Cockroaches
Cockroaches are tough pests that live close to people and are hard to get rid of. They eat almost anything and breed a lot, so one cockroach can quickly become many in a home or business. We have a few types of cockroaches in the areas we treat, but they all look similar with flat bodies.
American cockroaches
American cockroaches are the biggest cockroaches in U.S. homes. Grown-ups can be up to 1.5 inches long and can fly with their wings. They have mahogany-colored bodies and a yellow figure-8 mark behind their heads.
Brown-banded cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches are small and dark with two light brown bands on their bodies. Grown-ups are about half an inch long. Males can fly with their wings, but females can’t because of wings that aren’t fully grown. These cockroaches like dry, warm places.
German cockroaches
German cockroaches are light brown to tan with two black stripes behind their heads. They can’t fly but move fast by running. They like living indoors and can show up in any home or business.
Oriental cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches have dark, smooth bodies. The males have wings, but can’t fly, and neither can females. They like damp, dark places and are sometimes called “water bugs” because they need a lot of moisture.
Smoky brown cockroaches
Smoky brown cockroaches are closely related to the American cockroach and look very similar. The body of the smoky brown cockroach is a dark, shiny mahogany color. Their wings extend past the tip of their abdomens, and they can fly short distances. Smoky brown cockroaches are attracted to the exterior of homes by outdoor lighting.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches can carry and spread harmful bacteria. Their poop and shedding of skin can cause allergies and make asthma worse, especially for kids and people with weak immune systems. Besides health issues, they mess up food and make a mess in your home or business with their poop, staining things and making it a place you’d rather not be.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches usually get into homes while looking for food or hitching a ride on something. If they’re already on your property, they can sneak in through cracks in the walls, around doors, vents, or utility entrances. They might also come in with used appliances, furniture, packages, or potted plants without you knowing.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Wherever there are people, food, and shelter, there is the potential to find cockroaches. Depending on their exact species, cockroaches often live around dumpsters or trash cans, behind tree bark, in compost piles, in gardens, in sewers, and under mulch. Once they have found their way inside of a home they will nest in a variety of places. They can be found around pipes and drains, behind appliances, in drawers, and under cabinets. They also tend to take up residence in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
To kick out cockroaches, it’s best to call a pest control company like Ponder Pest Control. They know what to do and have the right tools to get rid of the problem. They’re a local family-owned business, focused on giving good service and making sure they deal with the cockroaches in a way that fits your place.
Prevention
In addition to our home and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:
Exterior Tips
- Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home or business.
- Make sure weather stripping is placed around all exterior windows and doors.
- Place door sweeps on exterior doors and tight-fitting covers over vents.
- Replace any torn window or door screens.
- Leave a barrier between any mulch and your property’s foundation.
- Cut overgrown vegetation back away from the exterior of your home or business.
Interior Tips
- Check any packages and potted plants before bringing them in from the outside.
- Store food in air-tight containers or inside the refrigerator.
- Fix any leaky pipes and fixtures.
- Wipe out excess water from sinks and tubs.
- Regularly vacuum your home or business and wipe down counters and tables.
- Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have locking lids and are stored away from the exterior of your property.
To learn more about our effective cockroach control services offered to your property, contact Ponder Pest Control today!
We are a local, family-owned business with years of experience with pests in the area. Contact us today to learn more about our treatments!