Pest Profiles:
Cockroaches

COCKROACHES (or roaches) have been an insect pest for about four million years. There are 4,600 species of cockroaches around the world, with 69 species of cockroaches in North America. About 30 cockroach species are associated with human habitats. 

 

Cockroaches are flattened, brownish, fast-running insects, with long, slender antennae. They have six legs and can measure more than 2 inches (50 millimetres). 

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The control, management and prevention of COCKROACHES are important for the health and safety of you and visitors to your home or business. Cockroaches are known to cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. They also spread nearly 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella. 

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Cockroaches do not live in nests or colonies like ants, bees, and termites. But they do like to get together. Cockroaches find each other by the smell of their droppings (poo and pee). The droppings appear as pepper-like specks where they are currently or have previously living. NOTE: The appearance of the droppings is similar to that of bed bugs, but can usually be identified by location of the droppings, or other signs of infestation (Cockroaches don't usually live or cluster on beds like bed bugs do).    

              

Cockroaches are more active at night than during the day. During daylight hours cockroaches generally stay hidden in cracks and other dark, secluded areas. At night, they leave their hiding places and search for food.

 

Cockroaches will eat all human foods, AND things like soap, toothpaste, glue, hair, excrement, and filth and garbage.

 

A cockroach infestation can quickly spread if left unchecked. Contact Protek Pest Control today to assess and treat your cockroach problem before it gets worse. Remember, one female cockroach can produce 1,000s of offspring in less than a year. 

 

Did you know? 

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• There are 4,600 species of COCKROACHES around the world, with 69 species of cockroaches in North America.

• About 30 cockroach species are associated with human habitats - like homes, cottages, structures and businesses. 

• Cockroaches can measure more than 2 inches (50 millimetres) in length, with tropical species tending to be larger than those found in other climates.

• Cockroaches have six legs,

• The female cockroach produces small, brown, bean-shaped egg cases that are deposited in out-of-the-way places. Several nymphs emerge from each egg case (up to 40 with the German cockroach, 15-20 with other varieties).

• Cockroaches breed a lot - they lay lots of eggs! Species such as the German cockroach are capable of producing several thousand offspring in less than a year.

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Who, what, where, when...how did they get in? 

Cockroaches are one of the most common pests living and thriving in homes and apartments. They really like where food is prepared and sanitation is lacking (BUT they can get in even if you are extremely clean). They can easily contaminate food, kitchen utensils, and other household items, and leave a nasty smell behind.

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As cockroaches move freely from garbage to food, they can transfer pathogens that can cause food poisoning and illnesses. Many people are also allergic to cockroach excrement and their shed skins.

 

For people who are allergic or sensitive, cockroaches can cause congestion, sneezing and watery eyes, as well as life-threatening bronchial inflammation (asthma) -  signs may include a cough you can't get rid of, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Asthma triggered by cockroaches is especially common among children living in densely populated housing conditions where infestations are often concentrated and intense.  

How cockroaches enter buildings: Some roaches hitch a ride on infested grocery bags, beverage cartons, or furniture. Others can get in through gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utility openings, and in firewood. In places densely populated by humans like apartments, condominiums, townhouses, residential buildings, boarding houses or rooms, and housing blocks (among others), cockroaches will easily move between units through common walls, ceilings, etc. While roaches often thrive where there is poor sanitation, even clean homes can become infested.​

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WHAT'S MY NEXT STEP?

Damage is preventable. If you suspect or discover cockroaches, suspect or see their droppings, or find a strange smell - contact Protek Pest Control today!  We offer Fast and Safe Extermination of pests and serve all of Western New York and surrounding areas.

 

Protek Pest Control - your licensed pest control professional -  is available to respond to all your insect and pest problems.

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