Bug of the Month: Cockroaches
One of the most known and feared pests is of course — the cockroach. There are over 4,500 species of this insect, but there are only a few that actually come in contact with humans. The most commonly found ones are the German, Brown-banded, American, and Oriental cockroaches. Understanding the enemy is half the battle when trying to rid them from your home or business.
German
- Size: 0.5 Inch
- Color: Light Brown
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Two dark stripes below head
- Whereabouts: Kitchens, bathrooms, storage areas
- Notes: This is the most common of the indoor cockroaches. This species will be found in warmer and more humid areas, specifically where food is found. Each female and offspring can produce up to 30,000 cockroaches per year.
Brown-banded
- Size: 0.5 Inch
- Color: Males: Gold/Tan | Females: Dark Brown
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Light colored stripes on body and wings
- Whereabouts: Warm indoor areas, behind pictures and furniture against walls, inside of hollow furniture
- Notes: Brown-banded cockroaches prefer areas even warmer than their German cousins. They are usually found near the heat source of electronics & appliances. Each female and offspring can produce up to 600 cockroaches per year.
American
- Size: 2 Inches
- Color: Red/Brown
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Large body
- Whereabouts: Sewers, storm drains, barns
- Notes: American cockroaches like heat so they are normally found outside, especially in zoos, farms, and barns. If the conditions are not warm enough you will find them in sewers and water main boxes. Each female and offspring can produce up to 800 cockroaches per year.
Oriental
- Size: 1.25 Inches
- Color: Black
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Wings are shorter than body
- Whereabouts: Cool, damp, and dark areas, basements, garages
- Notes: Orientals cockroaches live in dark, wet places with cool temperatures. At night they will search for food by entering buildings on the ground floor. They can not fly or climb walls, so look for them in low places.
Cockroaches are a lingering and disease-ridden problem that many home and businesses have to deal with. They can spread E. Coli and Salmonella, while also causing asthma, skin irritations, and allergies. Once a cockroach enters your home or business, an infestation is imminent. That’s why you need a professional service to help you extinguish your pest problem, while also managing and preventing a re-infestation. The professionals at Knockout Pest Control are more than capable of knocking out your cockroach problem. To learn more, or to schedule a service, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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