Cockroaches
There Are About 4,000 Living Species of Cockroaches in the World, and 70 of Those Species Are Found in the U.S.
German Cockroach
Most commonly encountered roach in North America. It has been described as the “world’s most successful traveler” due to its worldwide distribution. Typically found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where they will have daily access to water. The German Cockroach is about 5/8 inch in length, brown in color with two dark longitudinal streaks on the pronotum ( shield area overhead ). They breed throughout the year indoors, but prefer a humid environment with an average temperature of approximately 70 * F. The female carries her egg case with her until it hatches. If contacted by chemicals when treated she may drop the eggs prematurely. If it is within 24 to 48 hours of the time they were going to hatch, the eggs may still hatch successfully. One egg case usually contains 30-40 eggs. The German roach can grow from egg to adult in 36-60 days. It has the most rapid reproduction of all cockroaches in North America.
Brown Banded Cockroach
Similar in color to the German roach, this cockroach gets its name from the two brownish-yellow stripes on the wings. This feature is much more apparent on the nymphs. This species hide in cupboards and pantries much like the German roach but is also found in all other rooms. They prefer higher locations such as shelves, behind picture frames and crown molding. They will distribute their egg cases throughout the structure often hiding them under clothes, blankets, and trash. In addition to being home pests, they are often found in office settings. Since this species doesn’t require the higher moisture in its environment, like the German roach, it is a perfect candidate for areas where liquid may be scarce and unreliable.
American Cockroach
The American roach is the largest of the house infesting roaches, being 1.5 inches long with fully developed reddish brown wings and light markings on the thorax. They are commonly found in sewers and basements particularly around pipes. The females do not drop their egg cases. They strategically hide them in crevices and under debris so as to ensure they are not discovered by predators. The American roach is commonly found in restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and any facility where food is prepared and stored. They are also common in many other types of buildings including factories, hospitals, hotels, and zoos. During the summer months, alley ways and yards may be badly infested. They are active throughout the year where the temperature is 70*F or higher. Temperatures of 20* F or lower will kill them although they have been known to survive under certain conditions where they are sheltered from the outside elements.
Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental Cockroach is so dark brown in color that it is often referred to as the “Black Beetle” in both North America and England. It prefers temperatures under 84*F and exhibits sufficient cold tolerance that indicates it can survive out-doors through temperate winters if allowed access to food and water. The adults are 1 inch long and the male has fully developed brown-black wings, whereas the female has very small stubby under-developed wings. Neither can fly. The Oriental roach prefers dark, damp areas such as basements and sewer pipes, but have been known to enter apartment buildings through waste pipes and trash chutes. The Oriental roach feeds on starchy foods and garbage and lives on filth.
Have you spotted an unwanted critter in your home or business? If so, there's probably more where that came from! Contact Parish Termite & Pest Management today to schedule your free inspection and estimate.