One of the most ubiquitous pests in the world is the cockroach. There are many different species, but they are found on six of the seven continents of the world. Only Antarctica is safe from these insects. They have adapted by finding ways of using the food, water and shelter the humans have created for themselves. Will cockroaches die in the winter? Cockroaches are cold blooded tropical pests that need warmth to survive. Winter temperatures will kill them off.
Most cockroach species originated closer to the equator, where warmer climates prevail. They thrive in temperatures between 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you get below 45 degrees, they stop multiplying and below 15 degrees, they will die entirely. Because of this, many species of roach will seek the shelter of our homes and businesses, where warmer temperatures will continue to exist. If you are dealing with a cockroach problem, even in the dead of winter, it may be time to call in a Tulsa pest control company for help.
TROPICAL PESTS
Adaptation has served cockroaches well over the years. For instance, the brown banded cockroach, a roach commonly found in Oklahoma homes and businesses, can sense the heat of electrical boxes and wiring found within the home. German cockroaches are the most common cockroach and are found almost exclusively in homes during the winter. Even in the summer months, it’s hard to find a German cockroach outside.
The outdoor cockroaches found in our state have other ways of surviving the winter. Oriental cockroaches will find a place to overwinter near water in order to have the best chance of survival. Wood roaches, as their name implies, uses the heat of a dead tree or wood burning pile to keep warm. American cockroaches, like other outdoor roaches, will go into a state of dormancy known as diaspora. If the temperatures get too cold, the adults will die off, but the nymphs are especially resilient to cold temperatures. This way, no matter how cold it gets, the species lives on.
LIFECYCLE
Nymphs, as described above, are the adolescent versions of insects like cockroaches. Cockroaches use incomplete metamorphosis to develop. They start as an egg laid by a female. With the exception of the German cockroach, females will lay their eggs in a crack or crevice and then leave. Once they eggs hatch, the nymphs will be on their own. German cockroaches actually carry the ootheca, or egg sack, on their back until they hatch.
The nymphs that hatch from the eggs are simply smaller versions of the adults. They look and act the same, but will go through a number of molts as they mature. The molting process occurs because, as the insect grows in size, the exoskeleton is limited in how much it can stretch. Once it has grown as large as possible, it will be replaced with a new one in the molting process. After the final molt, the insect will be a fully mature reproductive adult.
COCKROACHES IN YOUR CAR
There have been many articles written about dealing with cockroaches in your home, but what about your car? If roaches will find the opportunity to live in your vehicle, they will. In most cases, these situations are short lived, but they can use this as a holding station until they can hitch a ride on your clothes or bags into a more suitable location. This is one of the major ways in which infestations can travel to new homes. So what do you do if you are caught in this situation?
Well, the best route to solving this problem is to contact your Tulsa exterminator. They will be able to treat the interior of your vehicle and prevent any infestation from spreading. If this isn’t an option, usually the weather in Oklahoma will help. Winters tend to get cold enough and hot enough to eliminate any insects inside your car. Leaving your vehicle outside in the sun on a hot summer day is almost sure to get the interior temperatures higher than 120 degrees. This should be warm enough to kill off any insects inside. Also, cold winter nights are usually cold enough to do the same.
WHAT DO THEY NEED TO SURVIVE?
Besides temperature, cockroaches are much like other insects in their survival needs. Cockroaches, firstly, need a food supply. These insects are omnivores, which means that they can eat either plant or animal. In the wild, they work as the clean up crew, breaking down dead plant and animal material that they find on the ground. This also means that they can eat most anything that is left on your dirty dishes, left out dog food, or spilled cereals in the pantry.
Water is also a major need of cockroaches. Leaking pipes and plumbing, or any condensation that develops can meet this need. It’s important to make sure that all plumbing is working properly before you call your Oklahoma exterminator. Harborage is the last thing that they need. Eliminate excessive clutter and infested objects such as furniture, storage boxes and wall hangings if possible. These are all places that cockroaches can congregate. Eliminating any or all of these things can greatly reduce your chance of cockroach infestation.
ELIMINATING COCKROACHES
Cockroaches can be very stubborn. Your local Oklahoma pest control company will have the necessary tools and knowledge on how to get rid of these pests for good. TermMax Pest Control is the best in the area at dealing with all kinds of pest control issues. Call us today for a free estimate. We service the greater Tulsa area, including Jenks, Broken Arrow, Turley, Owasso, Claremore, Catoosa, Sand Springs, Pratville, Coweta, Sapulpa, Bixby and much more. We’re here to help!
