Cockroach Pest Control

American Roaches

American roaches are reddish-brown with a distinctive yellowish figure-8 pattern behind the head (pronotum). Adults range from 1¼–2⅛ inches (32–54 mm) in length. They are the largest of the common house-infesting cockroaches in North America. Both males and females have fully developed wings and are capable of short flights or gliding, particularly in warm weather.

American roaches live primarily outdoors but it’s not uncommon to find them inside a structure. They’re typically found in sewers and drains (most common cockroach species found in city sewer systems) and are often spotted in shady, humid areas such as flowerbeds and underneath mulch piles.  During summer months, they can also be found outdoors in yards and alleys but will move indoors when they experience a food shortage or a significant change in the climate. Generally, they prefer warm, moist and dark environments with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. 

These insects enter structures by being brought in on human belongings, coming up from the sewer system via drains or occasional mass migration from other structures, dumps, etc. during warm weather. They are especially common in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, food processing plants, hospitals, etc.  These pests can also infest homes by easily passing underneath doors lacking weather stripping or entering through basement windows and garages. Once inside a residence, American cockroaches usually make their way into the kitchen, bathroom, basement or laundry room in search of food and water.

Primarily active at night, American roaches spend daylight hours hiding in cracks, drains, utility tunnels, crawl spaces, and other protected areas.  They feed on almost any organic material, including food scraps, pet food, garbage, paper products, glue, and decaying matter and require moisture to survive and are commonly found near leaking pipes, floor drains, and sump pumps. 

American roaches are more likely to invade structures during periods of heavy rain, drought, or extreme heat when outdoor conditions become unfavorable. They can travel through sewer and plumbing systems, occasionally emerging through drains if plumbing traps dry out.

Signs of an Infestation:

• Visibility of the insects themselves.
• Droppings in dim areas where they hide. Droppings are blunt on the ends and have ridges on the sides. 
• Presence of egg capsules which are about 8 mm long and dark colored. Sometimes glued to a surface near food sources, can also be found in basements, laundry rooms and kitchens, as well as behind appliances or underneath cabinets. 
• Smear marks may appear along walls or surfaces in very damp areas where cockroaches frequently travel.
• They produce a pheromone that some people describe as having a “musty” smell.
• If you see one during the day, it can sometimes indicate a larger population competing for food and shelter.

German roaches

German roaches are light brown to tan, with two dark, almost parallel stripes located on their backs, just behind their heads, and are typically ½”-5/8” long.  These pests are most often associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, nursing homes and other institutional facilities. While they have wings, they rarely fly and prefer to run.  

German roaches prefer warm, humid environments close to food and moisture sources. They are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, but in heavy infestations can spread into living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, or behind electronics and appliances.  They commonly hide behind refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, inside cabinets and drawers, under sinks and plumbing voids 

Inside wall voids and cracks and are excellent “hitchhikers” that are commonly spread through grocery bags, cardboard boxes, drink cartons, and used appliances and furniture.  They can quickly spread throughout a building through wall voids, plumbing lines, and shared utility spaces.

They are one of the fastest-breeding household pests. A small introduction can turn into a full infestation in just a few months. They can squeeze into cracks thinner than a dime thanks to their flat bodies and are strictly nocturnal, which is why daytime sightings often indicate overcrowding.

Oriental Roaches

Oriental roaches  are shiny black and 1″ long.  They are also referred to as “water bugs”.  

Primarily an outdoor species, they are often found in sewers and under debris, leaves, stones and firewood. Will also live in the voids or openings beneath porches.  Although primarily outdoors, they tend to invade homes during the summer and will enter through door thresholds, under sliding glass doors, along utility pipes and through floor drains. 

Once indoors, they can be found in basements and crawl spaces as they prefer damp, cool locations. They will crawl around toilets, sinks, pipes and service ducts. Heavily dependent on water, they cannot live more than two weeks without it. 

Prefer cooler temperatures compared to other cockroach species. More commonly active outdoors in spring and summer, Oriental roaches move indoors during hot, dry weather or heavy rain. They often enter structures through foundation cracks, gaps around doors, and utility penetrations, especially where moisture is present. They can also travel through sewer and drain systems, especially when traps dry out. Oriental roaches are primarily nocturnal and avoid light.

Signs of an Infestation:

• Sightings: Especially during the warmer months of the year, oriental cockroaches may be seen outside near moist gutters, around landscaping beds, and coming in and out of sewers and storm drains during the night. During the day, Oriental cockroaches congregate in dark, moist and undisturbed spaces. 
• Egg Capsules: Aside from sightings of the cockroaches themselves, egg cases ranging in size from 8 to 10 mm in length will appear during an infestation. Oriental cockroach egg cases are usually dark brown or reddish in color. Each egg case can hold about 16 eggs. 
• Odor: Smells will also alert a homeowner to an Oriental cockroach infestation. Oriental cockroaches secrete chemicals to communicate with each other. The chemicals have a notorious musty odor.  
• Smear marks along walls or baseboards in damp areas. 
• Increased activity after heavy rain or drought conditions.