How To Identify Cockroaches

Cockroaches are common and gross creatures that are found all around the world. They are very hard to kill because of their tough shell. Unfortunately, they often reside in homes which can be quite embarrassing the home or business owner. Cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they have every opportunity day and night, to make their way into a building. The most common cockroaches are the American and German Cockroach, these will typically be seen indoors.

The American cockroach is the smallest of the cockroaches (around a half an inch long) and is a light or dark brown color, with dark stripes along their back. This cockroach loves sweet foods, grease, or any type of garbage. They prefer to hang out around water, which usually includes kitchens and bathrooms. Be careful! These creatures are very small sneaky critters and will manage to make their way indoors in your backpack, grocery bag, or suitcase.

The second of common type of cockroach is the German Cockroach. It is quite different than the American cockroach because it is one of the largest cockroaches. This means it’s more likely to be caught if it tries to make its way inside, right? Unfortunately no, it still can manage to make into bags or other compartments. Not only does it crawl into just bags, the German cockroach has been known to crawl through toilets through gaining access to the sewer systems. Yikes! Make sure to be on the lookout for these creatures. Normally a reddish-brown body with a light brown center one and a half inches long. These critters are common both indoors and outdoors, preferring moist and dark locations such as gutters, basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and drains.

Now that you have been given the run-down on the common cockroaches, their description, the food they prefer, and know how sneaky they can be, I am sure you would like some tips and methods to get rid of these pests. Well, we have some for you!

(Before you start one of these treatment procedures, be sure to clean all areas that have remnants of food, such as kitchen cabinets, sinks, and the floors. Also, eliminate all water sources by fixing any broken sinks or sweating pipes. Last of all, seal any cracks in windows and door frames to prevent any more cockroaches from entering the building).

Roach baits are one of the best methods to eliminate roaches. Each piece of bait can kill up to 40 roaches at a time, making it a great solution for immediate results. Make sure to place the bait in strategic areas around the home. Often some key places are behind posters, clocks, kitchen cabinets, under piping, in drawers, and anywhere you feel they frequent often. This treatment should be used every 2-3 weeks until the roaches are completely eliminated. You can either purchase roach bait at the store or make your own.

Here’s an easy cockroach bait you can make right at home:

1. Mix together 1 part cocoa, 1 part boric acid, and two parts flour.

2. Sprinkle in the mixture in drawers, cabinets, under appliances, and other areas that the roaches reside.

3. If you live in a very humid climate, put the powder on paper or foil trays then place in the areas.

The insect growth regulators come in a concentrated liquid form, aerosol, and point source stations. This form of control does not actually kill the roach, it only stuns the larva, making it unable to reach adulthood and reproduce. This method is a good way to ensure you are preventing roach infestation, and keep large numbers of existing roaches under control.

Last but not least, a concentrated insecticide is a perfect method to prevent roaches from entering a home or a building. Using the measure, mix, and spray method, this liquid that can be applied to door and window frames, under appliances, and any place that you feel will need coverage.

If you cannot be rid of your roaches with any of these methods, the liquid pesticide is a good last resort. In order for it to be fully effective, it needs to be professional grade and this can only be bought online. You use this method by spraying it around your home and in areas that the cockroaches will be in. 

This is a very harmful solution, killing any bug that it comes in contact with and the areas that have been sprayed will be covered for three months.