Found all over the world, cockroaches are a common invader and notorious across the globe. Roaches are more than creepy; they can trigger allergy and asthma attacks in addition to spreading serious diseases and ailments as the germs and bacteria contaminate surfaces around your home. Seeing one roach generally indicates a serious infestation and if you have cockroaches, you need professional treatments to ensure they are effectively wiped out. Though there are quite a few species of roaches, we at Stewart Termite & Pest Control would like to briefly account the common species in Pennsylvania.
American Cockroach
Within the United States, American cockroaches are among the largest species. Being a reddish brown with a yellow or pale brown border, they average anywhere between 1-2 inches length have wings that give them flight. Being capable of flying short distances and can glide to extend their airtime. These cockroaches will often infiltrate homes or business when they need to search for food or water. Once inside, American cockroaches, are usually found in basements, bathrooms, or kitchens.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Among the smaller species of roaches, these cockroaches only average about ½ inch. Running from one side to the other across the base of their wings and abdomen2 lighter transverse bands show up against the light brown. Only the males can fly though both female and male have wings. Brown-banded cockroaches can congregate in the attic, above ceilings, and around the motors of appliances after they invade inside your home.
German Cockroach
German cockroaches are generally a pale to medium brown color, with two dark stripes on its anterior dorsal portion of its thorax, and as a smaller species of roach, they average ½ to ⅝ of an inch long. Neither sex can fly, both male and females have fully developed wings. These almost exclusively live indoors, favoring the kitchens and bathrooms as they prefer warmer and more humid areas in a structure.
Oriental Cockroach
Females generally measure roughly 1 ¼ of an inch, and males are about a 1-inch, Oriental cockroaches can be found in all parts of the United States. They cannot fly, but the female only has wing pads and cannot fly and though the male has wings that cover about ¾ of their abdomen. Generally, they have a greasy-looking sheen to its body and range from dark brown to black in color. They congregate beneath moist gutters and sewer grates; these roaches have a tendency to be more of a problem in the warmer months and will invade landscaping beds. In rooms that are primarily dark, moist, and undisturbed are likely areas.
Wood Cockroach
Because of the male’s tan coloring and developed wings, these cockroaches can be confused with both American and German cockroaches and average ¾ – 1 ¼ inch in length. Females are rarely seen and do not have wings. Both sexes have a translucent stripe on the outside edge of their wings and the outside edge of their thorax. The males are passing through in May and June as the follow the scent of pheromones produced by the females since these roaches rarely invade in homes and if they.
Cockroach Control
Call Stewart Termite and Pest Control to let us take care of the rest no matter what type of cockroach species or other pest are intruding into your Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home.