Cockroaches
Biology
In the United States, there are about fifty different types of cockroaches. Cockroaches tend to inhabit dark, warm, humid environments, and they are typically spotted in tropical or other milder climates. Although there are many species in the U.S., only a few species function as pests. The feed on a variety of both animal and plant products as well as paper, clothing, books, and dead insects (bed bugs especially). They also damage more material than they consume and release an unpleasant smell.
Cockroaches species that are cause for concern are Brown-Banded Roaches, Oriental Cockroaches, Wood Roaches, and American Roaches. The German roaches are especially common in urban areas; furthermore, it is the most common species of roach in apartments, houses, hotels, restaurants, etc., in the United States and most other areas of the industrialized world.
Cockroach Species In Your Area
Feeding Preferences
Cockroaches tend to function as scavengers, feeding on a diverse array of food sources. They are partial to sweets, meat products, starches, and grease; however, garbage is a main food source in many situations.
Transmitted Diseases
Cockroaches carry bacteria, protozoans, viruses, and other disease-carrying organisms on their bodies. It is especially common for them to carry many forms of gastroenteritis: dysentery, diarrhea, food poisoning, etc. They carry these diseases on their legs and bodies, spreading them to utensils and food as they forage. Furthermore, their excrement and cast skins carry many allergens, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Reactions such as watery eyes, sneezing, skin rashes, and asthma are particularly common.
Habits
Cockroaches typically congregate in kitchen and bathroom areas of homes. They are partial to moist, warm environments and tend to hide under dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, sinks, and in other warm, dark areas. The height of cockroach activity usually occurs at night, when they can freely forage for water, food, and mates. In the daytime, they will hide in dark areas that provide a warm and humid environment. They can easily fit into cracks and crevices with their flat, wide bodies. Occasionally, cockroaches will emerge during the day. This behavior usually signals the presence of a large population or another form of stress, including lack of water and food or recently applied pesticides.
Cockroach Extermination
Controlling and exterminating cockroaches must always begin with a detailed inspection. However, a thorough inspection will not always expose all cockroach hiding spots and foraging areas; thus, it is sometimes necessary to perform a cockroach survey (i.e. trapping). This will allow the pest control expert to better determine the status of the infestation. Furthermore, it is crucial to clean up any dropped/spilled food products, refrain from leaving out dirty dishes overnight, and store items such as cereal, cracks, flour, bread, and sugar in sealed containers. Also, empty all garbage in the building into a container with a tight lid.
Baiting is a common and efficient method for controlling and exterminating cockroaches. Boric acid, diatomaceous earth, silic aerogel, and other Insecticidal dusts also help with cockroach control; however, aerosol foggers and residual insecticidal sprays may further disperse the cockroach population and provide little value in cockroach control.
Structural Pest Cockroach Program
David will perform a thorough inspection on both the interior and exterior of your home, finding all the infested areas and identifying which pests you are dealing with. Once identified, David will employ a pest control program that is designed to target the specific pests in your home.
