Cockroach Identification & Prevention Guide

What are cockroaches?

When living away from people in their natural habitat, cockroaches are beneficial and help to eliminate decaying matter. When cockroaches live with people, however, they suddenly become dangerous instead of helpful. Their behaviors, color patterns, and size depends on their species; in general, cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies and six legs covered in spines. Their long antennae are usually the same length or longer than their bodies. There are approximately 70 species of cockroaches living throughout the United States, but only a small number of those invade homes and businesses and cause problems for people.

The types of dangerous cockroaches living in our area include the following:

American cockroaches
American cockroaches grow to between 1/4 to 2-1/8 inches in length. Their bodies are reddish-brown, and they have a yellow, figure-8 pattern on their backs. American cockroaches mainly live outside but do sometimes move inside to feed and nest. These cockroaches are the largest species to invade properties in the United States.

Asian cockroaches
These cockroaches look almost identical to the German cockroach. Asian cockroaches have longer and narrower wings than German cockroaches, however, and are strong fliers. They are also highly attracted to outdoor lights.

German cockroaches
German cockroaches are most often identified by the dark, parallel stripes located on their backs behind their heads. Their bodies are a lighter brown or tan color, and although they have wings and are capable of flying, they rarely do. These cockroaches prefer to live indoors and are significant pests inside homes, restaurants, or anywhere else food is handled or stored.

Smokey brown cockroaches
Adult smokey brown cockroaches are a dark mahogany color, and their bodies have a shiny appearance. These cockroaches, like Asian cockroaches, are strong fliers and are highly attracted to exterior lights.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens that cause illnesses like salmonella, diarrhea, and dysentery. Their shed skins and excrement trigger allergies and asthma attacks in some people, especially young children. Many species also produce an unpleasant, musty odor that can quickly take over your home or business. Cockroaches don't typically bite but in the case of a large infestation, bites may occur – especially when people are sleeping.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are primitive insects capable of thriving in a variety of environments. Unfortunately, our properties provide an ideal setting for cockroaches to thrive, offering them everything they need to survive such as safe shelter and ample sources of food and water. Quite often, cockroaches find their way into buildings on their own after being attracted by outdoor lighting. They move inside through openings around windows and doors, through drains and vents, and around pipes that enter your into your property. They can also get in accidentally inside used appliances, furniture, storage boxes, or in deliveries.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Their adaptable nature means that cockroaches live in multiple types of locations. Inside, they are usually found inhabiting dark, damp, and warm areas that provide easy access to food. Places like bathrooms, crawlspaces, basements, and kitchens are all places where you will usually discover cockroaches congregating indoors. Outdoors, cockroaches also choose damp, dark areas to nest and forage for food. Flower beds, compost piles, garbage piles, trees, woodpiles, and sewers and drains all make suitable nesting spots.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

For home and business owners who want to eliminate cockroaches from their property, partnering with a professional is the best way to be successful. At Jury Pest Services, we provide exceptional pest solving strategies that will eliminate cockroaches and prevent their return. Our green pest control solutions protect the environment, while still being effective against our area’s toughest pests. Serving Richmond County in Georgia and Aiken County in South Carolina, Jury Pest Services is committed to our customers and to providing trustworthy pest control services. We also provide our professional pest control services to homes and businesses in Columbia County, GA, Edgefield County, SC, Barnwell County, SC, and beyond. To learn more about our cockroach control services, contact Jury Pest Services today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

In addition to the professional solutions you'll find at Jury Pest Services, use the following tips to help prevent problems with cockroaches:

• Reduce moisture levels by maintaining gutters and downspouts and fixing leaky hoses and outdoor faucets.

• Place a 12 to 18-inch barrier of crushed rock or stone between mulch or soil and your foundation.

• Keep tight-fitting lids on all trash cans and compost bins.

• Pick up uneaten pet food between feedings.

• Store food either in containers with airtight lids or inside the refrigerator.

• Reduce hiding spots in your home or business by keeping storage areas clear of excess debris and clutter.

• Seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, place weatherstripping around windows and doors, and fix torn screens.