Cockroaches

Cockroaches are without a doubt one of the most feared insects in the world. This is because, over the years, they have grown to be associated with dirtiness. If you have cockroaches it means that you are dirty and your home is unclean. Well, this is not the case anymore. Cockroaches have been found in some of the cleanest homes in the world. All it takes are the right conditions and a cockroach will inhabit any space. Of the 4,000 known species of cockroaches, 30 of them are associated with human habitations. There are about five of these that are frequent visitors in Louisville.

Regardless, it’s important to understand the type of roach you are dealing with. Different species act in different manners and possess different distinctive traits, making them different to eradicate. Some roaches might be tackled with certain tactics, whereas these tactics will not work with others. Whatever the situation, you have to always know what you are dealing with. Especially when it comes to cockroaches. You might not believe it, but there are some species of roaches that aren’t even considered pests because they don’t live and reproduce inside human structures. The most common types of cockroaches in North America are American, Smokeybrown, Oriental, Pennsylvania Wood, Surinam, German, Brown-banded, and Mediterranean Spotted.

What Types Of Roaches Can Be Found In Louisville

Of all the species of roaches, there are only two that you will find in Louisville. What two species are these? These would be the German roach and the American roach. Almost ironic when you think about it. That being said, there are specific things you’ll need to know about each roach if you want to successfully eradicate them from your premises.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches range in size from half an inch to five-eighths of an inch. They are easy to identify because they have unique racing stripes at the bottom of their heads. These cockroaches breed prolific so getting rid of them quickly is recommended.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are one of the largest cockroaches with some of them reaching two inches in length. They’re reddish-brown and have a dark mark on their head plate. These cockroaches can fly and they live for a long time. It takes them several weeks or months to fully infest a structure. However, they tend to stay in steam tunnels and sewer systems.

There are other cockroaches in your area. They’ll be explored in greater depth below.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are common in your area. Remember that males and females look remarkably different. Adult males roughly an inch in length while females are generally three-quarters of an inch. Males have longer wings so they’re easy to identify. Although they’re native to the eastern portion of the United States, they can be found elsewhere too.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

You’re going to encounter spotted Mediterranean cockroaches from time to time. These cockroaches are native to Europe. They were introduced to the United States in the mid-1900s. Since then, their population has exploded. Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches can be found across the country including in your area. Thankfully, they won’t reproduce once they invade your home.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are rarely over an inch and a quarter. They’re dark brown or black. Females will not develop wings but males do. Male oriental cockroaches develop wings that cover three-quarters of their bodies. They have a lot in common with American cockroaches. Both will invade sewer systems and steam tunnels. Oriental cockroaches often like staying outside in cold weather.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

Smokey brown cockroaches can reach an inch and a half in length. They’re reddish-brown and shiny. They’re primarily found in the southern portion of the United States, but they can travel to other areas. For instance, they can be found in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and other states. Although the risk is small, you may encounter them at some point.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are three-quarters of an inch with a dark plate on their head. Their wings are light tan. Surinam cockroaches are all female so they give live birth. Another thing to note is that they are commonly found in areas with warm climates. They are rarely found in cold areas.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

These cockroaches are roughly half an inch and look like German cockroaches. However, they do not have racing stripes. Brown-banded cockroaches are not common in your area. They can show up from time to time and they may infest structures. Still, they’re less common than other species.

Why Homes Or Buildings Are Infested With Roaches?

There are a lot of factors that can determine why one is dealing with a roach infestation. It mainly comes down to the species you are dealing with. Some roaches might just be coming in from the outdoors via the sewer or some species might have been brought into the home via an infested item. Seeing just one roach in the home doesn’t necessarily mean you are dealing with a full-blown infestation, but it is certainly a cause for concern. If you do find several in the home or building, you are more than likely dealing with a major problem. Given the right conditions and the right species, these critters can breed and reproduce prolifically.

Are These Critters Dangerous?

You’ve probably never heard of a roach bite or a sting because these critters don’t do either. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t be a problem, physically or mentally. The more you have in the home, the greater potential for disease and illness. The critter has been known to exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. Other than this, the critters are virtually harmless. Some people even keep them as pets or store them to feed their other pets. All that being said, you have to remember that some species thrive in garbage and sewage. These species can carry viral pathogens and unwanted bacteria into the home. They’ll contaminate everything that they come into contact with.

Eliminating A Cockroach Infestation

Unfortunately, eliminating a cockroach infestation isn’t easy. You need to work with a qualified exterminator. Doing so is the best way to rectify the problem without exposing yourself or your loved ones to dangerous chemicals. Our technicians can get rid of the cockroaches in your home while protecting everyone involved. When you’re ready to begin, call us.

When Will Help Arrive?

Most Louisville pest management professionals are going to stay busy yearly. That doesn’t mean they won’t be ready, willing, and able to assist you. This is likely why they are so busy. That being said, most professionals will make a good effort to getting to your home or structure as soon as possible. You can likely expect someone to show within 24 to 48 hours after making that first initial contact.

Can You Treat Roaches Safely?

As you just learned above, pesticides are the most common way to deal with roaches. Unfortunately, most of these pesticides are hazardous. There are some more eco-friendly options available today, but the most effective pesticides are dangerous under the right conditions. This is why you want to make sure you are dealing with a Louisville pest management professional specifically trained to safely handle these chemicals. Most Louisville pest management professionals are EPA certified and know how to safely handle and distribute such chemicals. Just remember there are eco-friendly options available today, but, likely, they are not as effective.

This doesn’t mean they won’t serve their purposes or clear up your infestation. It just means that they might take longer. The use of these products and materials might even require additional treatments and follow-up visits.

Proper Prevention Of Roaches

The best way to deal with any insect is by preventing them in the first place. While this much, much harder said than done, it is entirely possible. You might be able to eliminate the chances of an infestation, but you can greatly mitigate your risks. This first starts with maintaining a clean home and outside area. Maintaining a clean structure while keeping it clean and food properly sealed are amongst some of the best things you can do to mitigate your risks of roach infestation. There are also monitors that can you install. Such monitors will give you an early warning should roaches find their way back to your structure. This will give you the needed time to jump on the problem and get it handled before you end up with another full-blown infestation.

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