There are many different pests that try to get into our homes. Cockroaches are among the insects that can set up shop inside a house and feed on available food. They can create unsanitary conditions and mechanically spread contaminants as they travel. Because of this, it’s important to keep your loved ones and yourself safe from these insects. Calling a Broken Arrow Pest Control company is important when you’re dealing with a cockroach problem.
Let’s take a look at cockroaches and how they operate. Several cockroach species can become pests in Oklahoma homes and businesses. Four commonly recognized pest species are the German cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, American cockroach, and Oriental cockroach. Other cockroach species occur in the region, but these are among the species most associated with structures.
The first and most common indoor pest species is the German cockroach. This insect is light brown to tan and commonly finds its way into kitchens and other areas where food and moisture are available. Adults are generally about one-half to five-eighths of an inch long, so they are smaller than an inch to an inch and a half. German cockroaches are very prolific, and once an infestation starts, the population can multiply quickly. Oklahoma State University Extension provides identification and biology information for German cockroaches.
The second pest species is the brown-banded cockroach. It is also a small brown cockroach, generally about one-half inch long, with two lighter bands across the wings and abdomen. These insects can occur in kitchens and other rooms, but they often prefer warmer, drier, higher locations than German cockroaches. They may be found in cabinets, furniture, electronics, or behind wall decorations. Adult males can fly when disturbed, which can be startling when it happens.
The American cockroach is the largest of these common pest species and can grow to around an inch and a half or more in length. It prefers warm, damp environments and may be associated with sewers, drains, utility areas, basements, and other moist locations. When it finds its way indoors, it can be a very large and disturbing nuisance.
The Oriental cockroach is another large pest species. It is usually dark brown to nearly black and is somewhat smaller than the American cockroach. Oriental cockroaches prefer cool, damp areas and may occur around drains, sewers, crawl spaces, basements, and decaying organic material. They can enter structures through openings around plumbing, foundations, doors, and other access points.
These cockroaches are all bad news when they become established inside a house. Cockroaches can mechanically carry bacteria and other contaminants from unsanitary areas onto food and food-contact surfaces. Their droppings, shed skins, and body fragments can also contribute allergens indoors. Proper identification matters because the different species have different habits and harborages.
If you have cockroaches in your home, it’s important to get rid of them. A Broken Arrow Pest Control company can identify the species, locate likely harborages, and recommend the right treatment approach. TermMax Pest Control can help when it comes to dealing with cockroaches. Call us today if you think you’re having a problem.
