How do I recognize a cockroach?
The most common cockroach in The Northwest is the German
cockroach. It has a flattened oval body with long spiny
legs and measures 15 mm (3/4") when fully grown. Both
male and female are winged. Color is light brown with
two dark brown stripes running lengthwise on the thorax
(middle section).
Do cockroaches cause damage?
No. The presence of cockroaches is not normally
associated with damage to buildings.
Are cockroaches hazardous to
humans?
Yes. Because of their movements through various
habitats, including refuse heaps and sewers, they are
capable of transmitting diseases to man, including:
salmonella bacteria (food poisoning) and many forms of
viruses.
What attracts cockroaches?
Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, and shelter.
They will eat anything and are particularly attracted to
starchy foods.
When are cockroaches most
common?
Cockroaches are active year-round within structures.
When am I most likely to see
cockroaches?
Cockroaches are nocturnal and are most active at night.
Any sudden light will cause scurry for shelter.
Are cockroaches only found
under unclean conditions?
No. They can be found under the cleanest conditions,
wherever food and warmth are present. For this reason
they are a major problem in hospitals, hotels,
restaurants, bakeries, butcher shops, multi-unit
residences and homes. Their habitat is around sinks,
behind stoves and refrigerators, in drains and cracks.
What are their breeding habits?
Do they multiply quickly?
The German female cockroach carries an egg capsule
containing approximately 40 eggs which she drops prior
to hatching. Development from eggs to adults takes three
to four months and cockroaches live up to a year. The
female may produce up to eight egg cases in her
lifetime. An infestation of cockroaches can number in
the thousands.
Do cockroaches die off in cold
months?
No. These hardy and very adaptable insects are primarily
indoor pests and infestations are not affected by
outside temperature.
Can I do anything to prevent a
cockroach infestation?
Although little can be done to prevent an infestation,
the practice of good sanitation and the elimination of
accessible food are ways to minimize the extent of the
infestation. Careful inspection of produce or packages
entering the home can help to prevent cockroaches from
establishing themselves in your building.
If I have an infestation of
cockroaches, what can be done to eliminate them?
The elimination of cockroaches is a difficult and time
consuming project. Your local
Kitsap Pest Control
office has several products developed for the control of
pests such as the cockroach. Due to the nature of
cockroaches, control is a process requiring intensive
product knowledge and a professional should be consulted
for complete elimination.
To
the untrained eye, all cockroaches may look alike. However,
there are actually five species of significance. German,
Brown-banded, Oriental, American and Common Wood cockroaches
are all unwelcome pests.
plants and even glue used for binding books. They can be
found in every part of the home, but most prefer some kind
of damp environment. Since most cockroaches are active at
night, many people may be completely unaware of their
presence in their home. Cockroaches are a public health
concern because they have been known to carry Salmonella
bacteria—the organisms responsible for food poisoning.
