Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Just like termites, cockroaches are part of the order Blattodea. Although for different reasons, both termites and roaches should never be welcome inside our Virginia homes or businesses. Cockroaches are medium to large-sized insects that live outside but often wind up indoors, taking advantage of the food and shelter we provide them.

As one of the most common pests found living all across the world, cockroaches are relatively easy for most people to identify. Cockroaches have oval-shaped bodies, six legs, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts. Most cockroaches have wings, but most don't use them; instead, cockroaches rely on their legs and people to carry them from place to place. They are also usually a dark brown or black color, helping them to hide.

cockroach on a sink

Cockroaches are scavengers, and their feeding habits help get rid of decaying matter. When living outside and away from humans, cockroaches are an important part of the ecosystem, but these pests become a serious, unwanted issue when they move into our homes and businesses.

Below are some of the most common cockroach species to invade our residential and commercial properties across the United States and Virginia:

Brown-banded cockroaches
German cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches
American cockroaches

Are cockroaches dangerous?

The spread of diseases by cockroaches and their unparalleled ability to contaminate food and surfaces are just a couple of the reasons why we need to keep these pests out of our structures. Cockroaches are also responsible for damaging personal property, creating unpleasant odors, affecting the taste of food, and turning your home into a place you would rather not be.

Cockroaches can spread E. coli, salmonella, gastroenteritis, staph, and strep to people, making us very ill. Before finding a way inside, cockroaches were living and traveling through things like garbage, sewers, drains, and animal waste. As cockroaches crawl over counters, tables, and other surfaces, they contaminate them with bacteria, pathogens, and parasites. After chewing into food packaging, cockroaches contaminate it with excrement and saliva.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

More often than not, the food in and around our homes and businesses attracts cockroaches to our properties. Things like open trash cans, compost piles, and indoor and outdoor eating areas provide these scavengers with the food they need to thrive. Believe it or not, cockroaches can survive without food for long periods, but, having a water source present is most important to them.

While searching for food, water, and shelter, cockroaches often find a way inside our structures on their own through spaces in exterior walls, under doors, or through vents and drains. They also move inside in things like potted plants, boxes, deliveries, and used furniture or appliances. Since cockroaches are mostly nocturnal, you won't see these insects out and about during the day unless the infestation has become very large. The cockroach's ability to successfully hide from us allows their populations to grow very large before we realize they're even there.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a major pest problem and invade places like apartments, houses, hotels, restaurants, stores, schools, and hospitals regularly. Anywhere food is prepped or stored is a place you may find cockroach activity.

Urban areas where many people live close to each other tend to be where these pests thrive the most, but cockroach infestations can pop-up in any home or business, whether you're in a city or a more rural area.

Cockroaches, including American, German, and Oriental, all prefer to live in damp, dark areas. They like to feed, breed, and hide during the day behind things like refrigerators, sinks, and stoves. They also gather around floor drains, sump pumps, and near motors or electrical equipment.

Brown-banded cockroaches differ a bit from the above roaches because they actually prefer to live in hot, dry areas and try to stay away from areas of moisture. The tops of cabinets, pantries, attics, and closets often house brown-banded cockroaches.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Getting rid of cockroaches from your property is a daunting task and one that is best handled by a qualified and experienced professional! National Exterminating Company will eliminate cockroaches from Tidewater, Hampton Roads, and Southside Virginia homes and businesses through our quality pest control services.

With over 44 years of experience in the pest control industry and a deep understanding of area pests that regularly invade residential and commercial properties, you can trust National Exterminating Company to help you maintain a pest-free property! Using low-impact, environmentally friendly pest solutions, we provide the solutions needed to eliminate current problems with cockroaches and prevent them from returning in the future.

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Don't allow cockroaches to take over your home; with our professional services and the following tips, you can stop them from wanting to live in your house:

Since cockroaches are mainly active at night, it makes sense to make sure that you pick up pet food, wash dishes, and clean up leftover food in the kitchen and dining areas before going to bed.
Stop cockroaches from using trash cans as an all-they-can-eat buffet by keeping tight-fitting lids on them.
Remove trash from your home each day.
Minimize clutter in drawers, cabinets, closets, and basements where cockroaches can hide.
Keep cockroaches out of your home by sealing entry points in exterior walls and the foundation. Inspect things like furniture, appliances, deliveries, and grocery bags for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.

Learn more about your home pest control and commercial pest control services.