COCKROACHES

Oh, how just the word cockroaches seems to make people cringe! Cockroaches in your kitchen? Does that mean you are a “dirty” housekeeper? No, not necessarily so! You can bring roaches into your home from outside sources. Think you are getting that “bargain” at this out of the ordinary little store on the corner? You may bring roaches into your home. You need to check the bottoms and seams of any packages of food for any debree. If you see any evidence of little specks of what might look like dirt, don’t buy that package and by all means get out of that store!

The American cockroach is the largest house infesting roach. Reddish brown in color with yellow borders around the pronotum they are weak fliers. They prefer sewers and steam tunnels and they love beer! Brownbanded roaches have a black bell shape on their body with brownish-yellow stripes on their abdomens. The males of this species can fly. They prefer starchy foods and warm, dry conditions. You need to check areas such as furniture, appliances, high locations such as ceilings, cabinets and electrical outlets for any signs of them.

Oriental roaches are sometimes called water bugs or black beetles. They are dark brown or black and look “greasy”. The males have wings, but they can’t fly. They prefer cool, damp areas with decaying organic matter for food sources. They can tolerate cooler temperatures and may over-winter in protected landscaping in leaf litter and mulch. Inside a building they prefer floor drains, utility pipes, air ducts and damp basements. The Smokybrown cockroaches are a Southern species, but have been seen in the North as well. They are mahogany to dark brown in color. They normally feed on plants, but will also eat other things. The roost on the sides of trees or in tree holes. They can also be found in leaf litter and mulch along with the organic debris found in gutters. Leaky pipes are a favorite place to hang out.

Sanitation is the best way to prevent these roaches from invading your home or business. Grease and other buildups in homes and restaurants needs to be kept at a minimum as these things attract roaches. Keeping food contained, debris cleaned up, and equipment checked periodically for any signs of roaches will help deter them. They have pepper like feces so are easily detected. Sealing cracks and crevices around the interior perimeters will help keep roaches out. The use of glueboards or sticky traps to monitor any signs of roaches might be a wise idea.

Vacuuming roaches, whether dead or alive, is a good idea. Also baiting roaches will help. You need to determine where the roaches are living to make sure the placement of baits will work to your advantage. Spread the bait around. A little placed in more places is sure to get the most roaches than placing a large amount in just 3 or 4 spots. And don’t forget to check the rear and underside of the refrigerator. That’s a great place for roaches to hide as it’s cool, dark and damp. The perfect spot to raise a roach family. When in doubt, call an exterminator to eliminate your roach problems. Most companies will give a free inspection and estimate if you think you may have a roach problem.