Scavenger insects like cockroaches frequently invade homes. These insects typically have oval-shaped, flattened bodies, long antennae, and spiny legs. They are omnivores, meaning they consume anything, including waste, leftover food, and even each other’s bodies. They are, indeed, quite repulsive. For more information, it’s advisable to get in touch with specialists in Hinsdale Pest Control.
How Can You Identify Cockroaches?
Cockroaches come in various varieties, with the German and American cockroaches being the most prevalent in the United States.
- German Cockroaches: Adult German cockroaches are small, measuring ½ to ¾ inches in length, usually light brown or tan, with two parallel stripes on their backs. They are ubiquitous in the United States.
- American Cockroaches: Some adult American cockroaches are over two inches long. They are reddish-brown with raccoon-like markings on the tops of their heads and are widespread across the United States.
Identifying Cockroach Droppings
Cockroach droppings identification is straightforward. Small cockroaches and nymphs produce droppings resembling ground coffee or pepper. Larger cockroaches excrete dark cylinders with ridges. Cockroach feces can also appear as greasy discoloration.
Typical Habitats for Cockroaches
- Widespread Species: German, American, and Brown-banded cockroaches are common across the United States, while Asian and Smoky brown roaches are prevalent in the hot, humid southern states.
- Frequent Locations: Cockroaches often inhabit stacks of cardboard, damp areas like cellars and closets, cupboards with leaking pipes, and dark spaces like drawers and beneath appliances.
Cockroaches can also enter homes in shipping boxes or reside in landscaping. However, they are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms due to their need for food and water.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroach infestations are usually quite obvious. Warning signs include smear marks, shed skins, foul odors, discovery of droppings or egg cases, and cockroaches fleeing when lights are turned on.
Potential Harm from Cockroaches
While cockroaches cause only minor physical damage to homes, they pose significant health risks. They can carry and spread pathogens and diseases such as Salmonella, cholera, dysentery, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, leprosy, listeria, typhoid fever, streptococcus, staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. Additionally, their droppings can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
If you are dealing with a cockroach infestation at home, consulting a professional pest control service is crucial.