Cockroaches

Hampton Roads is the perfect environment for cockroaches. 

Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist conditions where they can breed and feed simultaneously. They are often found inside of walls and under sinks where they have easy access to water.  Most cockroaches are seen when you flip kitchen and bathroom lights on.

Cockroaches are some of the fastest multiplying bugs. Just one initial roach egg can result in more than 32 cockroaches in just one month.  If you see one cockroach in your home, it is almost certain that there are many more hiding and reproducing in your walls and empty spaces.

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Cockroaches can enter your home in many ways.  Young cockroaches are very small, and even adult cockroaches are thin enough that they can enter via almost any cracks and tiny openings. Roaches can also be carried into your home in furniture, bags and boxes, especially if these have been stored in sheds and barns.

They eat almost any organic material including human and animal food, plants, and anything else they can find. 

The most common types of cockroaches found in Hampton Roads are:

• American Cockroaches - These are the largest of the house-infesting cockroaches. They are reddish brown with a light yellow band around the edge of the head shield.  They are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and are most often found in alleyways, lawns and flower beds. Homes, restaurants and other places that provide shelter and food are often infested.
  
  
• Smoky Brown Cockroaches - The Smoky Brown is very dark brown in color. Adult cockroaches are about 3/4 to 1 inch long and are good fliers. Smoky brown roaches prefer an outdoor habitats, but seasonal changes may lead them indoors.
  
  
• German Cockroaches - This light brown cockroach has two dark stripes that run down the head and thorax. Adults are about 1/2 inch in length.  They have wings, but rarely fly.  German roaches thrive in all types of buildings, and often inhabit homes and commercial food establishments. They are extremely prolific, and the female carries her egg capsule until just before the nymphs hatch.

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Why are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches carry several harmful diseases including salmonella, gastroenteritis, and staph. 

Cockroaches are dangerous because of the waste and debris they leave behind. Their byproducts can contaminate food and spread illness quickly.

If you think you may have a cockroach infestation, the best place to look is under kitchen and bathroom cabinets, around light fixtures, and under kitchen appliances.  Even if you don’t see a cockroach, a sign of infestation is if you see dark streaks or piles of dark dust.  These are their droppings, and should be cleaned up carefully and sanitized.

If you’ve seen cockroaches in your home or business, it is time to call John Edwards Pest Control immediately to deal with your pest infestation.
 

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