Cockroaches are a common pest that plague homes all year long. Controlling cockroaches can be difficult since they can quickly adapt to the change of season or environments. One of the most common cockroaches in America, and in the state of Pennsylvanian, is the American cockroach. Stewart Termite & Pest Control will share how to identify and control American cockroaches.
American Cockroach Identification
American cockroaches are one of the largest species found in America with the average size being over an inch and a half. American cockroach color can vary from a light golden brown to a deep reddish brown color. However, they all share the same traits. Their heads are outlined with a light yellowish color. American cockroaches also have long wings and can fly. They are not graceful fliers and they are more prone to flutter around uncontrollably. American cockroaches are one of a few species that can actually use their wings. The females are larger than the males and both are equipped with wings. A female American cockroach can reproduce all year long and can have an egg capsule containing up to 16 eggs at a time. American cockroaches hatch and mature within five and a half months which is a key feature to their success.
Where Do American Cockroaches Live?
American cockroaches like damp, humid places and are often found find high in tree tops, especially in palm trees and in garden beds. They feed on decaying leaves and other plant matter. However, American cockroaches will eat anything and especially love starches and sweets. They are most often found in the kitchen or bathroom where there is moisture or humidity. Once they invade and find a suitable climate, they will begin to breed and reproduce.
What Diseases Do American Cockroaches Carry?
Cockroaches in general are a nasty insect that most homeowners want to keep out. A good reason to keep them out is that they harbor serious diseases, viruses, parasites and pathogens. Cockroaches also have a major effect on indoor air quality, affecting those with allergies and asthma. Controlling cockroaches is essential to keeping your home healthy.
American Cockroach Prevention
If cockroaches have infested your home, contact a professional pest control service. You will need their aid as cockroaches are hard to control. While the pest control service begins helping you control cockroaches, you have some work to do as well. First, determine how they entered your home. Inspect your home for spaces or gaps where they may have entered. Once found, you will want to seal up those entry points. Begin cleaning up the home and then remove any food or water sources. Make sure to seal up food in the pantry. Avoid leaving any food out, including pet food. Reduce clutter inside and outside your home, especially yard debris. This may include cleaning out gutter systems and planters. American cockroaches are drawn to decaying leaves so leaving yard debris is inviting an infestation. Maintain the yard. Overgrowth provides food and shelter for cockroaches. Maintaining a groomed yard can help reduce cockroaches and other pests.
Cockroach Control
If you’re having a problem with American cockroaches or other pests, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control. We provide quality pest control services and can help keep your home pest free. Contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control today.