Cockroaches

Cockroach Identification

There aren’t a lot of things people know about roaches. They know they are disgusting creatures that carry and transmit diseases, but they don’t know a lot of the scientific information about these creatures. The perfect example of this is the species. Most people know that roaches invade homes, but did you know there there are only a few specific species that invade homes? There are currently approximately 4,000 known species of roaches worldwide. While this is the case, there are only 30 of these involved with human habitations. Fives of these 30 will only likely be found in Akron, Ohio.

Why is this important? Because if you want to eliminate your roach problem successfully, you need to know what species you’re dealing with. Different species not only require different living conditions, but they can behave differently. Knowing this information and how to apply it could make the biggest difference in the world when it comes to successful elimination and prevention.

You might not believe it, but there are some roach species that people don’t even consider pests. This is because they don’t inhabit the property. If they don’t inhabit properties, you don’t have to worry about them reproducing inside your home, which is a major plus. Regardless of the situation, if you want to not only eliminate your roach infestation but keep it gone for the foreseeable future, you’re going to need to know what specific species you are dealing with.

The Cockroaches That Invade Akron, Ohio

In Akron, Ohio, residents will deal with two common types of species. Just on a side note, these species are also common in Michigan and Indiana. All that being said, these two types of species are the German Cockroach and the American Cockroach.

The German Cockroach

With the German Cockroach, adults usually grow to anywhere from ½ to 5/8 inches long. They have a light brown to almost tan color appearance with a pair of what is sometimes referred to as racing stripes behind their heads. As with similar insects, the German roach is a prolific breeder. This is one of the most well-known facts about the roach. The mature female German roach can lay as many as five eggs casings in her lifetime. The thing is though, these casings can contain nearly as many as 30 to 40 eggs. That is almost 200 baby roaches running around in a lifetime. The German roach is commonly found in kitchens under warmer areas like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. While these species do have fully developed wings, they do not possess the ability to fly.

The American Cockroach

As for the American Cockroach, the adults can grow to be anywhere from 1 3/8 to 2 inches in length. Their color is reddish-brown with lighter surroundings. Instead, of the racing stripes, the roaches have central dark markings on the plate located behind their head. One of the most impressive things about the American roach and the thing that it is most known for is its size. Not only is this roach one of the largest of the species, but it is the largest roach capable of flight. These roaches can live for extremely long periods. With the ability to live anywhere from 6 months to 2 years mature, they can be a real nuisance for any unsuspecting homeowner. These roaches also heavily populate warmer, moist areas like sewer systems and steam tunnels. That being said, if you are facing an American roach infestation, it likely means you have a nearby broken sewer pipe or your plumbing trap has dried out, giving them unfettered access to your structure.

While these are just the more common of the species in Ohio, it’s not the only two you’ll find in North America. Here are some of the other common species and what you need to know about them.

The Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

With the Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach, there are major differences between the male and female of the species. This is not something that can be said about the other roach species. For instance, the male Pennsylvania roach is medium-sized and fully winged, usually about an inch in length, while the females only measure ½ to ¾ inches in length. They also do have wings, but their wings are much, much shorter. One good thing about Pennsylvaniaroaches, if you can say that about any roach, is they are not considered pests. And, this is because they do not invade or reproduce indoors. With their wings, the males will fly at night in lighted areas. Like a moth to the flame! That being said, these species are usually found in woodpiles, backed-up rain gutters, and wooden shingles or siding.

The Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach

Of all these species common to Akron, it is the Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach that is among one of the smallest. They only grow to about 1/3 an inch. Their color usually appears as light tan with darker spots or speckles. While this species came from Europe, they were introduced in North America in the 1900s. That being said, their population has been dramatically expanding since this time. They are quite common in outdoor foliage. Like the Pennsylvania Wood roach, the Spotted Mediterranean is attracted to light. Also, like Pennsylvania roaches, this species will not reproduce indoors.

The Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental Cockroach is one of the larger species, measuring in at anywhere from 1 to 1 ¼ inch. They are dark brown to black. While the females of the species never do develop wings, the males develop wings that cover over half their bodies. Their wings cover about ¾ of their bodies. In Akron, the biology of the Oriental roach is similar to that of the American roach. That being said, there is one major difference between the two. That difference is these roaches are more cold-hardy and occasionally reproduce indoors. This species likes to feed on garbage, feces, and other decaying organic matter.

Smokey Brown Cockroach

Also rather large, the Smokeybrown can grow to be anywhere from 1 to 1 ½ inch in length. Their coats are deep, shiny, and reddish-brown. This species is far more common down South, but can frequently be found in Akron, Michigan, and even Indiana. If you spot a Smokeybrown in the home it has likely hitched a ride from a shipment from the South. The species is more well-known for having full wings. The adults have full-wing spreads.

Surinam Cockroach

Measuring in at ¾ of an inch, the Surinam Cockroach appears solid, in color with a dark plate behind their heads. Their wings are light tan-colored and most commonly found indoors. They are partial to the warmer climates and do not like the outdoors much. That being said, it is rare to encounter one of these roaches, as they gravitate more towards greenhouses and atriums where they’ll have access to potted plants. What’s most interesting about this species of roach is, they all consist of females. The females hold their eggs internally until it hatches.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

 The adults of this species grow to ½ an inch in length and appear tan to light brown. Due to their small size and stature, they are commonly mistaken for the German roach. However, what makes them different is the solid dark mark behind their head. Instead of the racing stripe, they have a solid dark mark. These species are among the rarer but can be found in common structures.

Why Does A Building Or Home Have Roaches?

Over the years, you’ve likely heard that roach infestations are associated with clutter and dirtiness. This is common and true, but these are not the only reasons for a roach infestation. As you can see from the information above, it depends on the type of species you’re dealing with. Some species are attracted to potted plants and greenhouses, whereas some are drawn to sewer pipes. You could have a clogged drain, not know it, and end up with a roach infestation. So yes, clutter and dirtiness will make a difference, but it ultimately comes down to the specific species you’re dealing with. What’s even more troubling is, certain species of this pest will breed prolifically under the right conditions.

Are Roaches Dangerous?

Most people already have a natural understanding that roaches are nasty. As you can see, there are not only some species that are attracted to urine and feces, but they are constantly urinating and crapping in your food items. Interestingly enough, these critters do not sting and bite. Even though this might be the case, this doesn’t mean these critters don’t pose a threat. They can be very threatening to individuals with asthma and respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure to these critters can worsen such conditions. Not only this but there is always the potential for disease and outbreaks. Roach infestations have been linked with a variety of illness outbreaks, including salmonella poisoning. While roaches might not bite or sting, they should be considered extremely dangerous.

How Do You Eliminate Roaches?

Indeed, roaches do oftentimes thrive in areas where there is clutter or poor housekeeping. However, these are not the only conditions that draw the critters, so just maintaining a clean home will not ensure that your property will stay roach-free. Being vigilant about cleaning dirty dishes, removing food crumbs, and dealing with all trash immediately is an excellent start but it is not everything. With their elusive nature and quick wits, roaches can be a tough bunch to eliminate, and this is why it usually takes the assistance of a trained pest management professional. We train our employees with cutting-edge technology and tried and proven methods so they can deliver the most effective and efficient pest control services possible.

When Can You Get Here?

You can contact our Akron office anytime, but you’ll quickly discover that we are busy all year round. That being said, we are always more than willing to accommodate our customers. Whether you just need some answers or want to schedule an in-house assessment, you can get in touch with our Akron offices. We always have someone standing by and will get a tech out to the home within 24 to 48 hours after you make that initial contact.

Are Your Treatment Solutions Safe?

It’s no big secret that pesticides are a tried and proven method for treating roaches. Pesticides have been used for years and years when it comes to roach treatment, and pest management professionals from around the world will continue to use them. This is because it is effective and has proven so over the years. That being said, pesticides have also proven to be dangerous under the right circumstances. It takes a trained professional with the proper knowledge to safely handle and administer these chemicals. That’s exactly what we are willing to offer. Our techs are trained and certified by the EPA. In addition to this, we do offer eco-friendly solutions for those looking for a more natural solution. Whatever you are looking for, we have what you need.

How Do I Prevent Roaches?

Just like every other pest, it is best to prevent roach infestations before they occur. Unfortunately, this is something that’s much harder done than said. Luckily, these are things we can help you with. Identifying and eliminating potential sheltering sites along with water and food sources is the best place to start. Identifying and eliminating these potentials will clear eliminate 90 percent of your pest problem. Apply some other crucial techniques and tips and you’ll prevent all future infestations. Regardless, these are all things our trained, certified, and qualified techs can assist with. After successfully eliminating your infestation our trained techs will work with you to help you devise a prevention plan that will eliminate future infestations for the foreseeable future.

It’s just up to you to reach out to our offices. We always have someone standing by in our Akron, Ohio offices. Our in-house representative will be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.

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