If you’ve ever seen a cockroach crawling around your house, you know just how gross they can be. These little pests can be difficult to get rid of and can create a big mess in the process. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about cockroaches: what they are, how to identify them, and how to get rid of them for good!
What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are small, winged insects that measure between 1/2 and 2 inches in length. There are many different species of cockroach, but the most common ones found in homes are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. Cockroaches are brown or reddish-brown in color and have long, slender bodies.
How To Identify Cockroaches
The best way to identify a cockroach is by its appearance. As we mentioned before, cockroaches are small, winged insects that measure between 1/2 and 2 inches in length. They are brown or reddish-brown in color and have long, slender bodies. Another identifying factor is the cockroach’s wings. Cockroaches have two pairs of wings: the front pair is shorter than the back pair. The wings of a cockroach are used for flying, but most cockroaches cannot fly very well.
Different Cockroach Species And How To Identify Them
There are many different species of cockroach, but the most common ones found in homes are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
The German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
The most widely cultivated cockroach worldwide, the German cockroach causes numerous problems. Often invading commercial buildings in the form of hotels, restaurant shops, and nursing facilities.
Appearance: The German cockroach is small, measuring between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in length. It is light brown or tan in color and has two dark stripes running down its back.
The American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
The American cockroach is a very large cockroach that is commonly found in homes. They are also found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other commercial buildings.
Appearance: The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in homes, measuring between 1 and 2 inches in length. It is reddish-brown in color and has a yellow stripe running down its back.
The Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
The Oriental cockroach is a smaller cockroach that is commonly found in and around homes. They are also found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other commercial buildings where there is food around.
Appearance: The Oriental cockroach is small, measuring between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in length. It is dark brown or black in color and has a glossy sheen to its body.
Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
The Australian cockroach is a large cockroach that is commonly found in and around homes. They can also be found crawling around commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is present.
Appearance: The Australian cockroach is large, measuring between 1 and 1 1/2 inches in length. It is reddish-brown in color and has a yellow line around its head. The Australian cockroach is similar in appearance to the American cockroach and thus often confused.
Florida Wood Cockroach (Eurycotis floridana)
The Florida Wood cockroach is an outdoor cockroach species that usually lives outside homes in trees and in sheds. They are found throughout the state of Florida and the Gulf states.
These cockroaches are also commonly called stinking cockroaches. They ward off predators by releasing a noxious liquid from glands on their bodies.
Appearance: Florida Wood Cockroaches are small measuring between 1/2 – 5/8ths of an inch in length. They are dark brown or black in color and have a glossy sheen to their bodies. These roaches are often confused with Oriental cockroaches because of their similar appearance. They appear to be wingless but actually have small, underdeveloped wings when compared to other cockroach species.
Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
When you see cockroaches in your room, you might have encountered a brown-banded cockroach. This species is unlike other roaches because of its lack of moisture in its body. They may also be found in dry and warm areas such as in the living room hidden beneath the bed. A brown-banded cockroach varies across the country and is most commonly seen throughout the Midwest and the Northeast of the U. S.
Appearance: A Brown-banded cockroach is small, measuring between 1/2 – 5/8ths of an inch in length. It is light brown or tan in color with two dark stripes running down its back. These cockroaches are often confused with German cockroaches because of their similar appearance.
Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginous)
The smokybrown cockroach is a species that is often found in the southern United States. They are attracted to light and are commonly seen around porches and street lights at night. This species can also be found in other parts of the country, but they are not as common.
Appearance: The smokybrown cockroach is large, measuring between 1 – 1 1/2 inches in length. It is dark brown or black in color and has a glossy sheen to its body. These cockroaches are often confused with the American cockroach because of how similar they look.
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach (Parcoblatta pensylvanica)
The Pennsylvania wood cockroach is a species of cockroach that is found in the eastern United States. They are often found in wooded areas and are attracted to light. This species can also be found in other parts of the country, but they are not as common.
Appearance: The Pennsylvania wood cockroach is small, measuring between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in length. It is dark brown or black in color and has a glossy sheen to its body. These cockroaches are often confused with Oriental cockroaches because of their similar appearance.
Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai)
The Asian cockroach is a species of cockroach that is found in the southeastern United States. They are often found in wooded areas and are attracted to light. This species can also be found in other parts of the country, but they are not as common.
Appearance: The Asian cockroach is small, measuring between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in length. It is dark brown or black in color and has a glossy sheen to its body.
How to tell different types of cockroaches apart?
Cockroaches can be difficult to tell apart because they can vary so much in size and appearance. However, there are some key differences that you can look for to help you identify the different types of cockroaches.
Size:
One way to tell different types of cockroaches apart is by their size. American cockroaches are the largest, measuring up to 1 1/2 inches in length. Brown-banded cockroaches are the smallest, measuring between 1/2 – 5/8ths of an inch in length.
Color:
Another way to tell different types of cockroaches apart is by their color. American cockroaches are brown or reddish-brown in color. Brown-banded cockroaches are light brown or tan in color with two dark stripes running down their back. Smokybrown cockroaches are dark brown or black in color and have a glossy sheen to their body. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are also dark brown or black in color but may have a lighter-colored stripe running down their back. Asian cockroaches are dark brown or black in color with a yellow or white stripe running down their back.
Habitat:
Another way to tell different types of cockroaches apart is by their location. American cockroaches are often found in basements, sewers, and other damp areas. Brown-banded cockroaches are often found in homes and other buildings. Smokybrown cockroaches are often found in wooded areas. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are often found in wooded areas and around homes. Asian cockroaches are often found in wooded areas and around homes.
What Do Cockroaches Eat?
Cockroaches are scavengers and will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of starchy foods, sweets, meat, and garbage.
How to protect your home from cockroaches?
The best way to protect your home from cockroaches is to keep it clean and free of food sources that they are attracted to. Be sure to seal up any cracks or holes in your home that they could use to get inside. You should also regularly vacuum and sweep your floors to remove any food crumbs or debris that they could feed on. If you have a problem with cockroaches, you may need to use pesticides or hire an exterminator to get rid of them.
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches
Now that you know what cockroaches are and how to identify them, it’s time to learn how to get rid of them! The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the type of cockroach you have and provide you with the best course of treatment. If you have a small infestation, you may be able to get rid of them yourself with over-the-counter pesticides or traps. However, if you have a large infestation, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Quick facts
Cockroaches are a serious problem in restaurants, healthcare buildings, warehouses, offices, and buildings containing food processing facilities. It secretes odorous chemicals that can irritate surfaces. It’s possible for these toxins to damage the paper.
Cockroaches are often found in:
– Drains
– Sinks
– Garbage disposals
– Sewers
– Behind refrigerators
– Underneath stoves
– In crawl spaces
– In cracks and crevices around baseboards, cabinets, and floors.
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that are attracted to warm, humid environments. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms where they can access food and water. Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of once they establish themselves in a home or business. They reproduce quickly and can travel long distances in search of food and shelter.
Cockroaches are a major problem in restaurants, healthcare buildings, warehouses, offices, and buildings containing food processing facilities. They can contaminate surfaces with their feces and secretions and spread diseases such as salmonella and dysentery. Cockroaches are also known to trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the type of cockroach you have and provide you with the best course of treatment. If you have a small infestation, you may be able to get rid of them yourself with over-the-counter pesticides or traps. However, if you have a large infestation, it’s best to leave it to the professionals here at H2 Environmental Pest Management.
Do you have any more advice to add to this article? Let us know in the comments below.
