Cockroaches

Learn More About Cockroaches

Cockroaches are in our minds no more than pests. Why not? They are visually unpleasant, and they live and thrive in filth. Cockroaches are among the most primitive creatures on this planet. They have survived every disaster in history, and they will survive many more. It has a flat, oval body, long antennae that looks like a thread, and a shining black or brown leathery integument.

Description Of Cockroaches

There are four common species in the United States. These are American, German, brown-banded, and Oriental cockroaches.

American Cockroach

This is the most common species found inside houses and also the largest among all common cockroaches. You really would not want to be around these pests. They are oval in shape and are two inches long. They have well-developed wings, but most of them are not good flyers. Adult female cockroaches can hatch as many as 150 offspring per year. They live in dark, wet places like sewers and pipes in homes and commercial buildings.

German Cockroach

This type of cockroach is a small species, about 1.1 to 1.5 inches long. These are the ones usually found in restaurants and hotels as they prefer sweet, fatty, and starchy foods. It is said that this species is the most troublesome, so immediate help is needed once you spot one cockroach in your home.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Measuring about 10 to 14 mm long, the brown-banded cockroach is similar to the German but is slightly smaller. They usually dwell in warm dry places, and they hide their eggs under your furniture, clothes, cracks on the floor, or wood. The adult life span is about 200 days.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is considered the filthiest among the filthy. Oriental cockroaches are larger and darker compared to other cockroach species. They dwell in dirty, cooler places and create a strong smell. They eat garbage and organic material.

Cockroach Control

Cockroaches love to live in dirty places, and they eat filth. To help control cockroach populations:

• Clean up around your house. Throw your trash regularly. Wipe off food spills on the tables, stovetops, floors, and kitchen sinks. Do not leave your dishes and other kitchen utensils on the sink overnight; wash them immediately.
• Caulk cracks, crevices, and holes. These are possible entry points for the roaches. Seal off gaps between the interior and the exterior of the house.
• Remove possible hiding places. Remove clutter like paper and cardboard boxes.
• Store your food in airtight containers. The most important thing is to remove all their food source.
• Make sure to put a lid on your trash can. Whether your food is fresh or spoiled does not matter to the roaches; they will eat them all, even your garbage.
• Use cockroach bait with poison. Baits are always effective. Once the cockroach eats the poisoned bait, it will bring portions of it back to its hiding place and effectively kill many other roaches.

These are some of the simple ways to prevent cockroach infestation. Remember, a pest-free home is a healthy home!