Cockroaches are one of the most hardy pests, and once they've infiltrated your home, they can be difficult to eradicate. Cockroaches are known to carry diseases and can trigger allergic reactions in humans. Understanding why these insects are present and following effective management techniques are critical to you and your family's health.
Cockroaches love warm, humid environments and are always on the lookout for food and water. As a result, they're mostly found in kitchens and secondly in bathrooms. If you find something in or around your food, throw it out right away. Keep in mind that they are carriers of disease.
Cockroaches can enter your home through parcels, gym bags, luggage, backpacks, and secondhand products such as sofas, refrigerators, and televisions.
The best way to rid your home of a cockroach outbreak is to implement good sanitation and food storage practices, correct any leaking water issues, and refrain from using over-the-counter pest products.
German Cockroach
Color: Light brown to tan with two dark lines on pronotum
Legs: 6
Size: Adults range from 6.35mm to 15.88mm
Identifying Characteristics: Oval shape; spiny legs; long, filamentous antennae; have wings, but rarely fly; young roaches are wingless, completely black with a single light stripe, separating 2 black bands, running down about halfway of the middle of their back
Characteristics of this insect:
- Females carry egg capsule protruding from abdomen until eggs are ready to hatch. Ootheca is dropped in secluded location and nymphs (approximately 40) emerge in one day
- Produces more eggs and more generations per year than any other roach. That is why a few German cockroaches turn into a major infestation
- This insect is transported from place to place via commerce and transportation
- If seen throughout the day, infestation is considered large
American Cockroach
Color: Reddish-brown, except for small pale mask-like patterns behind head
Legs: 6
Size: Adults range from 3.50cm to 5cm
Identifying Characteristics: Pale mask-like pattern behind head; largest species of winged roach-fly short distances in the North, but are fairly good fliers in the South; on of the fastest running insects
Characteristics of this insect:
- Females drop egg capsule (ootheca) in about one or two days after formation. Ootheca is dropped in secluded location and approximately 16 nymphs will emerge. Nymphs can take 6 to 21 months to mature depending on environmental conditions
- Egg capsules deposited in open are an indication of high populations
- Adults commonly live for more than a year
- Prefer warm, moist areas and may be found: inhabiting sewers, sub-pavement gaps, boiler rooms, basements, tunnels or other shelter with sources of heat, steam pipes, floor drains, and water sumps
Oriental Cockroach
Color: Very dark brown, almost black
Legs: 6
Size: 2.54 cm to 3.17cm
Identifying Characteristics: Greasy sheen to their bodies; males have wings covering 3/4 of body while females have non-functional wings with broader bodies
Characteristics of this insect:
- Females drop egg capsule (ootheca) in about one or two days after formation. Ootheca is dropped in secluded location and approximately 16 nymphs will emerge. Nymphs can take 6 to 21 months to mature depending on environmental conditions
- Egg capsules deposited in open are an indication of high populations
- Adults commonly live for more than a year
- Prefer warm, moist areas and may be found: inhabiting sewers, sub-pavement gaps, boiler rooms, basements, tunnels or other shelter with sources of heat, steam pipes, floor drains, and water sumps
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