Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches are hearty, adaptable, scavenging insects. These insects have been around for eons and survived through sheer grit and guts. They can feed on almost anything and adapt to virtually any living condition. Most of the world's cockroach species live outside, well away from people, but some have adapted to living near people, taking advantage of the food and shelter we provide.

The most common cockroaches to get into structures in the greater Maryland area and make themselves at home are American, German, and Oriental cockroaches. Cockroaches vary in size and color, but all have a flat oval body, long antennae, and six legs. Many roaches are winged, but most don't fly. The large American cockroach is the species you have to worry about flying around your home in our region.

Cockroaches are scavengers and naturally come into contact with many bacteria, diseases, and human pathogens. Any surface or piece of food in your home that cockroaches crawl across will become contaminated with pathogens that can make you and your family ill.

In addition, cockroaches leave piles of feces and shed skins. Both put many allergens into the air, which can trigger breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and other allergies.

Cockroaches pose multiple dangers, and we can never tolerate their presence in our homes and businesses.

Things that attract cockroaches living outside in our yards into our homes are food, moisture, and shelter. As cockroaches roam outside, small spaces in your home's exterior allow these pests to move inside.

Once inside, if there is ample food, water sources, and places of shelter, the cockroaches will settle in and make themselves at home, feeding, breeding, and increasing their numbers.

Cockroaches are also avid hitchhikers. The German cockroach moves easily from structure to structure in things like appliances, boxes, deliveries, and bags.

American cockroaches are also referred to as palmetto bugs as they commonly live on or around palmetto trees. They also hang outside in garden areas under mulch, landscaping ties, and rocks. Though American cockroaches live quite successfully outside, they will move indoors during harsh weather or while foraging for food.

Oriental cockroaches are called "water bugs" because they prefer to live in or near environments with excess moisture present. Outside, Oriental cockroaches live near sewers and drains, in garbage piles, under mulch, and under leaves or other piles of debris.

German cockroaches have adapted to living indoors with people. These roaches are common pests in homes, restaurants, schools, hotels, food processing facilities, and wherever else food is prepared or stored.

Inside our homes, most cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid areas. Our kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and basement are most likely to become overrun by these scavenging, opportunistic pests.

Cockroaches hide their flat bodies in dark, tight cracks and crevices, doing their best to camouflage their presence. If you are spotting cockroaches scurrying around your home during the day, it is a sign that there is likely a large infestation present.

Cockroaches are pests that must be removed from our homes quickly. Partnering with a local and dedicated professional is the best way to ensure every cockroach in your home is found, treated, and eliminated! At Womack Pest Control, we have been trusted to eliminate cockroaches and other pests from Maryland homes since 1943.

Highly-trained technicians, high-quality services, and a dedication to our customers are why we should be your number one choice for all your pest control needs. Contact us today for more information about our trustworthy residential pest control or commercial pest control options.

There are many things you can do in and around your home to avoid issues with cockroaches. Here are some of our top prevention tips:

• Store pantry items in hard-sided containers with locking lids.
• Never keep perishable foods out on counters.
• Regularly vacuum and sweep your home.
• Always inspect secondhand items, boxes, and deliveries for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.
• Create a barrier between mulch or garden areas and your foundation.
• Regularly inspect your home's exterior, sealing any openings you discover.

For more information about cockroaches and how we can work together to keep them at bay, please call today!