Cockroaches

What is a Cockroach?

Human habitation is associated with 30 of the 4000 species of Cockroach in the world but only four species are considered pests in the United States. They are the American Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana_), German Cockroach (Blattella Germanica_), Oriental Cockroach (Blatta Orientalis), and the Asian Cockroach (Blatella Asahinai). American Pest deals most commonly with the American Cockroach, German Cockroach and Oriental Cockroach. These three species differ in the following ways:

American Cockroach

Color: Reddish-Brown
Distinguishing Marks: Light colored edges to body; wings appear longer than the body
Length: Quite large at 1 to 1 ½ inches
Habitat: Prefers warm, moist areas. When located inside homes they are often found in basements, around sewers, and around other areas of moisture.

German Cockroach

Color: Light Brown/Tan
Distinguishing Marks: Dark lengthwise stripes on the head
Length: Rather small at ¼ to 5/8 inch
Habitat: Prefers to live in small cracks and crevices inside kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is present. When infestations are very bad, they can be found throughout an entire home.

Oriental Cockroach

Color: Dark/Oily Black
Distinguishing Marks: At first glance appears to be wingless
Length: Rather large at 1 inch
Habitat: Prefers dark, moist areas. When they become a problem in homes they are often found near sewer drains, pipes, wet basements, under porches, or inside crawl spaces.

The German Cockroach is thought to be one of the most invasive species of cockroach known to man. They are the most common species of cockroach found in homes, apartments, and food service establishments, and are one of the most challenged pests known to the pest control industry. They can be found in virtually every type of structure or building where people live or work and have become quite adept at adapting to ever changing environments. They are skillful hitchhikers, extremely prolific breeders, and may tolerate many pest control treatments.

The female German Cockroach can carry as many as 40 eggs at a time, producing up to three or four generations in a single year. Singlehandedly, the German Cockroach can produce infestations of towering proportions in as little as 3 months.

Why do I have them?

Both the German Cockroach and American Cockroach seek similar environments in which to breed. A suitable site will consist very simply of food, water, humidity, warmth and a secure breeding place. The American Cockroach prefers to breed in and around underground sewer facilities and utility networks from which they may venture out into other buildings. This is why we often find American Cockroach activity in older row homes. Areas of high humidity are preferred, such as in basements, boiler rooms, steam tunnels and sewers. German Cockroaches on the other hand are much more likely to be found moving from place to place in bags, boxes and even on clothing. With both species, it only takes one pregnant female to create an infestation and Cockroach numbers can increase nearly exponentially if conditions are favorable.

Are they dangerous?

Many illnesses and health problems have been associated with German and American Cockroaches. They carry viral and bacterial pathogens on their bodies and in their feces which can cause, among others:

• Salmonella Poisoning
• Asthma Attack
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery

How do I get rid of Cockroaches?

Most people understand just how difficult Cockroaches can be to get rid of – in fact their toughness is the stuff of urban legend. This naturally nocturnal pest has a keen ability to quickly adapt to almost any surrounding. American Pest’s highly trained pest professionals excel at knowing just where Cockroach hiding places are located and which treatment solutions will be the most effective. Using our S.T.A.R system of pest control we will customize a solution to rid you of these tough, disease carrying pests.

Can I do it myself?

Many Do-It-Yourself methods to try and get rid of Cockroaches simply do not work. Several over the counter products are available but without the keen eye of a professional pest inspector, it would be nearly impossible to locate all the Cockroach hiding places. As mentioned before, it only takes one egg-carrying female to create an infestation.

How soon can you get here?

At American Pest, we pride ourselves on our speed and delivery of service. We make every effort to be with you the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

American Pest employs an arsenal of pest control products. Every product we use has been registered by the EPA for pest control use. This means you can rest assured that no harm will come to humans or pets while your pest control treatment is taking place.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Preventing Cockroaches is extremely difficult. We just cannot say when and where you might come in contact with these smart hitchhikers. Detecting infestations early and conducting treatments aligned to their breeding patterns is truly the key to any successful cockroach control plan. There are some partnership efforts that can be taken to action to limit the likelihood of a growing infestation:

• Reduce or eliminate all sources of water
• Eliminate all access to food; keep food items in sealed, air-tight containers
• Clean up spilled pet foods and maintain grease stains around kitchen stoves and appliances
• Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags, and shipping packages before they enter the home
• Remove clutter and excess harborage areas such as old newspapers, magazines, and boxes