Cockroaches

Identifying Cockroaches

Although there are roughly 4,000 known cockroach species, only 30 are associated with the Washington DC area. Before you can begin taking steps to remove the cockroaches from your home, you need to find out which type is in your home. Each species will have different behaviors, habitats, and appearance. Some cockroach species are not pests and will not reproduce inside dwellings. Below, you’ll learn more about cockroaches and our cockroach removal services.

Which Species Of Cockroaches Live In Washington?

Although there may be more, the two common cockroach species in Washington are American and German cockroaches.

German Cockroaches

Adult German cockroaches can reach a maximum length of 5/8^ths of an inch. They’re light brown or tan with racing stripes near the back of their head. One of the biggest problems with German cockroaches is that they’re prolific breeders. A female German roach can produce egg cases containing 30 to 40 eggs. They can produce as many as five capsules during their lifetime. They’re often found in kitchens and under appliances. Although they have wings, they don’t fly.

American Cockroaches

Adult American cockroaches can grow up to 2 inches in length. In terms of color, they’re either brown or reddish-brown. They have a darker mark behind their head. The American cockroach is one of the largest cockroaches, and it can fly. These roaches can take up to 2 years to fully mature. Then, they’ll live another year after that. An American cockroach infestation won’t happen overnight. They prefer living around moist areas, such as broken sewer pipes.

You may also encounter the following cockroaches in your area.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

Male Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are much bigger than female cockroaches of this species. They’re native to the Eastern United States, but they’re usually not pests. Furthermore, these roaches are not going to reproduce inside. Male roaches can fly to lights that are left on at night. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are attracted to wood shingles, wood siding, woodpiles, and blocked gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

The spotted Mediterranean cockroach is one of the smallest cockroaches, and they reach roughly 1/3 of an inch. They’re light tan. The Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach came to the United States from Europe. It hasn’t been here long, but this roach is quickly becoming a major problem. They usually stay outside but are attracted to lights. They might try to enter your home if you leave the lights on at night.

Oriental Cockroaches

Adult oriental cockroaches grow up to one and one-quarter of an inch. They’re either dark brown or black. Females do not develop wings, but males develop wings that cover most of their bodies. Oriental cockroaches are usually not pests. Instead, they prefer infesting sewers and older homes. They’re cold-hardy so they can live outside during the cold weather.

Smokey brown Cockroaches

Smokey brown cockroaches grow up to 1 and ½ of an inch. They have a reddish-brown color. These cockroaches are primarily found in the south, but they can be found in Washington, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Smokey brown cockroaches are different than other larger roaches because they have full wings.

Surinam Cockroaches

These cockroaches are small with a dark plate near their head. Their wings are light tan. Surinam cockroaches prefer being in warmer climates. In the northern portion of the United States, they will likely not be found outside. All of these cockroaches are female. Nevertheless, the female cockroach will produce egg cases and reproduce on her own.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches tend to grow up to half an inch, and they’re tan or light brown. They have a dark brown mark on their head and this sets them apart from German cockroaches. Although they can infest dwellings, brown-banded cockroaches are rare in Washington.

Why Are Cockroaches In My Home?

It is difficult to know why cockroaches have entered your home. Before you can find out, you need to determine which species you’re dealing with. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know what the species is attracted to. Are they looking for food? Is there a busted sewer pipe nearby? It might be one of these problems.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous To Humans?

Unfortunately, cockroaches are one of the most dangerous household pests on the planet. If they enter your home, you need to get rid of them immediately. A larger infestation greatly increases the risks involved. While cockroaches are not dangerous alone, they are dangerous. They won’t bite or attack. However, they’re going to contaminate your food and transmit dangerous diseases. They can transmit salmonella and other dangerous diseases. To protect your loved ones, contact us and get rid of the cockroaches as quickly as possible.

How Should I Get Rid Of Cockroaches?

Some cockroach species are attracted to homes with poor housekeeping. If this is your problem, you need to fix it quickly by properly cleaning your home. Clean your home from top to bottom. Then, make sure that your home is regularly cleaned. If the problem doesn’t stem from poor housekeeping, you likely have a bigger problem to deal with. The cockroaches may be infesting your home due to a broken sewer pipe nearby. These problems need to be dealt with so you can get rid of the cockroaches and protect your loved ones. DIY techniques are ineffective and costly.

Using our services is the best way to eliminate your roach problem. We offer cost-effective services that will remedy the problem swiftly.

How Soon Can You Begin?

We know that you want to get rid of the cockroaches in your home rapidly. Contact us and schedule an appointment. Then, we’ll reach your home in 24 to 48 hours.

Is Your Cockroach Treatment Dangerous?

We’re going to do whatever we can to protect you and your loved ones every step of the way. When possible, we’re going to use non-toxic methods to remove the cockroaches from your property. Furthermore, we use insecticides that are registered with the EPA. Since they’ve been tested extensively, we know that they’re safe and effective. When you work with us, you’ll know you’re going to be safe.

Can I Prevent Future Cockroach Infestations?

When cockroaches target your home, it’ll be hard to keep them out. To prevent problems, you should keep your home dry and clean. Some roaches are attracted to moisture, but others want to eat food crumbs. When you identify a cockroach infestation, contact us and we’ll fix this problem for you.

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