Cockroaches are found all over the nation. As one of the common pest invaders, there are few who do not know what a cockroach is. They are grotesque creatures that can trigger allergy and asthma attacks and spread serious diseases and ailments as they spread germs and bacteria around your home. Have a cockroach in your home may not seem serious, but where there is one cockroach, there are many. If you have an infestation of cockroaches it is in your better interest to call the professionals of Stewart Termite & Pest Control for elimination. At this time, we would like to share the most common cockroaches found in Pennsylvania.
Common Types of Roaches Found in Pennsylvania
American cockroach. American cockroaches are among the largest species in the U.S. They average anywhere between 1-2 inches length have wings that give them flight, a reddish brown with a yellow or pale brown border. They are capable of flying short distances and can glide to extend their air time. These roaches will invade in a search for food or water. American cockroaches, once inside, are usually found in basements, bathrooms, or kitchens.
Brown-banded cockroach. These cockroaches typically average about ½ inch and are among the smaller species of roaches. Brown-banded cockroaches are light brown and have presence of 2 lighter transverse bands that run from one side to the other across the base of their wings and abdomen. Both female and male have wings but only the males can fly. Once they invade inside your home, brown-banded cockroaches can congregate in the attic, above ceilings, and around the motors of appliances.
German cockroach. Another smaller species of roach, German cockroaches average ½ to ⅝ of an inch long, they are generally a pale to medium brown color, with two dark stripes on its anterior dorsal portion of its thorax. Both male and females have fully developed wings, but neither sex can fly. Preferring warmer and more humid areas in a structure, they almost exclusively live indoors, favoring the kitchens and bathrooms
Oriental cockroach. Oriental cockroaches can be found in all parts of the United States, females generally measure roughly 1 ¼ of an inch, and males are about a 1 inch. The female only has wing pads and cannot fly and though the male has wings that cover about ¾ of their abdomen, they cannot fly either. These roaches usually have a greasy-looking sheen to its body and range from dark brown to black in color. These roaches have a tendency to be more of a problem in the warmer months and will invade landscaping beds and congregate beneath moist gutters and sewer grates. Inside they are likely to be in rooms that are primarily dark, moist, and undisturbed.
Wood cockroach. These cockroaches can be confused with both American and German cockroaches because of the males’ tan coloring and developed wings. They average ¾ – 1 ¼ inch in length. Females are wingless but are rarely seen. They both have a translucent stripe on the outside edge of their wings and the outside edge of their thorax. These roaches rarely invade in homes and if they do, the males are passing through in May and June as the follow the scent of pheromones produced by the females.
Cockroach Extermination
No matter which of these roaches are intruding into your Pittsburgh home, Stewart Termite and Pest Control to let us take care of the rest.