Cockroaches are a common household problem all over the world. They can also be found in restaurants, commercial buildings, institutional facilities and various outdoor areas.
These insects range in size from 1/4" to 2 1/8", and they also vary in color from black, light-brown to dark reddish brown, depending on their species. Some species of cockroaches can also fly, whereas the typical roach cannot.
Most cockroach species are usually found in moist, dark areas indoors or outdoors. However, they differ in their harborage areas and resiliency. If you have a cockroach problem, it is important to identify the type for proper cockroach control. Read on to learn more about identifying common roach species found in the Yuba Sutter area.
Identifying Cockroach Species
The first step to eliminating a cockroach problem is identification. Below are some facts and images to help narrow down your pest problem.
American cockroaches are the largest of all cockroach species measuring between 1 1/4" to 2 1/8" long. Their oval-shaped bodies are brown with a reddish hue, and they also have a yellow figure-eight shaped band that outlines their head.
These cockroaches are mainly found outdoors in drains and sewers except in the lower part of the U.S., where they find harborage underneath mulch piles, in flowerbeds, and in yards, alleys, and other shady, humid areas. However, when the weather gets too cold, or their food sources become low, they will make their way inside your home through the drains, garages and basement windows, and under doors gaps, where they are then typically found in basements, boiler rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, scouring for food and water.
Once inside, American cockroaches will feed on crumbs found on the floor and other surfaces. You may find them under appliances, behind kitchen cabinets and also in drains. They will also feed on pet food that is left uncovered.
This species of cockroach is equipped with various survival mechanisms that make them more resilient than other cockroaches. For instance, they can remain hidden in your home for up to a week without food or water, which can make it harder to pinpoint them and rid them on your own.
The German cockroach is also found throughout the U.S., and it too has an oval-shaped body, six legs, and an antenna like the American cockroach; however, it is smaller at just 1/2" to 5/8" long.
Their bodies range from light brown to tan, depending on their sex, and they also have a pair of dark stripes that run almost parallel down their backs. They also have wings like the American cockroach; however, they mostly prefer to run as opposed to fly.
German cockroaches also prefer warm, humid places; however, because it is difficult for them to survive outdoors in warm weather, they can make their way inside via used appliances, cardboard boxes, drink cartons, and in grocery bags.
Once inside, they can usually be found anywhere people dine and drink, such as in residential and commercial kitchens, dining rooms, dens, bedrooms, and more. They are also commonly found in food processing plants.
Like other cockroach species, German cockroaches will feed on just about any food; however, they will also feed on glue, toothpaste, and soap.
Because these cockroaches like to hide in crack and crevices, which can be as small as 3/8" wide, they can be hard to detect on your own. They may also require a specialized treatment due to their unique harborage areas.
Turkestan cockroaches vary in size and color, depending on whether they are male or female.
The males are just under an inch long with a burnt orange or red body and slightly yellow wings that extend beyond the tip of their abdomen. They also have ivory-colored markings that line the edge of their bodies up to their heads.
They are also commonly found indoors because they are drawn to the lights.
Female Turkestan cockroaches are larger, measuring 1" long. They also have deep brown to black bodies and the same ivory-colored markings as the males. However, unlike the males, they have short, rounded wings with light-colored stripes that line the edge of them.
These cockroaches, unlike other cockroach types, are mainly an outdoor problem. Often you will find them near utility meter boxes, in concrete cracks, and under fallen leaves, compost piles and potted plants.
They also tend to be more common in the U.S. in urban cities in the Southwest, throughout California, and some parts of the Northeast.
Because they produce many eggs, and they have such a short development period, treating Turkestan cockroaches needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent infestation.
The Oriental cockroach is another rather large roach, measuring between 25mm to 1" long. They are also oval-shaped with 6-legs and antennae, but they have a shiny black exterior. However, some may be mahogany.
Like most cockroach species, the male Oriental cockroach is smaller than the female, and they also have short 3/4" long wings whereas the females do not. However, due to their shorter wings, their lower abdomens are more exposed than other cockroaches and they also do not fly.
Oriental cockroaches are most common in the northern parts of the U.S., where they are often spotted outside near damp gutters, around landscaping beds, and traveling in and out of sewers and storm drains during the day. They can also be found under firewood and in openings and voids beneath porches.
However, during the summer, they can make their way inside through door sills, under sliding glass doors, through floor drains, and along utility pipes where they are then typically found in crawl spaces, basements, and other moist, cool places. They can also be spotted around toilets, sinks, pipes and service ducts.
Once inside your home, they will also feed on all kinds of food. They will normally go after starchy foods, garbage, and decaying organic matter.
Oriental cockroaches are also pretty resilient. In fact, they can live up to one month without food. However, they cannot live without water. You are likely see them gathered anywhere there is water.
General Tips for Cockroach Control
A crucial step to controlling cockroaches on your property, no matter the species, is to keep it free of crumbs and store your food in airtight containers. Your pet's food should be kept covered. Any spills should also be cleaned up immediately since they can also attract cockroaches.
Cockroaches also like to feed on garbage, so keep the inside of your property free of trash or store it in a secure trash container.
You should also repair any leaky water sources around your property, such as dripping faucets, radiators, and pipes, to deter cockroaches since they also need water to survive.
Most cockroaches (excluding German roaches) make their way inside your property through various cracks, gaps, and openings, so you should also be sure to seal any points of entry around your home to help keep them out.
In the meantime, professional pest control services can also be incorporated for even more effective cockroach management, especially if the problem is serious.
The technician can also ensure the right treatment for your exact type of cockroach, so you don't waste time and frustration, trying to figure it out on your own.
They can also provide follow up treatments to help you stay on top of the problem and prevent it from reoccurring.