Types of Cockroaches
American Cockroaches
Also called the water bug or palmetto bug, the American cockroach is the largest roach species you’ll find in your home. They’re a reddish-brown with antennae, six legs, and wings that enable them to fly short distances. American cockroaches nest in warm, moist, and dark spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches are named for the two lighter bands that run across their otherwise dark brown bodies. At half an inch long, these roaches can hide in a variety of unusual places, including behind picture frames. They will eat almost anything, from food scraps to wallpaper. The most common way for brown-banded cockroaches to come inside your home is through infested items such as furniture, groceries, and electronics.
German Cockroaches
The German cockroach is the most common species worldwide. They’re less than an inch long and a light brown, with two dark stripes on their head. They’re often found in residential and commercial buildings, most often in bathrooms or kitchens. German cockroach infestations cause a mild, musty odor that worsens over time. This species of roach can also cause illness and allergic reactions.
Oriental Cockroaches
With shiny black bodies, Oriental cockroaches are the easiest to identify. Despite having wing pads, this species does not have actual wings and cannot fly. They frequent moist areas like gutters, sewers, storm drains, and flowerbeds. Oriental cockroaches enter your home through utility pipes and the crawl space, often nesting in bathrooms to stay near a water source.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are notoriously stubborn pests. They’re able to live one month without food, one week without water, and several days without its head. While store-bought treatments may seem effective, they only give you short-term relief. For lasting results, trust the experts here at Protective Thermal Solutions. Our exterminators will quickly and safely eliminate cockroaches, guaranteed!