No matter what species it is, you never want to see cockroaches in or around your home or business. When it comes to cockroaches there are over 4,000 species. Thankfully there are only about three kinds that you will commonly find around your home or business.
1) German Cockroach
This species is the one most often seen indoors. If you spot a roach in your home, you can be pretty certain it’s a German cockroach. Measuring at about a half inch, adult German cockroaches are smaller than most others, therefore they can conceal themselves in many places inaccessible by the larger species, though most roaches can hide easily. The German cockroach is easily identified by its small size and by two dark parallel lines running from the back of the head to the wings.
One of the reasons for the German cockroach’s large population is that they produce a high number of eggs per year and have a much shorter span of time from hatching until sexual maturity when compared to other species.
2) The American Cockroach
American cockroaches are one of the larger species of roaches you might happen upon. Originating from Africa and the Middle East, the American cockroach can be found everywhere in the United States. In southern states they are commonly found outdoors. Due to their preference for wet, moist locations; in some areas these cockroaches are often called the “water roach” or palmetto bug.
The American cockroach can range from one to three inches long and are typically reddish-brown to a light brown, with a yellow band or figure on the top of their head. These cockroaches have a tendency to fly especially when disturbed. These pests typically stay outdoors but can make their way inside. Once inside, they usually head to areas that provide moisture.
3) Smokybrown Cockroach
The Smokybrown cockroach is commonly found throughout the southeast. This species of cockroach is mostly found in damp areas, like near leaky plumbing fixtures or in a basement where you may have a moisture problem.
This cockroach is mainly an outdoor roach that lives in and around wooded areas. It’s one of the larger species and it’s very sensitive to changes in the environment such as cold, dry air. During those changes it looks for areas of high humidity.
Signs of a cockroach infestation include seeing droppings that appear as little reddish and brown pieces of excrement. When they hatch, the cockroach egg casings that surround the eggs can be found in areas near where adults live.
Cockroaches are nocturnal, so if you see roach activity during the day, this could be a sign of a larger problem. They prefer dark, warm, wet areas to nest and hide. Spotting signs of an infestation in basements, attics, underneath trash areas, under sinks or behind appliances are not uncommon. If you see one scurrying around, it’s very likely there are many more nesting in dark nooks and crannies.
Since cockroaches are very adapted to hiding and multiplying fast, it’s important to catch an infestation early. Pest Solutions can handle your roach problems with our treatment plan. Give us a call at (804) 406-9606.
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