Cockroaches

Although all household pests are frightening, some are worse than others. Unfortunately, cockroaches rank near the top of the list because they’re disgusting, scary, and dangerous. Around the world, researchers have identified 4,000 species of cockroaches. However, you primarily have to worry about 5 species. 30 cockroach species have been known to enter residential dwellings and stay there. They like living in residential dwellings because your home provides them with everything they need to survive. For instance, they can find food and shelter in your home. Many species don’t live or reproduce in residential structures, but some will.

Therefore, you need to learn more about the most common species. Below, you’ll find out about the species that are problematic in Rochester.

Rochester’s Cockroach Species

Residents of Rochester are going to encounter several cockroach species. Although there are many, the two most common are the American cockroach and the German cockroach. They’ll be explored in greater depth below.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are common in Rochester. They often reach 5/8ths of an inch in length and they’re light-brown or tan. They have racing stripes on their head so this makes them easy to identify. German cockroaches and other species are prolific breeders. It only takes a few cockroaches to create a full-blown infestation in your home. Females will produce as many as 30 to 40 eggs in each case. During her life, she can produce 5 capsules. German cockroaches are primarily found under warm appliances such as dishwashers and ovens. They have wings but don’t fly.

American Cockroaches

Rochester residents also have to worry about German cockroaches. They are larger than the others with some reaching two inches in length. Suffice to say, they’re one of the largest cockroaches in our area. They’re reddish-brown and difficult to ignore. Once they’ve invaded your property, you need to begin looking for broken sewer pipes. These cockroaches are attracted to these things. American cockroaches live a long time with some surviving for several years. It takes them two years to mature in some cases.

You’ll also encounter other cockroaches, including brown-banded cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, and more.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

Since you live in Rochester, you’re likely going to encounter Pennsylvania wood cockroaches that are native to the eastern portion of the United States. Adult males develop full wings and grow up to an inch. As for females, they have shorter wings and only reach three-quarters of an inch. Although you’re going to encounter them, you can sleep soundly knowing they’re rarely pests. They are common in some outdoor areas. They’re attracted to lights, woodpiles, wood shingles, and blocked gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches are smaller than others with most being a third of an inch. They’re light tan and have many dark speckles. Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches invaded America from Europe. They arrived in the mid-1900s and have been expanding across the country swiftly. Today, these cockroaches can be found in many states, including Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Although they may enter residential structures, they normally don’t reproduce inside.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are dark brown or black. They can reach an inch and a quarter. Adult males develop wings that cover three-quarters of their bodies, but females do not have wings. These cockroaches rarely invade residential buildings. Instead, they prefer staying near sewers and old structures. They’re similar to American cockroaches, but they’re cold hardy, and often stay outside. They often stay outside and feed on trash and fecal matter.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

Smokey brown cockroaches grow up to an inch and a half. They have a deep reddish-brown appearance.   These cockroaches rarely make it to New York since they are mostly found in the southern states. They will sometimes make it to Ohio and Pennsylvania. However, they could hitch a ride in a shipping container and arrive at your location.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are roughly three-quarters of an inch and they have a dark plate on their head. Their wings are light tan. These cockroaches prefer living in warm locations so they don’t make it to our area often. One thing to note is that there are no male members of this species. All of them are female. They reproduce by carrying and laying eggs. They give live births. Surinam cockroaches are frequently found in greenhouses.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are half an inch at the maximum. They’re light brown or tan and look similar to German cockroaches. The thing that sets them apart from the others is that they do not have racing stripes.

Reasons For Cockroach Invasions

Are you interested in finding out why cockroaches invade homes? Ultimately, the answer depends on the species you’re dealing with. As you learned above, some cockroach species are attracted to dirty homes. Others prefer living in sewer systems. With that being said, you’ll need to identify the species before you can find out why it has decided to invade your property.

Primary Risks

It is pertinent to get rid of cockroaches as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, these pests are incredibly dangerous. Typically, cockroaches are not physically dangerous. They do not transmit illnesses or bite humans. They’re not going to attack you in the middle of the night. However, there are immense risks involved. As you’ll learn, cockroaches often thrive in feces and trash. Therefore, they can contaminate your food. Once this happens, there is a risk that you’re going to develop salmonella and other illnesses.

If you have cockroaches in your home, contact a professional and get rid of them as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you’re going to experience severe repercussions.

How To Eliminate Cockroaches

It is not easy to eliminate cockroaches on your own. These pests are elusive, quick, and disgusting. Therefore, you should try to avoid tackling the issue on your own. Unless you’ve done it before, there is a good chance that you’re going to experience problems. These pests are difficult to deal with unless you’re done it before. DIY methods provide erratic results. Some work but others don’t. Plus, you don’t want to expose yourself to dangerous chemicals. Our technicians offer innovative, safe techniques so we can deal with the problem quickly. When you’re ready to take your home back from these pests, call us. We’ll be ready to help you deal with the problem.

When Can You Arrive?

When you’re ready to begin, call our local office. We’ll get back to you within 24 to 48 hours.

Safe Cockroach Treatments

It is pertinent to make sure you use safe, reliable treatments. You want to protect your loved ones. We can help you do that. We’ve employed the best exterminators in your area. We know that these professionals are going to take care of the problem while keeping you safe. Our technicians use products registered with the EPA to ensure that you’re going to be okay. We wouldn’t do anything that could potentially make you sick. When you’re ready to begin, contact our office and we’ll do our best to get rid of these pests for you.

Preventing Cockroach Invasions

It is pertinent to take steps to prevent cockroaches from invading your home. Keep your home clean and tidy to avoid potential problems. You’ll also want to deal with broken sewer pipes and clogged gutters as soon as possible.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.