Cockroach Identification
What are cockroaches?
One of the most feared and unwelcome pests in our homes is the cockroach. They invade in large numbers, are difficult to prevent and eliminate, and are destructive and dangerous. These oval-shaped insects have six legs, long antennae, and while many have wings, few use them to fly.
Mostly nocturnal, cockroaches are active at night while we are sleeping; during the day, they hide their dark-colored bodies in tight cracks and crevices well out of sight. Resourceful and adaptable, these insects often enter our homes unnoticed, and it can take some time to discover their presence.
Examples of roaches living in our area that regularly invade our homes and businesses include the following:
- German cockroaches
- American cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
- Brown-banded cockroaches
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches are always unwanted pests because of the dangers they impose when they take over our properties. Cockroaches spread diseases, contaminate food and surfaces, and chew on and stain fabrics and personal items. As if that weren't enough, their shed skins and feces trigger allergies and asthma attacks in those susceptible.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches move into structures on their own through openings they find while searching for moisture or food. They are also accidentally introduced by us into our homes and businesses. Cockroaches are famous for hitchhiking into structures in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, furniture, electronics, or potted plants. Once inside, any crumb or sticky spill they find will entice them to stay.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Where you will find cockroaches depends on their species. Some prefer to live outside, some inside, and others will live wherever their basic needs are met.
- German cockroaches have come to survive by living inside our structures. You'll regularly find these pests residing in our homes and businesses like restaurants.
- American cockroaches live both inside and outside. While they happily live outside on trees and in garden areas, they also won't hesitate to take advantage of our indoor spaces if they can find food and shelter.
- Oriental cockroaches have very high moisture needs, and though they are not aquatic, they are often referred to as water bugs. They like to hang out inside drains, sewers, sump pumps, and areas of standing water.
- Oriental, American, and German cockroaches are drawn to the areas of our homes that provide them with warmth and moisture. Our kitchen, bathrooms, and basements are common gathering points for these pests.
- Brown-banded cockroaches, in contrast, prefer to live in warm, dry areas. When inside our homes and businesses, they like to live in attics spaces, above cabinets, and in the cracks of walls that are well-away from sources of moisture like leaky pipes.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are dangerous, disease-spreading pests; eliminating them from your property as quickly as possible is essential. At McCary Pest Control, our professionals will quickly solve your property's cockroaches problems by performing a detailed inspection, providing treatment using eco-friendly products, and providing a follow-up treatment schedule that will keep unwelcome cockroaches from returning.
By partnering with us, you will have peace of mind knowing the job is done right! Learn more about our Tupelo, MS cockroach control services.
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
To help you avoid problems with cockroaches, we want to offer the following prevention tips:
- Keep cockroaches from wandering into your home by sealing cracks in exterior walls and the foundation, placing weatherstripping around windows and doors, and installing covers over vents and drains.
- Always inspect used items for cockroaches before bringing them into your house, especially if the things have previously been outside.
- Repair plumbing leaks and use dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture that most species of cockroaches seek.
- Regularly clean your appliances, floors, and counters to keep them free of grease, crumbs, and other food debris.
- Before turning into bed each evening, pick up any uneaten pet food.
- Outside of your home, reduce their access to food by keeping lids on trash cans and compost bins.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
