Of all the insects that plague humanity, cockroaches are one of the most common insects that we deal with as a pest control company. These pantry pests often will find themselves in the same places that we are, feeding off of our food, warmth and shelter. These insects can even be dangerous, through the spread of many different kinds of diseases. Because of this, it’s important that we take care of cockroaches and get them out of our homes as soon as possible. In this article let’s explore cockroaches, their lifecycle and how to deal with these pesky pantry insects.

GERMAN AND BROWN BANDED COCKROACHES

Cockroaches come in four different varieties. While there are many species of them, these for the most commonly found in Oklahoma. The first and most common of all of them is the German cockroach. This cockroach is approximately 3/4 of an inch long, brown in color with Very distinct markings on the pronotum. The pronotum is is a plate of the exoskeleton found directly behind the head of the cockroach. While these insects do have wings, they don’t use them very often. The German cockroach will get into your home, and infest your food supplies if given the opportunity. They are commonly found lower to the ground and love damp areas.

The second kind of cockroach that we commonly find in our homes is the brown banded cockroach. This cockroach is also bought 3/4 of an inch long and brown with three yellow bands around its abdomen. This insect is found a little higher up on the walls, usually. Often you’ll see them behind pictures or up in the corners of the room. They also like to consume our food and stay in the damp areas that they can find.

AMERICAN AND ORIENTAL COCKROACHES

Next we have the behemoth of Oklahoma cockroaches. This cockroach is known as the American cockroach. It’s about an inch and 3/4 inches long. This big cockroach is often found in basements and crawlspaces and is the biggest of the commonly found Oklahoma cockroaches. It prefers damp areas and is not usually found in your pantry unless you have some form of broken plumbing. These insects are bottom feeders and are usually found when there is a plumbing issue somewhere in the home.

The oriental cockroaches the least often seen cockroach in the home. In most cases we see these cockroaches and drainage ditches and waterways. They feed on dead plant material and are only found inside your home when you have a plumbing issue. They are about an inch and a half in length and are a dark black color. Both of these larger cockroaches are usually a sign that you’re having some form of plumbing issue in your house. Even if you’re not having a leak or any sort of bad smell, if you having these abounding in your house it may be time to call a plumber. Your Broken Arrow pest control company will have more information.  

BOTTOM FEEDERS

Cockroaches find themselves at the bottom of the food chain. They are bottom feeders and feed off dead and dying plant and animal matter. They are also a source of food for many different predators. Because of this, they reproduce prolifically. Cockroaches will mate and lay eggs in a special egg sac called an ootheca. The German cockroach is unique in the fact that it carries its ootheca on its back. While other cockroaches will take their ootheca and hide it in small cracks and crevices. Once these eggs hatch, a small nymph will emerge. A nymph is a smaller version of the adult insect. Most ootheca I can carry anywhere from 40 to 50 eggs and therefore that many nymphs will emerge from any given ootheca. Call your Broken Arrow exterminator  for more information.  

As nymphs grow, they will feed and continue to grow until they outgrow their exoskeleton. Much like a snake sheds its skin, these insect molt their exoskeleton. Each time they molt, they will grow larger and until they become full grown adults. And they will meet and continue the process all over again. The molting process creates a lot of dust. The small particles of the insect get into the air and can cause real problems with asthma and other breathing issues. This is another reason why these insects must be eliminated from your home.

DIRTY LIVING CONDITIONS

Cockroaches live in the dirtiest of areas. Because of this, they are spreaders of disease in many cases. Salmonella and botulism are commonly spread by these insects. Other diseases spread by the cockroach are Cholera, dysentery and leprosy. Bacteria use these insect as a factor to get to places where the bacteria couldn’t get by themselves. Because of this it’s important that you get rid of these insects as quickly as possible. Call your Tulsa exterminator for help. 

Many people when they see a cockroach in their home will immediately go to the hardware store to buy a can of pesticide. These pesticides are almost always repellent pesticides. Even the natural occurring ones are repellent in nature. Repellent pesticides are the worst pesticides to treat a cockroach infestation. While they will kill a cockroach if you spray it directly, the residual pesticide left on the countertop or anywhere we were sprayed will repel cockroaches. This can force cockroaches to go into walls in other holes where you can’t treat. Because of this they will retreat in the spaces until the pesticide breaks down. This gives them the opportunity to reproduce extensively. Often in these cases cockroach issues will be worse after the pesticide is broke down then before you ever sprayed it.

DEALING WITH COCKROACHES

If you’re having issues with cockroaches or any other pets, it’s time to call in a professional Tulsa pest control company. Here at TermMax Pest Control we’re the best in the business when it comes to dealing with cockroaches or any other pests. We service the greater Tulsa area including Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Turley, Coweta, Broken Arrow, Prattville, Sapulpa, Sand Springs, Catoosa, Claremore and much more. Call today for a free estimate. We’re here to help!

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