Cockroaches

Prevention And Control
Cockroach Facts
Cockroaches are a pest and a danger to
public health because they can:
- Spread diseases and germs
- Pollute food with droppings
- Damage things such as cloth and books by chewing
- Leave a mess and foul musky odor with their dead bodies, old skins and droppings
Cockroaches are widespread, and are one of the hardest household pests to control. Four types of cockroaches cause problems for people:
- German
- American
- Oriental
- Brown Banded
(Described in detail below)
Cockroaches will eat just
about anything. They prefer to live in warm, damp areas like sewers,
bathrooms, cabinets, furniture, electrical appliances, basements,
porches and crawl spaces.
It is also important to be aware that nymphs (baby cockroaches) look different then the adults.
Cockroach Signs
The best signs are live cockroaches, but you should also look for:
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Small, leather-like egg cases
- Old skins shed by the nymphs as they grow larger
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Droppings along runways that look like coffee grounds
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Brownish stains along cracks
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Sour, musky odors
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Dead cockroaches
Control With Insecticides
Temporary control can occur
through insecticides:
- Contact sprays will kill cockroaches on contact. They may last on surfaces up to a few hours or more
- If sprayed in kitchen or bath areas, wash areas well
- Residual insecticides may last a few weeks or months and come in different forms
- Apply residual sprays into cracks, crevices and along runways as the label directs and keep out of reach of children and pets
- Dusts are used between walls or cracks and crevices
- Use only in dry, void spaces under cabinets, stoves, TVs, stereos, refrigerators and where it will not contaminate food
- Baits can be used where there is little else for cockroaches to eat
Remember: Always read the label carefully before buying to make sure that it is right for your home. Follow the instructions on the label. Always keep insecticide out of the reach of children and pets.
Cockroach Species And Where They Are Found
There are 4 kinds of cockroaches likely to cause problems:
1. German Cockroach: It is light brown, 3/4" long and is the most common cockroach. It prefers damp, warm places inside the home such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Adults: They have two dark stripes and males and females are similar in appearance. Nymphs: They have two dark vertical stripes just behind their head. | ![]() |
2. American Cockroach: It is reddish-brown and
1-1/2"long. It prefers warm, damp places outdoors such as sewers
and water meters.
Adults: Wings cover their abdomens and males and females look the same. Nymphs: They have darker sides and segment margins. | ![]() |
3. Oriental Cockroach: It is black and 1-1/4" long. It
prefers damp, cooler sites such as water-meter curb boxes, trash
piles, shrubbery, and other protected outdoor areas as well as
basements and sometimes sewers.
Adults: They are black in color and their wings are
shorter then abdomen. Nymphs: They have a shiny dark reddish-brown to black color. | ![]() |
4. Banded Cockroach: It is light brown, 1/2" long and
prefers warm, dry places. It can be found all over the house and in
furniture, closets and around the ceiling. It is less common in
restaurants.
Adults: They have two pale
bands across the base of the wings. Nymphs: They have two pale bands across back. | ![]() |
What Renters Can Do
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You should inform your landlord that you have cockroaches and keep a copy of your letter.
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Allow your landlord to come into your home and control cockroaches.
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Do your part and keep your home cockroach free:
- Clean up spills and dirty dishes right away
- remove all food items that are out in the open
- Store food in tightly sealed plastic containers
Cockroach and Mice Control In Apartments
For More Information On Cockroaches Contact A Licensed Pest Control Company.
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