Cockroach Identification & Prevention

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are invasive and dangerous insects. They are a major pest found living throughout the United States. Cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies and six legs covered in spines. They also have two long antennae that are usually about the same length as their bodies.

a german cockroach crawling on a rock inside of a home in grandview missouri

Some of the most common species of cockroaches living in Kansas City Metro are American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches.

American cockroaches
American cockroaches are the largest of house-invading cockroaches. They have a unique yellowish-colored figure-8 pattern behind their heads. Both male and female American cockroaches are strong fliers, so you may see them fly across a room.

German cockroaches
German cockroaches are the most common species of cockroach found throughout the world. They are a small species of roach. German cockroaches have two black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads, which helps to identify this species.

Oriental cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches, or "water bugs" as they are commonly called, have a smooth, shiny body. They are black or dark brown. Oriental cockroaches emit a powerful and unpleasant, musty smell which makes them easily identifiable.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are not aggressive, but none the less they are a hazardous species of insect. They carry a large number of bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens on their bodies and legs. Dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli are all spread by cockroaches. Also, their feces, saliva, and shed skins commonly trigger allergies and asthma attacks - especially in children or people with weakened immune systems.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches can get inside of homes while foraging for food, or because they have been carried in accidentally. Cockroaches are highly invasive, and once inside will become a significant problem for any home or business. Cockroaches frequently move inside through cracks and crevices in foundations and exterior walls. They can also get in through spaces around doors, windows, air-conditioners, and through drains and vents. Cockroaches are also regularly introduced into homes inside of deliveries, in used furniture, in used appliances, even in potted plants.

Where will I find cockroaches?

German cockroaches like to live inside of homes and restaurants. They hide in warm, humid, and secluded places such as behind appliances or underneath cabinets, in laundry rooms, in kitchens, and pantry areas. American roaches prefer to live outside in environments that meet their moisture needs. They live in trees, garden areas, underneath mulch, and sewers and drains.

American cockroaches move inside while searching for food or when the weather outside becomes too hot and dry. They nest in rooms with high humidity including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Oriental cockroaches prefer living and nesting in damp, dark places. They are commonly found living in sewers, drains, floor drains, basements, and crawlspaces.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

To eliminate cockroaches from your home or business, partner with a professional pest control expert. At Augustine Exterminators we provide advanced modern methods that will solve your unique pest problems and prevent future ones. Our trained and certified specialists offer homeowners effective and affordable cockroach control services. To learn more about the residential and commercial pest control services we provide throughout the Greater Kansas City area, call Augustine Exterminators today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Cockroaches are tough to guard against. There are some steps you can take to make your Kansas City Metro property less attractive to these invasive pests.

  • Eliminate entrance points into your home by repairing holes in window and door screens.

  • Maintain gutters to ensure they are directing water away from the outside of your home.

  • Maintain outdoor eating areas and pick up uneaten pet food.

  • Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels.

  • Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls.

  • Seal spaces around wires, cables, pipes and other utilities entering into your home.

  • Reduce access to food sources by placing locking lids on outdoor trashcans and compost bins.

  • Wash dishes daily, store food inside of the refrigerator or in air-tight containers, and vacuum regularly.

 

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