COCKROACH PROBLEMS

Cockroaches are known to in any structure that has any type of food prep or food storage areas such as homes, schools, restaurants, hospitals, warehouses and offices. They contaminate food, utensils, damage fabric and paper products, leave stains on surfaces, and can produce unpleasant odors. When outdoor cockroaches come into contact with human excrement in sewers or with pet droppings, they can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning if they enter into structures. German cockroaches are believed to be capable of transmitting disease causing organisms such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, hepatitis virus, and coliform bacteria. It is also thought that they are guilty of the spread of typhoid and dysentery. Indoor infestations of cockroaches are an important source of allergens and risk for asthma among some populations. The levels of cockroaches and allergens have been directly related to cockroach density, housing disrepair, and sanitary conditions.

 

IDENTIFYING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COCKROACHES

Cockroaches are medium-sized to large insects that have broad, flattened bodies with long antennae and a prominent, shield-shaped section behind the head. There are four common species. The German and Brown-banded cockroaches are indoor roaches and they inhabit buildings. The Oriental and American cockroaches usually live outdoors and sometimes invade structures. It is important to correctly identify the species of a cockroach infestation so that the most effective control method is used.

German Cockroach

The German cockroach is the most common indoor species here in Florida, especially in multiple-family dwellings. They tend to gravitate towards food preparation areas, kitchens, and bathrooms because they like warm, humid areas that are close to food and water. In extreme infestations they may spread to other parts of the structure. In heavily infested households, the German cockroach may even be visible during the day. Generally, for every cockroach seen in the daytime there are many more concealed in dark, protected locations. They reproduce more rapidly than the other common pest cockroaches. A single female and her offspring can produce over 30,000 individuals in a year when conditions are ideal, but many may succumb to cannibalism and other population pressures. Recent research suggests the female cockroach remains in a secluded harborage and does not venture out for either food or water during the period that she carries the ootheca. This behavior is important when trying to exterminate them. It is crucial to determine where they are harboring in order to manage the infestation.

Brownbanded Cockroach

This species lives in areas that are very warm most of the time, about 80°F, about 5° - 10°F warmer than what German cockroaches prefer. Their preferred locations include near the warm electrical components of appliances such as radios, televisions, and refrigerators. Brownbanded cockroaches like starchy food (e.g., glue on stamps and envelopes), and are often found in offices and places where paper is stored. They are more common in places that are not air conditioned or that are kept very warm. They also infest animal-rearing facilities, kitchens, and hospitals. The female roaches place light brown egg cases to ceilings, beneath furniture, or in closets or other dark places where eggs incubate before hatching. Each female and her offspring are capable of producing over 600 cockroaches in one year.

Oriental Cockroach

The oriental cockroach is sometimes called a water bug or black beetle. It lives in dark, damp places like drains, water control boxes, woodpiles, basements, garages, trash-cans, and damp areas under houses. They also live where there are plumbing leaks or landscape watering produce a moisture problem. Oriental roaches prefer cooler temperatures than the other species, and their population often build to large numbers in masonry enclosures such as water meter boxes or under concrete patio slabs where soil erosion has created a void. At night, oriental cockroaches may migrate into buildings in search of food and are frequently found in garages. Oriental cockroaches do not fly and usually remain on the ground floor of buildings. They move more slowly than the other species. They are not able to climb smooth vertical surfaces and are therefore often found trapped in porcelain sinks or tubs. Females deposit dark red-brown egg cases, which are about 3/8 inch long, in debris or food located in sheltered places. The female and her offspring can produce nearly 200 cockroaches in one year.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach prefers warm and humid environments with temperatures over 82°F. They live outdoors and are frequently found in zoos and animal-rearing facilities. They are also found in underground sewer and steam tunnels, and masonry storm drains. Sometimes they emerge from sewers and other areas into the ground floor of buildings. Adult females carry the egg cases for approximately 6 days and then cement them to a protected surface where they incubate for about 2 months or longer. The egg cases, which are about 3/8 inch long, are brown when laid then turn black within a couple days. Each egg capsule contains about 12 young; a female and her offspring can produce over 800 cockroaches in one year.

In order to get rid of annoying cockroaches the specific treatment steps and ways may vary based on the specific diet and habitat of the type of roach. Allied Pest Management is knowledgeable and will help to eliminate your roach control issue.

Cockroach Control