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| Cockroaches have established themselves as pests
because of their habits. Our human environments and food provide them
with a suitable existence. Researchers have found that asthmatic children
were significantly more allergic to cockroach allergens than they
were to allergens like cat dander or dust mites. About 8% of the population
of the U.S. are allergic to cockroaches. |
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German Cockroach
 The
German Cockroach is the most economically important of the
urban pest cockroaches because of the damage it inflicts, its public
health implications and its status as the most common cockroach
species found in homes and institutions in the U.S.
The adult appears small in size (about one-half-inch in length),
is tan in color and has a pair of "racing stripes" on the pronotum,
the shield-like area of the thorax that covers the head. Adult males
differ from adult females in that they are smaller in size and capsule-shaped.
Adult females are also much broader across their abdominal area
than the males. Females are often seen carrying an egg case from
the end of their abdomens.
German cockroaches are quite prolific, producing one egg case every
28 days. Each egg case contains about 30 to 48 very small cockroach
nymphs inside. A female need only mate once in her lifetime, as
she is able to store sperm form that one mating to inseminate all
of her future egg cases.
Adults can live for one year depending on the presence of water.
They prefer fermented foods and fats. Their preferred environment
is a warm, moist and dark space that has a readily available food
source. Cracks and crevices near kitchens, bathrooms, sinks, basements,
air conditioners or refrigerator drip pans all provide excellent
areas. 
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American Cockroach
 American
cockroaches are larger than German cockroaches (1 ½ -2½ inches
long). They are reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the
body region behind the head. They may run rapidly or even fly when
disturbed.
American cockroaches generally live in moist area, but can survive
in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer temperatures
around 85 degrees and do not tolerate cold temperatures. They live
in basements and sewers and feed on a variety of plant and animal
material.
Females produce egg cases and carry them protruding from the tip
of the abdomen for about two days after which they are placed on
a surface in a hidden location. Egg cases are 3/8 inches long, brown
and purse shaped. After 6-8 weeks immature cockroaches emerge from
the egg cases. Their life span is about one year.
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 Brown-banded
Cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches are small (5/8 inches long) with two
light yellow or cream-colored bands across their back. Their average
life span is about 160 days. They prefer temperatures between 75
and 80 degrees. The egg capsule is yellowish or reddish brown in
color and 3/16 inches in length.
The female carries the egg capsule for 24 to 36 hours and then
attaches it to an object such as a desk, table or other furniture.
For this reason they are frequently transported in furniture and
will spread rapidly through an entire building. They can be found
on ceilings, walls, behind picture frames, light switches, closets,
and near motors of refrigerators or other heat sources. They are
not normally seen in the daytime.
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Control of Cockroaches
Sticky traps can be used to identify the scope and area of the infestation.
Sanitation measures of the infested area are crucial to controlling
cockroaches. All sources of moisture must be cleaned up and eliminated;
clutter that may serve as harborage space must be removed, and all
cracks and crevices must be caulked.
After sanitation and exclusionary measures have been exercised,
non chemical and chemical control measures should be used. One non-chemical
approach involves using a vacuum-cleaning system with a HEPA (high-efficiency
particulate air) filtration device. Vacuums remove large number
of cockroaches at once, and will also remove any associated cast
skins or frass (feces). The HEPA filter prevents re-release of these
vacuumed particles into the environment. If chemical measures are
necessary, baiting (either bait stations or bait gel) can be used.
Bait stations offer greater protection from contamination by cleaning
products, other pesticides or by dust and dirt, resulting in a longer
residual effect. They provide more bait per placement than gel for
heavily infested areas. They are easier to inspect and monitor for
feeding activity. Also they can be dated for easy monitoring (as
they are effective for up to one year or until the bait is completely
consumed). In addition, bait stations can be used in commercial
food handling areas.
Bait gel can be placed directly into small cracks, crevices, and
voids that harbor roaches. Gel is easy to hide so residents will
not see bait placements. It can also be applied in very small size
bait placements, if necessary. Smaller, more frequent gel placements
provide faster control than larger, less frequent placements. Also,
bait gel offers lower cost per placement than bait stations. AAA
American Exterminators II can work with you and offer the best solution
for the specific site to be treated.
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(860) 582-9242