Cockroaches

Table of Contents

Cockroach Species, Eradication, And Prevention

Cockroach Characteristics

Evidence shows around 4,000 species of cockroaches across the globe, 30 of which are known to share the living spaces of humans. Five cockroach species have been reported in Ohio.

Cockroach identification is a crucial part of the extermination process. Cockroach species have unique behaviors, including food and living preferences. Each cockroach species infestation requires specific extermination techniques to fully eradicate. Contrary to belief, some cockroach species are not classified as household pests because they do not invade the human habitat. With the few major differences and similarities, all cockroaches begin as an egg, maturing into adulthood over a specific period of time.

Which Cockroach Species Are Found In Columbus, Ohio?

There are two main species of cockroaches – American and German – found in Columbus, Ohio. The same cockroach species have been reported in Michigan and Indiana as well.

German Cockroach Species

The German cockroach species measures between ½” to 5/8” in length, with a tan or light brown body and two “racing” markings on the back of the head. The cockroach is among the thousands of prolific insect breeders. A single adult cockroach can produce up to five capsules containing between 30 and 40 eggs in a lifetime. Cockroaches are more commonly found in kitchens than any other room in a home or business. They build their nests inside, underneath, and near small and large kitchen appliances, such as the range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, and toaster. German cockroaches have wings without flying capabilities.

American Cockroach Species

The American cockroach has been reported throughout Ohio, including Columbus. The adult measures between 1-3/8” and 2 inches in length, with a brownish-red body and a head plate with a central marking. This cockroach species is the largest of its kind with flying capabilities. They are known for their extended lifespan of about three years. American cockroaches do not mature as fast of some other cockroach species. In fact, scientists believe it takes between six and 24 months for the American roach to fully mature. They are also not known to develop into an infestation immediately after invading a building structure. Their nests can be found in public sewers in northern states.

Cockroach Species Less Likely To Be Found In Columbus, Ohio

The oriental, Pennsylvania wood, brown-branded, Surinam, Mediterranean spotted, and smokey brown cockroach species are rarely reported in Ohio.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Species

The adult Pennsylvania wood cockroach has a full set of wings, with the female having the shorter wings and body size. The adult male measures around 1” in length while the adult female measures between ½” to ¾”. It can be found in the Eastern United States outdoors, as it is not known to invade human living spaces. However, a few indoor sightings have been reported in the United States. Most reports are outdoors near piles of firewood, siding, wooden shingles, and stopped up gutting systems.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach Species

The adult measures around 1/3” in length, with a light coloring and dark spots on the body. The first US sightings were reported in the mid-1900s, moving here from Europe. It is more commonly found in the outdoors in foliage. Their wings allow them to fly short distances at night toward bright lighting.

Oriental Cockroach Species

The adult measures between 1 and 1-1/4 inches in length, with a black or dark brown body. The adult female does not have wings while the male’s wings cover only three-quarters of his body. This cockroach species share some of the same behaviors as the American cockroach species. More sightings are reported in downtown sewage systems and old buildings. They can also be found outdoors near landfills, as they feed on fecal material, trash, and other rotting organic material.

Smokey Brown Cockroach Species

The adult measures between 1” and 1-1/2” in length, with a multi-colored brownish-red body. Sightings have been reported in the Southern United States, where they arrive in a shipment of cargo from other US states. The larger size and full set of wings allow the smokey broach roach to fly short distances.

Surinam Cockroach Species

The adult is around ¾” in length, with a brown body, dark head plate, and tan wings. The preferred climate is warm, ruling out Ohio and other Northern US states. While sightings are rare, they have reportedly been found outdoors in gardens and areas with a lot of potted plants. The species does not have males, only females that carry their egg capsules until birth.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Species

The adult measures around ½” in length, with a body of light brown or tan. The species is oftentimes confused with the German cockroach species because of their small size. The main difference between the two cockroach species is the racing stripes and solid dark marking on the head plate.

Why Is My Home Infested With Cockroaches?

Cockroaches that invade human habitats are opportunists, as they prefer indoors to the outdoors. These insects access building structures through tiny cracks and crevices around doors and windows and large openings near plumbing pipes and electrical wiring.

Are Cockroach Infestations Harmful To Humans And Animals?

Cockroaches have been linked to several medical conditions, including salmonella. Infestations have been shown to exacerbate asthma and COPD, two very common respiratory illnesses. This is one insect that does not bite but does contaminate available food sources, which is why they have been associated with food poisoning. These insects are utilized as reptile feeders, their role in the food chain. Their feces contain bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses in humans.

How Does Cockroach Eradication Work?

Cockroach pest control involves pesticides, foggers, and traps. It also includes regular housekeeping, proper food handling, and the removal of all household waste to an outdoor trash bin. Since cockroaches are among some of the most prolific insect breeders, their infestations are extremely difficult to tackle. DIY treatments can work in mild cases but will do nothing to put a dent in moderate to severe infestations. We utilize a combination treatment of pesticides and traps or pesticides and foggers.

When Should I Expect The Exterminator To Arrive?

We will dispatch an exterminator out to your home within 24 to 48 hours of your initial pest control request.

Is Cockroach Pest Control Treatment Harmful?

Cockroach pesticides are available in both chemical-based and organic treatments. Both options work effectively in eradicating cockroach infestations. However, chemical-based treatments are more effective in fighting moderate to severe infestations. We utilize pesticides that have been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These commercial– and residential-grade pesticides pose little to no health risks when utilized properly. To learn more about our cockroach pest control, contact our local extermination team in Columbus.

How To Prevent Future Cockroach Infestations?

Preventing cockroach infestations is an ongoing process that starts with sealing off access points into your home. From here, we recommend routine inspections, regular house cleaning, proper household waste removal, and regular vacuuming from top to bottom. Our cockroach pest management is specifically designed to help home and business owners keep their properties safe from cockroach infestations. We can help you create a strong pest barrier around your home to keep cockroaches out. If you heed our pest management recommendations, you will never be left dealing with another cockroach infestation.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.

Testimonials
We Accept:
Cockroach

Fill Out The Form Below and receive a coupon good for a FREE Consultation with a Bed Bug Specialist…