American Cockroach

In addition, cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergy attacks as their droppings, saliva and shed skin contain potent allergens and can exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children.

To keep your family and home safe from a cockroach infestation, pest control and prevention is key. However, with approximately 4,000 living species of cockroaches in the world, and about 70 species found in the United States, it’s inevitable that some cockroaches will find a way inside homes. As a result, it’s important to pay close attention for signs of an infestation and take action if this pest is found. You should contact a licensed pest control professional to properly identify an intruder and recommend a course of treatment. However, you can also use this guide to help determine which type of cockroach has become an unwelcome houseguest if you suspect or discover an infestation:

AMERICAN COCKROACH

American cockroaches are reddish brown with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of their head. This species is the largest of the house-infesting roaches. This species is located throughout United States and worldwide. American cockroaches are often found in sewers and basements, particularly around pipes and drains. They will also congregate in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms in search of water and food.

BROWN-BANDED COCKROACH

Brown-banded cockroaches are brown with pronounced banding across their wings. This species first entered the U.S. in 1903 and is now found throughout the United States. Within a room, brown-banded cockroaches tend to prefer warmer, drier, and higher locations than any of the other urban pest roaches. They can be found in kitchen cabinets and bathrooms, as well as behind picture frames. This species often hides its egg cases in or underneath furniture. This species gets its name from the two light brown bands that appear across their dark brownish bodies.The male’s wings are larger than the female’s wings.

GERMAN COCKROACH

German cockroaches are light brown to tan with two dark stripes located on their backs. They are oval shaped with six legs and antennae. This species can be found across the United States.
German cockroaches prefer warm and humid places. They can be found in damp or humid areas such as bathrooms or basements, but they are typically found in rooms where people eat such as kitchens.

ORIENTAL COCKROACH

Oriental Cockroaches are large and exhibit a shiny black to dark reddish-brown color. This species is found in the northern regions of the United States. Oriental cockroaches are often found in sewers and will enter structures through drains or through door thresholds, typically during the summer. Once inside, this species will seek out damp and cool places such as basements and crawl spaces. Outdoors, they can be found in leaf piles and firewood.

Wondering how to get rid of cockroaches? The best advice for cockroach control is to practice good sanitation. Homeowners should also seal any cracks or crevices on the outside of the home and eliminate moisture buildup in basements, attics and crawlspaces. When inspecting for types of cockroaches, pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms – especially under appliances and sinks – as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.

If you suspect or discover an infestation, give Mother Earth Pest Solution a licensed pest control professional ad call!