Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Comprehensive Guide to Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Understanding Cockroaches: What You Need to Know

The cockroach is an insect with a wide oval-shaped flat body, long antennae, and a unique shield-shaped section behind the head. Cockroaches are hearty pests whose adaptability has allowed them to thrive for ions in a variety of habitats. Thousands of different species of cockroaches live worldwide, but there are a few that have learned to acquire food and shelter from our homes and businesses and are a threat to people.

German cockroaches have a tannish-brown body with two dark parallel lines running between the head and thorax. They have wings but prefer to run from place to place instead of flying. Their small size and dark color allow these pests to easily hide in our homes and businesses during the day.

American cockroaches are the largest home-invading cockroach in the United States. Adults grow to between one and two inches in length. This species of roach is not only identified by its large size but by its unique color pattern. Flat and oval-shaped, the American cockroach is a reddish-brown color with a pale yellow marking on the edge of the pronotum (located right behind the head). Fully developed wings give the American cockroach the ability to fly short distances, though, like most cockroaches, their main mode of transportation is their six legs.

The Dangers of Cockroaches: Health Risks and More

Cockroaches aren’t dangerous because they aggressively attack us or because they have potent venom, or even because they cause major structural damage to our homes. These insects are considered dangerous because of the threat they pose to the health and safety of people.

Cockroaches create many health problems, including the spread of allergens due to their shed skins, urine, and excrement that trigger allergies and asthma attacks. They also carry and spread many different types of human pathogens that can make people seriously ill. Another danger caused by these pests is the bacteria they spread throughout our homes, contaminating surfaces, utensils, dishes, and food.

Furthermore, cockroaches are destructive; their excrement will stain surfaces and fabrics, they will chew on and damage clothing, furniture, and other material.

Cockroaches live together in large groups, attracted to areas by pheromones that they emit. Those pheromones create a musty odor that can take over homes and even affect the taste of food.

Identifying the Causes of Your Cockroach Problem

The presence of moisture and food are the two biggest reasons you are experiencing a problem with cockroaches in your Florida home or business.

Sources of food and water that are found in or near most of our structures and attract cockroach activity include:

• Open trash cans, recycling bins, compost bins
• Pet food
• Damp mulch
• Outdoor eating areas
• Standing water that collects in gutters, around downspouts, containers
• Leaky pipes and fixtures

Another reason why cockroaches have come to call your house home is that we have unintentionally brought them inside. German cockroaches and other roaches will move from structure to structure inside things like secondhand appliances and furniture, deliveries, and even grocery bags!

Common Hiding Spots for Cockroaches in Florida

American cockroaches live successfully outside in Florida; our tropical climate aiding in their success! These large roaches gather on trees, in gardens, under mulch, in piles of garbage, and around sewers and drains. Moisture will attract American cockroaches to our homes, where they will move inside through openings in the exterior to escape the heat and forage for food.

German cockroaches are roaches that have adapted to living mainly indoors. They make themselves at home anywhere that there is warmth, moisture, and where food is stored and prepared. German cockroach infestations often occur in homes, apartment buildings, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and dormitories. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pantries, and utility rooms are common gathering places for these pests.

Effective Strategies for Cockroach Elimination

Protect your property from disease-spreading cockroaches with the help of a local professional with a deep understanding of the cockroaches that are common to your region. At Above and Beyond Pest Control, we help home and business owners solve their cockroach problems and prevent them from returning. We are excited to be leaders in the pest control industry and are committed to meeting each customer’s unique needs through accurate inspections and advanced, targeted treatments. Our pest control solutions are not only effective but are safe for people and the environment. If you live in the Lake Worth area, call us today to learn more about our cockroach control solutions!

Proven Tips to Prevent Future Cockroach Infestations

Don’t let cockroaches move in and out of your Florida home as they please; put into place the following prevention tips to make your property unappealing to cockroaches.

• Keep wandering cockroaches out of your house by repairing cracks in the foundation and exterior walls and placing covers over vents and drains.
• Always inspect secondhand items, boxes, and deliveries for cockroaches before bringing those items into your home. 
• Moisture attracts cockroaches; keep the soil around the perimeter of your home dry by making sure gutters are working, creating a stone barrier between any soil and mulch, and repairing leaky pipes.
• Remove debris from your property like leaf piles, fallen trees, and woodpiles that American cockroaches would want to congregate around. 
• Maintain a clean kitchen by washing dishes, vacuuming, and wiping down counters to keep food debris to a minimum. 
• Regularly remove trash from your home and place it in containers with locking lids. 
• Always inspect secondhand deliveries, boxes, and flowerpots for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.

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