Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most commonly noted household pest insects. They feed on human and pet food, and can leave an offensive odor. They can also passively transport microbes on their body surfaces, including those that are potentially dangerous to humans, particularly in environments such as hospitals. One of the proteins that trigger allergic reactions has been identified as tropomyosin. These allergens have also been found to be linked with asthma.

General preventive measures against household pests include keeping all food stored away in sealed containers, using garbage cans with a tight lid, frequent cleaning in the kitchen, and regular vacuuming. Any water leaks, such as dripping taps, should also be repaired. It is also helpful to seal off any entry points, such as holes around baseboards, in between kitchen cabinets, pipes, doors, and windows with some steel wool or copper mesh and some cement, putty or silicone caulk. Some cockroaches have been known to live up to three months without food and a month without water. Frequently living outdoors, although preferring warm climates and considered "cold intoler- ant," they are resilient enough to survive occasional freezing temperatures. This makes them diffi- cult to eradicate once they have infested an area.

American Cockroaches

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), also known as the pal- metto bug or waterbug, particularly in the southern United States, is the largest species of common cockroach, and often considered a pest. The insect can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is considered one of the fastest running insects.

In an experiment carried out at the University of California, Berkeley in 1991, a Periplaneta Ameri- cana registered a record speed of 5.4 kilometers per hour (3.4 mph), about 50 body lengths per second, which would be comparable to a human running at 330 kilometers per hour (210 mph). The adult American cockroach can also fly.

It has a pair of large compound eyes each having over 2000 individual lenses, and is a very active night animal that shuns light. Due to their large size and slow development, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, these cock- roaches may move inside a house from outside. In cold weather these cockroaches may move in- doors, seeking warmer temperatures and food. Cockroaches may enter houses through sewer connections, under doors, around plumbing, air ducts, or other openings in the foundation.

German Cockroaches

The German cockroach is the most common household insect found in the United States. This pest is usually found infesting kitchens and bathrooms, but it has the capability of living in any portion of any heated structure. They are usually found in dark, secluded harborage areas such as under cupboards, be- hind cabinets, in wall voids, or around motor housing appliances. German roaches are nighttime insects. They are hidden in dark, secluded areas in the day. If they are seen during daylight, it is a sure sign that a tremendous population exist. Bug Doctor technicians are able to service such severe problems but be sure to contact them before the small problem turns into an infestation!

Oriental Cockroaches  

The oriental cockroach ,or water bug is found throughout the United States. It is considered by many to be the filthiest of all cockroaches, principally due to its association with sewers and poor sanitary conditions. It is also despised because of the very pungent roach odor associated with infestations. As with any species of the cockroach, the best control method is prevention. Outdoor populations can be denied access by ensuring that screens, door seals and other exterior entry points are properly sealed. Be sure to keep your home safe and secure to protect it from these hazardous pests.