One of the most common of all commercial and residential pests is the cockroach. Cockroaches have been around for over three hundred million years. This makes them one of the most successful and adaptive pest modern humans get to fight. Here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania we are bombarded with three main species of cockroach. Stewart Termite & Pest Control will cover how to identify and control these persistent pests.
Oriental Cockroach Control
The Oriental cockroach is sometime also called the water bug. They are typically found in drains or sewer piping due to their need for water. They prefer to stay in moist or damp, dark places. They often crawl up drain pipes to get into homes and are most often found crawling around basements or crawl spaces. The Oriental Cockroach at full size can reach up to one inch in length and are typically a greasy black color or sometimes a dark reddish color. The Oriental cockroach is one of the less common out of the three major species found. Even so they can still invade homes and begin to breed rather quickly.
Control of German Cockroaches
The German cockroach is another species of cockroach that can be found in Pennsylvania homes. They are one of the smaller species of common cockroach growing only 5/8 of an inch in length. German cockroaches are tan in color with long wings. However they don’t really fly. They also have two vertical stripes on their heads. German cockroaches are hitchhikers that are often brought into your home either in boxes or handed down furniture or appliances. The German cockroach will feed on any food and even pet food it comes across. Keep in mind they are not just limited to food. They can also find paper, tooth paste and glue tasty, if nothing else can be found.
American Cockroach Control
The American cockroach is one of the most common species of cockroach out of the top three. Not only are they the most common but they are also one of the largest species of cockroaches found in the United States. American cockroach can grow up to 1 1/2 to 2 inches long and are equipped with wings. American cockroaches can fly short distances but not very gracefully. They often fly or crawl their way into homes, especially at night since American cockroaches are drawn to light. American cockroaches are reddish brown to tan in color with a distinct yellowish ring around their head. They feed on starches, such as plant leaves, paper, cardboard boxes and pet food. However they will also eat anything they come across even human hair and fingernail clippings.
Tips for Preventing Cockroaches in Houses & Apartments
Cockroaches, regardless of the species, can be difficult to keep out of your home or commercial building, and especially restaurants. This is where it is up to the business or homeowner to practice exclusion and then utilize a pest control company to maintain and kill or prevent pests from becoming a problem. Exclusion is preventing a living or breeding ground for cockroaches as well as keeping them out of your home. First, you will want to make sure window screens are in good condition and doorways are properly sealed. Make sure there are no gaps for pests to enter in. Additionally, you will need to examine your home for any cracks or gaps that cockroaches could enter from and seal them too. Further, your home and yard should be free of clutter or debris where cockroaches can feed, breed, or seek shelter.
Cockroach Extermination
Stewart Termite & Pest Control hopes to help homeowners and commercial business owners fight back against pests and especially cockroaches. If you find you have a pest control problem without proper defense, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control. We will help create and manage your pest problems with a customized program designed for your needs. Contact us today.