COCKROACHES

1. German Cockroaches
Adult German cockroaches are 1/2 to 5/8 inch long and tan to light brown. Although they have fully developed wings, they do not fly. Nymphs are similar in appearance to adults except that they are smaller and lack wings. The German cockroach is best identified by its small size and by two dark parallel lines running from the back of the head to the wings. It is usually found in kitchens (near dishwashers, stoves, and sinks) and in bathrooms of homes. German cockroaches usually prefer areas with a relatively high degree of warmth. These insects are mostly scavengers and will feed on a wide variety of foods which is why they are usually found in kitchens. In many locations, garbage is a principal food source. As with other species, German cockroaches are mostly active at night, when they forage for food, water, and mates. During the day they hide in cracks and crevices and other dark sites that provide a warm and humid environment. Their relatively wide, flat bodies enable them to move in and out of cracks and narrow openings with ease. They may be seen during the daytime, particularly if a heavy population is present or if there is some other stress, such as a lack of food or water or an application of pesticides.


2. American Cockroaches
The American cockroach can grow to approximately 1-1/2 inches long and is reddish brown, with fully developed wings. Nymphs are similar in appearance but are smaller and do not have wings. American cockroaches are capable of flying but rarely do. The American cockroach can be identified by its large size and reddish brown color. When indoors, the nymphs and adults are usually found in dark, warm and moist areas of basements and crawl spaces, and in and around bathtubs, floor drains, pipe chases, and sewers. American cockroach adults can survive two or three months without food but only about a month without water. They are mostly found harboring in damp places such as sewers, garbage disposals, kitchens, and bathrooms.


To control cockroaches, it is important to do a thorough inspection. Monitoring and trapping can determine the extent of an infestation. Modifying the interior environment is an effective step in erradication such as removing food, moisture, and harborage areas. In many cases the same methods of treatment can be used for German and American Cockroaches but the target areas may vary. When a pesticide treatment is necessary, we apply insecticides that come in liquid, gel, foam and granular form and one or more may be used.