Cockroach Exterminators, Control & Removal

Roaches are oval, flat insects that, depending on their species, can be anywhere from 13 mm to 40 mm. Some other common characteristics of cockroaches are as follows.

• Roaches have six long legs with pads that enable them to scale surfaces or walk on walls and ceilings.
• Male cockroaches are smaller than females, who carry the eggs. Male cockroaches of certain species, on the other hand, can possess wings.
• Roach nymphs are paler in color than adults and will molt several times before reaching maturity.
• Cockroaches vary in appearance depending on their species: American cockroaches are large and reddish-brown in color. German roaches are nearly half the size of American roaches and are brown in color. Oriental roaches are nearly black in color and are also on the larger side.

Cockroaches are infamous for their eating habits. Roaches are omnivores and not picky, meaning they will feed on just about anything they come across so long as it’s organic. Typically, cockroaches prefer three types of food: starches, sweets, and animal proteins. They will gravitate toward greasy foods or anything that is fermented. When these types of food are unavailable, roaches will go as far as to feed on book bindings, glue, paper, and even other dead insects.

Cockroaches are not picky and can find even the cleanest home suitable for infesting. Some of the common things that are attractive to roaches include:

1. Food: Crumbs, spilled drinks, and unsealed food will all quickly attract roaches. Cockroaches are not picky and can find the most unsavory food remnants in or near your property suitable for feasting on.
2. Water: Cockroaches prefer damp, humid environments. Leaky pipes or faucets will draw cockroaches toward your pipes and plumbing. This is why roaches are common in basements and bathrooms.
3. Shelter: Like other small insects, cockroaches will gain entry into your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. Always inspect your property and seal holes with caulking to make your home impenetrable.

Not all cockroach species are capable of flight. Additionally, the roaches that are capable of flight are known to be very poor fliers. The American cockroach, which is one of the most common roaches, will use its wings to glide from a higher elevation to a lower one. In general, roaches rarely fly as they prefer to use their long legs to run.

Roaches are not known for their biting habits. In general, a roach is uninterested in humans and will leave them alone. If a bite occurs, it’s because the population of cockroaches has outgrown its food sources. A rare cockroach bite can occur at nighttime on your face, hands, or fingers. The bite will appear similar to a bed bug bite, but typically only one bump will appear.

As gross as cockroaches are, they are unlikely to hurt you. However, roach infestations have been known to trigger health problems for some individuals. This is because roaches carry germs and bacteria that can contaminate food and surfaces in your home. When roaches feed on your food, they can spread bacteria that can possibly infect you.

Roaches are also known to possibly trigger allergies in certain individuals. Roach droppings, skin, and saliva are all known to release particles that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Most cockroach species prefer dark, damp environments. Here’s how they differ by species:

1. American cockroaches are common in homes and restaurants, as they gravitate toward human good. They are most typically found in basements, laundry rooms, and near pipes, heaters, and drains.
2. German cockroaches are the most common indoor roach, especially in multi-family housing. They prefer dark and humid environments, making them commonly found in kitchen areas, cabinets, and bathrooms.
3. Oriental cockroaches prefer cool and damp environments, and are typically seen outside. They will hide beneath patio bricks, woodchips, mulch, and sidewalks. Indoors, they’re often in plumbing and drains.

Cockroaches can indeed appear dead when in reality they are sleeping or freezing to avoid being seen. There have been reports of roaches staying completely still or rolling onto their backs to appear dead until the threat is gone. Additionally, there has been research to show that roaches can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes!

Under favorable conditions, cockroaches have been known to live for an entire year. Factors such as food supply, habitat, and climate affect how long a roach will live for. American cockroaches can live for about one year while German cockroaches are estimated to live for about 100 days. On average, cockroaches can live for a month without food but only a week without water.