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Cockroaches

Cockroaches:

All You Need To Know

Your best resource to help identify and remove cockroaches from your home

What Do Cockroaches Look Like?

Cockroaches typically have flattened, elongated bodies with long antennae and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length, depending on the species. 

Commonly known species are dark brown to black and often have yellow or darker markings around their heads and thoraxes. Their six legs are spiny, and their wings are either transparent or brownish in color. 

Some species of cockroaches may even be capable of flight, although most cannot fly for long distances. Some species may also have a distinct “musty” odor that can help identify them.

Cockroaches are usually nocturnal, and they typically prefer warm, damp places to hide during the day. They can be found in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as in crevices near water pipes and drains. 

Cockroaches may also hide under furniture or inside wall voids, where they can be difficult to remove.

Types of Cockroaches

American

Cockroach

american cockroach

This type of roach is typically reddish-brown and may reach a length of up to 2 inches. They are often found in basements, sewers, and other damp places.

German

Cockroach

german cockroach

This type of roach is smaller than the American cockroach and usually ranges from 1/2 to 5/8 inches in length. They are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms and can often be identified by their light brown color with two dark stripes running down their backs.

Brown-banded

Cockroach

brown banded cockroach

This type of roach is usually light brown in color and can reach a length of up to 1/2 inch in length. They are typically found in warm, dry areas, such as behind appliances or above cabinets.

Oriental

Cockroach

oriental cockroach

This type of roach is dark brown to black in color and can reach a length of up to 1 inch. They are often found in damp areas, such as basements and sewer systems.

How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?

Getting rid of cockroaches can be a challenge since they are resilient and breed quickly. However, there are several natural ways to repel and eliminate them. some of the effective methods are:

Baking Soda: Baking soda can be used to get rid of cockroaches by creating a barrier around the edges of cabinets and baseboards.

Diatomaceous Earth: This is a natural powder that is made up of fossilized remains of microscopic sea organisms. When applied to cracks and crevices, it acts as an abrasive and cuts through the exoskeleton of cockroaches, killing them.

Citrus: Citrus essential oils are known to be a natural deterrent to cockroaches. Applying these oils around the perimeter of your home can help keep them from entering.

Boric Acid: When sprinkled on cockroach-infested areas, boric acid acts as an irritant and kills the insects by dehydrating them.

Use Glue Traps: Glue traps are an effective way of trapping live cockroaches in order to identify problem areas.

Set Bait Stations: Bait stations are a popular way of killing cockroaches. They contain a bait that attracts the cockroaches and, when eaten, kills them.

With some patience and persistence, you can get rid of your cockroach infestation in no time. If the infestation persists, contact a professional pest control company for assistance. They will use more advanced methods of extermination to get rid of the roaches and help you prevent future infestations.


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Cockroaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, warmth, and harbourage. They are especially drawn to areas where there is easy access to food, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Cockroaches can also be attracted to things like spilled liquids, dirty dishes left in the sink, crumbs on counters or floors, uncovered trash cans, and unsecured pet food.

Cockroaches can carry pathogens that may cause disease. According to World Health Organization, they have been known to spread certain infections and are suspected of playing a role in the spread of diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever, and viral diseases such as poliomyelitis. Although they likely don’t cause any of these illnesses directly, they can help spread them.

They can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks in some people. For this reason, it is important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Yes, some species of cockroaches can fly. The American cockroach is capable of flying, but it does not typically fly for long distances. The German cockroach, brown-banded, and the Oriental cockroach do not fly. However, they may glide from high elevations to lower surfaces and can only sustain flight for short distances.

Cockroaches typically fly at night when it is dark and cooler outside. Some species of cockroaches may also fly on particularly warm days during the day. They will usually take off from a high elevation and glide to a lower surface. However, cockroaches are more comfortable crawling than flying.

The time it takes to get rid of cockroaches depends on the extent of the infestation. If there is a minor infestation, you may be able to eliminate them in a few weeks by cleaning up any food sources, sealing cracks and crevices, and placing sticky traps in high-traffic areas.

However, if the problem persists, it may be necessary to contact a professional pest control service for further assistance. The experts will be able to identify the source of the infestation and use more advanced methods to eradicate the cockroaches. Depending on the size of the infestation, it can take several weeks to fully get rid of all of the roaches.

It is important to remain patient and continue the extermination process until all roaches are gone. Otherwise, the infestation could return or worsen. Additionally, regular maintenance and prevention measures should be implemented to keep cockroaches from returning in the future.

Cockroaches can be prevented by eliminating food sources, sealing entry points, vacuuming, and cleaning regularly. To prevent cockroaches from entering your home, you should have to take the following steps:

  • Seal up cracks and crevices around windows, doors, pipes, and other entrances to your home.
  • Ensure that all food is stored in airtight containers.
  • Regularly vacuum and clean your home, especially in dark areas where cockroaches may be hiding.
  • Check for any signs of moisture and make sure any plumbing leakages are fixed immediately.
  • Keep pet food in sealed containers.
  • Use sticky traps to monitor for cockroaches and other pests.
  • Replace weather-stripping around windows, doors, and seams where cockroaches may enter your home.

By following these steps, you will be able to reduce the chances of an infestation in your home. However, if you already have an infestation, it is advisable to contact a professional pest control service for additional assistance.