Common Cockroaches
July 19, 2018
Cockroaches have approximately 4,000 species around the world and 70 in the United States alone. While that might sound pleasing to be in a country with only 70 species, cockroaches are actually a type of pest that can cause families to end up with health risks. Cockroaches can crawl into various spaces collecting and carrying germs and if a cockroach makes contact with food, it can result in E. Coli and Salmonella. Not only can this pest contaminate your food, but it can trigger allergies and can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Cockroach Identification
The most common cockroaches are the: American, German, Brown-banded, and Oriental Cockroach. Each type of cockroach is unique in its own way in terms of appearance and habitat.
The American Cockroach is the largest in terms of house-infesting. Typically, the American Cockroach is active in 70 degrees or higher, but have the ability to sustain themselves in lower temperatures, but in the right conditions. The appearance of the American Cockroach is a reddish brown and have a figure 8 pattern on the backs of their head. People would typically be found within sewers and basements, and around pipes and drains.
The German Cockroach is a rather small species of cockroach. The German Cockroach is light brown and has two dark colored stripes along their backs. This cockroach is known for being found near human dwellings and can survive in warm and humid places. This type is less likely to survive in cooler conditions unlike other species of cockroach. The German Cockroach is the most important type to be aware of because they are mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms. With that, they are more likely to cause outbreak of illness and allergies.
The Brown-Banded Cockroach can be identified through their brown exterior and a banding across their wings. A fun fact about the Brown-banded cockroach is that the female's wings are smaller than the male's. Their preference of habitats are warmer, drier, and higher locations. A homeowner can find this kind of cockroach in upper cabinets and lay their eggs in furniture. It is a type of cockroach that will not be found in the kitchen or bathroom.
The Oriental Cockroach is very shiny and has a dark color all over the exterior and known to be large in size. This species of cockroach is known as the dirtiest, due to having ability to create a strong smell. Outdoors, you can find this type of cockroach in leaf piles and firewood. Indoors, the Oriental Cockroach can be found in sewers and they will commonly enter a structure through drains. This cockroach will seek shelter most likely in basements and crawl spaces. Fun fact, they are known as “water bugs” due to entering structures through drains, and “black beetle cockroaches” because of their exterior.
These various types of cockroaches are common, it can be prevented easily by sealing cracks and crevices outside the home and eliminating moisture buildup within your home (basement, attic, and crawlspace). Infestations can happen quickly, if you are inspecting for cockroaches, pay extra attention under appliances and sinks within kitchens and bathrooms. Trust Go-Forth for all your pest control needs, we have been doing pest control since 1959, call to get a free estimate.
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