The American Cockroach

Feb 20, 2013 | Uncategorized

American CockroachAlso known as Palmetto Bugs or Waterbugs, American Cockroaches are the largest cockroach in the U.S. American Cockroaches are considered one of the fastest running insects; they often dart out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small spaces despite their large size. They have been known to fly, but it’s rare. 

Identification

  • Reddish brown in color and have a yellowish pattern on the back of their head
  • 1.5 to 2 inches in length
  • Oval

Environment

  • Usually lives in dark, damp areas such as sewers, storm drains, steam tunnels, and outdoors in landscaping and tree holes
  • Prefer warm, dark, humid environments in homes such as wall voids, crawl spaces, basements, utility rooms, or attics
  • Typically feed on decaying organic matter and a variety of other foods
  • Also commonly found in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, food processing plants, and hospitals
  • Infest food storage and food preparation areas

Threats

  • Have been known to spread up to 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 kinds of parasitic worms, and at least 7 other kinds of human pathogens
  • Carry germs from decaying matter or sewage onto food or food surfaces
  • Not common in homes
  • May move indoors during colder months seeking warmer temperatures and food through openings in the foundation

Treatment

  • Vacuum often
  • Keep food in tightly sealed containers
  • Take out garbage often.  Dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bags in a tightly secured container outside of the home
  • Seal off cracks and crevices that can be used as entrances into your home
  • Granular bait formulations in attics and crawl spaces
  • Dust in attic and crawl spaces
  • Perimeter spray treatments
  • Perimeter granular bait treatments

If you spot evidence of cockroaches call a licensed pest professional like Northwest Exterminating as soon as possible.  American cockroaches can lay 10 or more egg cases, each containing 14-16 eggs.  You don’t want this infestation to get out of hand.

Palmetto Bugs

Oct 8, 2012 | Pest Control

American CockroachAmerican Cockroaches, or the Palmetto Bug, have been making appearances in homes all over the South recently.  Reddish brown in color with a yellow marking, palmetto bugs can grow to be 1.5 to even 2 inches in length.  These roaches have wings but are not good flyers.

Cockroaches are found in residences and commercial buildings…anywhere that has food and water sources.  Homes, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, food processing plants, and even hospitals are common places that cockroaches can be found.  Kitchens, food storage areas, and basements are the usual areas roaches are found in because of food and water.  They can be found in dark, moist places like basements, drains, tubs, and sewers looking for water.

Keep roaches from invading your structure by:

  • Sealing off entry points.
  • Caulking around pipes and drains.
  • Keep kitchen and food preparation areas clean, especially at night.
  • Use a disinfectant on counter tops.
  • Wash, dry, and put away dishes.
  • Tightly seal food.
  • Tightly seal and remove garbage.

Roaches can be difficult to control once they have infested your home. Call the professionals for a quick and efficient way to get roaches out of your home.

Pin It on Pinterest

Call Now Button