WHAT ARE COCKROACHES?
The American cockroach is about 1.2 inches long, the German and Asian cockroaches are about a ½ inch long and the Oriental cockroach is about ¾ inch long. Tropical varieties of cockroaches are often much bigger.
Cockroaches are the most common insect pests in the Northeast, infesting homes, food service establishments and other structures. They are large, omnivorous insects capable of transmitting disease, which in turn, can cause food poisoning. Cockroaches are also the second most common allergen for people, the first being house dust.
Cockroaches can establish themselves in an environment after being carried in with laundry or grocery bags, but these insects can also wander in from outdoors. Once cockroaches become established, they are prolific breeders that can produce several thousand offspring a year.
AMERICAN COCKROACH
1 1/4″ to 2 1/8″ long
Reddish brown, yellowish pattern behind head
6 legs, long antennae, winged (can fly)
GERMAN COCKROACH
1/2″ to 5/8″ long
Light brown to tan, two dark stripes behind head
6 legs, long antennae, winged (rarely fly)
What do I look for?
The presence of live or dead roaches
Egg shell casings or “specks” (fecal pellets and regurgitated food)
Pungent and oily odors
Food products showing signs of pest activity
The smaller German cockroach is the most common variety found in homes and food establishments. Larger Oriental and American cockroaches prefer dark, damp areas such as basements, floor drains, crawl spaces and utility closets.
Many people are allergic to cockroaches, so sneezing, coughing or symptoms of asthma can also be an indication of their presence. Because cockroaches are generally most active at night or in the dark, it is often difficult to determine whether a problem exists.Cockroach bites are incredibly rare but may occur in some extremely severe cases.
Bee-Z Pest Control Cockroach Solutions
Bee-Z Pest Control offers comprehensive plans to eliminate roaches from interior and exterior environments.
If you suspect that you might have roaches or are at risk, please contact us for treatment.