What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
Cockroaches are oval-shaped insects with flat, oily bodies. Cockroaches have six legs and special pads that allow them to walk on ceilings and walls. Cockroaches have wings that lie flat against their backs, although not all cockroaches fly.
Also called “palmetto bugs”, they are the largest domestic cockroach in the United States. Despite their large size, they are very flat and can squeeze under doors and into small cracks. They are reddish-brown in color and at full size have an average length of 1 ¾ inch. American cockroaches will quickly scurry out of sight when someone enters the room.
Typically found in kitchens and bathrooms of homes, restaurants, and hotels, German cockroaches can be a serious health hazard in residential environments and commercial facilities. They are brown in color with an average length of 5/8 inch as adults. German roaches leave behind fecal matter that looks like black pepper and can trigger asthma and allergies. If there are a large number in the home, they will produce a foul odor. They're often found in dark areas with food, moisture and warmth, like behind stoves and refrigerators. Controlling German cockroaches requires strict harborage reduction and baiting programs.
Almost identical to German cockroaches, you can tell them apart only because the Asian cockroach can fly and German roaches don’t. Additionally, Asian cockroaches rarely come indoors unlike the German cockroach. Similar to German cockroaches, Asian roaches carry germs and can spread diseases to humans.
Light or dark brown with olive green wings and a shiny black head, this species of cockroach very rarely infests a human habitat as they prefer soil, but they will damage gardens in southern states.
Found in moist areas where the temperature is warm, the Australian cockroach will seek out indoor dwellings for survival if temperatures get too cold. While they look very similar to American cockroaches, Australian cockroaches are smaller and have light yellow stripes on their abdomens.
When Are Cockroaches Most Active?
Cockroaches are mostly active at night, as they come out of hiding in search of mates and food.
What Attracts Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are a year-round problem and are attracted to moisture, such as the dripping faucet in the bathroom, the wet bath mat, or a leaky pipe in the basement. They're also attracted to food or crumbs left on counters, dirty dishes in sinks, and crumbs that aren't swept off floors.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches can cause respiratory issues or trigger asthma and allergies in humans, especially children. They can also transmit diseases and infections to humans, making them dangerous to our health. Common diseases and infections caused by cockroaches or their droppings include Gastroenteritis, Salmonellosis, Cholera, and Dysentery.
How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?
Because cockroaches quickly adapt to any environment, they thrive pretty much anywhere they take up residence. This adaptability makes it challenging to control, and it is recommended that you call an experienced pest control company to get rid of cockroaches. At Lindsey Pest Services, we’ve been providing effective roach control since 1957 and use several techniques and tools to get rid of these pests. Cooperation from the owner is a must in order to eliminate cockroach attractants and the entry points they use.