Cockroaches are known as bugs that never die. They have a very rigid body and a hard outer shell, which protect them from most common household chemicals. Cockroaches can live a month without food and a week without water. They are the only creatures that can hold their breath for 40 minutes! Therefore, they are very adaptable to their surroundings.
Cockroaches have been around for millions of years and have survived different disasters, including meteor showers. They are also one of the most well-known pests in the world.
Cockroaches are usually only seen when it is dark, and they hide in the dust behind furniture and cabinets during the day.
4 Common Species Of Cockroaches In The USA
- American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the biggest of all household roaches. This bug can grow up to 2 inches long (including its wings) and is reddish-brown. The female roach will carry the egg capsule until it hatches.
American cockroaches are most often found in warm places with access to food. This insect is usually found in restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries. It also can be found in hotels, hospitals, and nursing homes.
- Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroaches are shiny black with a yellow band around its head. This variety of roaches is the least seen type because it prefers to live in damp, dark areas found in sewers, drains, and basements. It is also the smallest of the typical household roaches, only growing up to 0.75 inches long.
- Brown-Banded Cockroach
This cockroach is the most prevalent type in the United States and can be found all across the country. It particularly likes to live in warm houses with close water sources, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The brown-banded cockroach is slightly smaller than the American roach, growing up to 0.5 inches long.
- German Cockroach
The German cockroach is the most commonly found household bug. It is light brown with two dark stripes running from the head to the back end. Females will carry eggs in a capsule until they hatch, producing up to 50 live offspring. To survive, this type of roach prefers a warm, humid environment with constant food and water sources.
Tips to Keep Roaches Out This Winter
To keep roaches from coming back during the winter months, you should do utilize the following tips:
- Clean up food particles and spills as quickly as possible.
- Store all food in air-tight containers.
- Seal off any possible entry points and fill in any cracks. Make sure your foundation and windowsills are free from cracks and holes, as well.
- Replace weather-stripping around exterior doors.
- Fix any possible leaks in your plumbing to prevent roaches from accessing water and food sources.
- If roaches are already in your home, make sure to contact a pest control company immediately.
- Try using natural pest repellents to discourage roaches from coming back.
- If you suspect there is a roach problem but don’t see any signs of them, make sure to get a pest control inspection.
Roaches are tough to get rid of on your own, so if you suspect there might be a roach problem, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control company. They will inspect your home and develop a customized plan to get rid of your problem.
You must get rid of roaches as quickly as possible because they can carry several terrible diseases. Their droppings can cause allergies and asthma, they can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and they are also known to spread salmonella.
