Cockroach Identification Guide

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are highly adaptable insects that are common invaders of homes and businesses worldwide. Most of the over 4,000 species of cockroaches pose no threat to people; it is only the handful of roaches that have adapted to living near people that have become pests. Cockroaches are scavengers and feed on decaying matter, which is helpful when they live outside in nature. When roaches decide to invade our homes and businesses, however, they become dangerous and unwelcome pests.

A cockroach’s appearance will vary by species, but in general, they are medium to large insects that are black, reddish-brown, or tan. They have oval-shaped bodies with two long antennae, and some species have wings – though most are weak flyers.

Are cockroaches hazardous?

Cockroaches are hazardous pests. Though cockroaches aren’t aggressive and try their best to stay concealed from us, these insects do pose significant health hazards to people and damage to our properties. Cockroaches spread many pathogens that make people sick. They carry a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites on their body and legs and can contaminate food and surfaces. The pathogens cockroaches spread cause diarrhea, vomiting, fevers, salmonella, and other gastrointestinal issues.

In addition to being hazardous pests, cockroaches are also destructive. Roaches living inside homes and businesses will stain with their excrement and can ruin electronic devices.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are tough pests to control, because they can find their way into our homes and businesses in many ways. They move in through openings in the foundation,spaces around windows and doors, and through vents or drains. They hitch hike inside on furniture, electronics, bags, and packages. Cockroaches can also move inside in potted plants. Our homes usually provide cockroaches with plenty of food and the perfect environmental conditions for them to thrive.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches are nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night to search for food and water. Inside, cockroaches usually live in dark, humid areas like under sinks, in cabinets, behind large appliances, and in clutter. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements often house roaches. When living outside, cockroaches live in a variety of places, including gardens, behind tree bark, under mulch, under garbage piles, and near drains and sewers.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Get rid of cockroaches from your Central New York property with the help of local, experienced professionals. At Sweeney’s Pest Elimination, we have been protecting people and property from our area’s most common pests for over 20 years.

If you are experiencing problems with cockroaches, our professionals will take care of the problem and put into place the services needed to stop them from returning. To learn more about our residential or commercial pest control solutions and eliminate cockroaches from your Central New York property, contact us at Sweeney’s Pest Elimination today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

In addition to our professional cockroach control services, avoid future problems with cockroaches by putting into place the following prevention tips:

• Inspect boxes, packages, electronics, and used furniture before bringing them inside your home.
• Fix‌ ‌leaky‌ pipes‌ ‌and‌ ‌fixtures in and around your home.
• Leave a barrier between mulch and your home’s foundation.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are working to direct water away from the outside of your home.
• Seal‌ ‌up any entry‌ ‌points‌ ‌in the ‌roofline,‌ ‌foundation,‌ ‌and‌ ‌exterior‌ ‌walls.‌
• Place mesh covers over vents and drains leading into your home.
• Repair damaged screens.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce humidity levels in your home.
• Keep tight-fitting or locking lids on‌ ‌trash‌ ‌cans‌, recycling bins, ‌and‌ ‌compost‌ bins‌, and store them off the ground.
• Clean and sanitize food prep areas regularly.
• Vacuum your home often.

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