags, and luggage. They can also come in through plumbing as they travel along pipes within a shared wall. Drains and sewers can act as an entry point for cockroaches.

How serious are Cockroach Problems?

Roaches can pose severe problems like:

Disease Transmission

Cockroaches carry six types of parasites and 33 types of bacteria. They can pass these bacteria by contaminating your food.

Spreading Allergies

Roach urine and feces can cause allergies, especially in children.  Studies show that they are linked to several incidences of asthma and other respiratory problems.

Damage to Property

Roaches enjoy eating clothes, paper, and anything they come across. Their excrement can damage the fabric and leave a foul odor.

Spread of bacteria to Crops

Roaches can transmit bacteria onto berries, spinach, and lettuce when being prepared. That’s something that could lead to food poisoning.

What Can I Do About Cockroaches?

If you a cockroach problem, you need to store and seal any foods in the kitchen. Ensure that you clean out any leftovers, and remove the trash before it builds up.  Seal any holes or cracks in homes that act as entrances. Keep the crawl spaces and basement well ventilated and dry.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Specific signs may indicate an infestation. These include an unpleasant smell, cockroach feces, and shed skins.  You may notice roaches running around under the kitchen sinks, behind the fridge, and around kitchen appliances.

Cockroach Prevention and Control Tips

Taking a holistic approach to pest control is the best way to get rid of roaches. You need to:

Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Cockroaches survive on scraps and waste. Cleaning frequently and getting rid of trash reduces their food sources. Ensure that all areas around your home are dry, and no taps are dripping.

Check the Houseplants

Roaches may hide around houseplants as they offer a moist environment. Check to ensure that there are no eggs and nymphs near the soil or plants.

Seal Off Entry Points

Stop any entry by caulking windows, popes, and doors. Seal off any tiny holes tightly.

Do Away With Clutter

Stacks of old magazines and newspapers act as hiding places for roaches. Eliminate clutter to get rid of them.

Cockroach Professional Pest Control

Roaches can transmit diseases, not to forget they can be a nuisance around your family. While some DIY methods can work, sometimes it’s challenging to get rid of them completely. The best course of action is to contact pest professionals who’ll identify the types of household cockroaches, and come up with a plan on how to eradicate them for good.