Approximately 69 species of cockroaches exist throughout North America today, which are in the order of Blattodea with termites. They are fast-moving with a flat body, six legs, and antennae. Cockroaches are a common pest found around local properties, particularly near areas of food preparation or trash.
Common Types Of Cockroaches Found Indoors
- German (Blattella germanica): Among the most common, they have a brown color with two parallel stripes and are roughly ½ inch long.
- American (Periplaneta americana): The American cockroach has a reddish-brown appearance with a yellow marking, wings, and a body that can be 1 ½ inch long.
- Oriental (Blatta orientalis): The Oriental cockroach is roughly one inch long with a distinct dark brown or shiny black appearance. They are known for emitting a musty odor.
- Brownbanded (Supella longipalpa): They have a light-brown color, wings, and their body rarely exceeds ½ inch long.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches often travel through dirty areas where they contract Salmonellosis, E. coli, gastroenteritis, and other unwanted contaminants. They leave a trail of waste and may contaminate food and utensils. Those with asthma or sensitive allergies often experience reactions such as watery eyes and difficulty breathing.
Signs Of An Intrusion
Cockroaches might not be seen during the daytime, as they are mostly nocturnal and will retreat to areas behind appliances, in drains, or within walls. Look for their droppings (waste) and smear marks as possible indicators of cockroaches. The droppings have a dark color and look akin to coffee grounds. They also may leave brownish smears near baseboard and floor areas.
Each species of cockroach creates egg sacs (oothecae). These small capsules contain many eggs and are often found in discreet locations such as beneath furniture. As cockroaches develop, they will leave behind layers of their skin that they shed of differing sizes.
As an indoor cockroach population grows, their odors typically become stronger. These undesirable odors can result from the accumulation of their waste and the pheromones they emit to attract others. Dead cockroaches may also generate a smell associated with decomposition.
Do I Need Assistance From A Professional Pest Control Company?
Some homeowners who notice cockroaches will assume that they can use a store-bought solution to eliminate them. Today, we see local stores and online retailers promoting a host of pest control products, including aerosol sprays, bait systems, or indoor foggers. These do-it-yourself options often make outlandish claims of being a quick and easy solution.
The reality is that cockroaches are incredibly resilient creatures that can temporarily relocate themselves to other property areas to avoid most of these chemicals. Some of the products may also contain agents that could pose health hazards and environmental hazards. Consulting with a seasoned provider of Louisville pest extermination services is the best way to respond to these concerns.
Licensed Local Team Of Residential Pest Extermination Professionals
Did you know that Action Pest Control has grown to become one of the largest pest control service providers in the Midwest? Our formula for many years of success is no secret, as we simply provide effective treatment, affordable pricing, and the highest-quality customer service. We produce results in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets.
Our team now is composed of more than 70 certified specialists and have entomologists on staff. We adhere to the latest recommendations from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and are proud to be accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We look forward to speaking with you to schedule an onsite inspection and estimate and wish to remind you to ask about our year-round protection plans.