Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most common pest. Fossil evidence suggest the existence of cockroaches date back 200-300 million years ago. Cockroaches have learned to become very adaptable to various human habitats. Cockroaches can carry may bacteria and viruses on their bodies and feces. They are known to contaminate food resulting in food poisoning, diarrhea and many other unpleasant conditions. Also, cockroaches feces and skin casings contain allergens which effect individuals by experiencing skin rashes, congestion and even to the development and irritation of asthma.

Cockroaches feed on a variety of foods, meat products, grease, garbage wallpaper, book bindings and more.

Common Cockroaches found in New York:

American Cockroach: The American Cockroach prefers it’s environment warm and humid. They are usually found in dark, warm and moist areas of the basement, crawl space, in and around bathtubs, floor drains and pipes. Adult American Cockroaches can range in size from 1 1/2″ to 2″ inches long. They are reddish-brown in color and their wings appear longer than the body.

Brown-banded Cockroach: The Brown-banded Cockroach prefer warm and dry locations, usually found in kitchen cabinets, behind pictures on walls, light switch plates, and furniture. Adult Brown-banded Cockroaches only reach to be 1/2″ in size.  Brown-banded Cockroaches can be distinguished by the two broad brown bands going across the body at the base of the abdomen.

German Cockroach: These cockroaches are the most common and thought to be the most invasive of all other known species. They are the most common cockroach found in homes and food establishments. Adult German Cockroaches can get to 1/2″ to 5/8″ in size. They are tan to light brown in color. They have two dark parallel stripes that are located on their backs just behind their head.

Oriental Cockroaches: These cockroaches are believed to be of Northern African decent. They are often known as water bugs because of their preference for dark, damp and cool areas like damp basements, under sinks and washing machines. Adult Oriental Cockroaches can reach 1″ in side and are a very dark brown/black color.

Treatment:

Eliminating cockroaches is not an easy task. Determination of where the cockroaches are living it a must. The more hiding places located and managed the more successfully it will be to rid of the infestation. If you spot a cockroach on the wall or running away from the light, reconsider do-it-yourself cockroach control techniques. Many do-it-yourself methods do not work. The cockroach reproduction cycle is fast, a single German Cockroach female can carry as many as 40 eggs at a time. With this one female carry 40 eggs it could produce up to four generations of cockroaches in a single year.  It wouldn’t take long, once they move in, to quickly create a full-on infestation. A home is an ideal place for cockroaches. It is a shelter that is warm and stocked with food. A perfect place for cockroaches to infest and breed.

Professional Pest Control, although an key component on getting rid of cockroaches, should not be the only line of defense. Sanitation is also important. Storing food in seal tight containers, removing garbage, vacuuming food and debris, cleaning up spills immediately and even eliminating plumbing leaks can help with the elimination of cockroaches. Keep in mind Cockroaches can invade even the cleanest of homes.