Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are deadly pests that no one wants to have living inside their home or business. They are invasive pests that have oval, flattened bodies, long antenna, and six legs that are covered in spines. Many species of cockroaches are winged, but few are great fliers. Cockroaches have a three-stage life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. Cockroach nymphs look similar to adults, but are smaller in size and are wingless.

Three of the most invasive species of cockroaches found living throughout Northern Illinois, Eastern Iowa, and Central Wisconsin are Oriental cockroaches, German cockroaches, and American cockroaches.

German Cockroaches
German Cockroaches have bodies that are light brown to tan in color. They have two unique black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads. These cockroaches are common inside homes and businesses, especially restaurants. They have wings but rarely use them.

American cockroaches
American cockroaches have bodies that are dark reddish-brown in color. They are the largest household-invading cockroach in the United States. American cockroaches have a distinct yellowish-colored figure-eight pattern located behind their heads. Both males and females are strong fliers.

Oriental cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches have smooth bodies and are shiny-black in color. These cockroaches emit a  powerful, musty, foul-smelling odor. Oriental cockroaches do not fly.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are unwanted and feared pests due to the dangers they pose to people. They contaminate food, food prep areas, dishes, and other surfaces of homes or businesses with their excrement and saliva. They also carry a whole host of bacteria, pathogens, and parasites on their bodies and legs. Cockroaches spread a wide variety of diseases and infections, including dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli. Roach feces, saliva, and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children. Cockroaches rarely bite people, but your chances of receiving a bite increase in the case of a large infestation.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Most species of cockroaches are attracted to properties that provide dark, damp, warm environments. They also prefer properties that offer easy access to food and water sources. Properties with leaky pipes or fixtures, open containers of trash, gardens, mulch, trees, compost piles, pet food, or livestock feed attract cockroaches. Cockroaches often enter homes while foraging for food. They move inside through openings found around windows and doors, and cracks inside homes' foundations and exterior walls. They are also commonly introduced into homes inside mail, boxes, packages, potted plants, used appliances, electronics, furniture, or rugs.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches are found living in a variety of places. German cockroaches prefer to live inside in warm, humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens. American and Oriental cockroaches are found living both outside and inside. American cockroaches living outside are found in flower beds, underneath mulch, on trees, and in sewers. Inside, they like to live in warm, dry areas and can be found living around large appliances, heating vents, and ducts. Oriental cockroaches live in and around piles of garbage and other decaying materials. Inside, they are found in damp, cool locations, such as in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

The best solution to a cockroach infestation is a professional solution. At Pest Control Consultants, our certified St. Charles pest technicians provide outstanding cockroach control solutions to eliminate your current pest problems and prevent future problems with pests.
 
The experts at Pest Control Consultants are dedicated to using the latest scientific techniques and up-to-date products, practices, and procedures to get rid of and control cockroaches and other household-invading pests. To learn more about residential pest exterminators or commercial pest control plans in St. Charles, or to schedule a free inspection, call Pest Control Consultants.

How can I prevent cockroaches In the future?

Keeping cockroaches out of your St. Charles home can be difficult.

Here are some helpful tips that you can do to deter roaches from infesting your property:

• Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.

• Make sure weather stripping is in placed around all exterior windows and doors.

• Install door sweeps.

• Replace any torn screens.

• Repair leaky pipes, fixtures, and drains.

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home.

• Maintain gutters to direct water away from the outside of your home.

• Make sure outdoor trash cans have locking lids placed on them.

• Keep all food inside air-tight containers or in the refrigerator.

• Quickly clean up spills and crumbs.

• Regularly vacuum and mop floors.

• Keep storage areas clean and free of clutter.

• Inspect all packages, boxes, appliances, and furniture for cockroaches before bringing them inside.