The last thing you want in your house is cockroaches. These insects can get into homes, kitchens, and food-preparation areas and can carry bacteria and other contaminants. Restaurants can have problems with them as well. If you’re having a problem with cockroaches, call a good Broken Arrow Pest Control company to get rid of them.

Let’s take a good look at cockroaches. Four species commonly encountered as structural pests in Oklahoma are the German cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, American cockroach, and Oriental cockroach. Oklahoma State University Extension provides information about cockroach identification, habits, sanitation, and control.

The first is the German cockroach. This is one of the most common cockroaches found inside homes and food-service environments. German cockroaches are relatively small and light brown to tan, with two dark parallel stripes on the shield-like area directly behind the head. They commonly infest kitchens and other areas where food, water, and shelter are available.

The next species is the brown-banded cockroach. This cockroach has light-colored bands across its wings and abdomen. Brown-banded cockroaches are often found in warmer, drier locations and may be found higher on walls, inside furniture, behind wall decorations, or around appliances. Adult males can fly when disturbed.

The American cockroach is the biggest of these common household species. Adults are generally around 1 1/2 inches long, although some can be larger. They are often associated with warm, moist areas such as sewers, drains, basements, utility areas, and plumbing systems. They can make their way into buildings through openings around foundations, pipes, drains, and other entry points.

The last species is the Oriental cockroach. These dark brown to nearly black cockroaches have broad bodies and are strongly associated with cool, damp areas. They can be found around drains, basements, crawl spaces, sewer systems, and other moist locations. Like American cockroaches, they may enter structures through gaps and plumbing-related openings.

Cockroaches can pick up microorganisms as they move through garbage, sewage, decaying material, and other unsanitary areas. When they move onto food, dishes, counters, or food-preparation surfaces, they can contribute to contamination. Cockroach body parts and droppings can also contribute to indoor allergens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies cockroach body parts and droppings as asthma triggers and recommends limiting food, water, and hiding places.

One of the best ways to make your house less attractive to cockroaches is sanitation. Keeping food sealed, cleaning crumbs and grease, removing trash, and reducing accessible water can help. A clean house does not guarantee that cockroaches will never enter, but removing food and water sources makes the environment less favorable for them.

Keeping cracks, gaps, and other openings sealed is important as well. Plumbing leaks and moisture problems can provide water and favorable conditions. Openings around foundations, pipes, doors, and other structural gaps can also provide entry points. Keeping up with general repairs, maintenance, sanitation, and moisture correction can help reduce cockroach problems.

That’s why it’s important, if you think you’re having an issue with cockroaches, to get in contact with a Broken Arrow Pest Control company as soon as you can. TermMax Pest Control is great when it comes to dealing with cockroaches and other pests. Make sure you call us if you’re having an issue.