German Cockroach

Characteristics
Size: About ½-inch in length
Color: Brown. It is recognized by the two dark, longitudinal stripes on the thorax at the front of the body under the head.

Behavior
The German Cockroach is the most prolific breeder among all cockroaches.
Each egg capsule can contain up to 40 eggs and development from egg to adult can occur in as little as 45 days. The females will deposit their egg sacks making control more difficult. German roaches are not unlike other roaches in their eating habits. They are omnivorous and will eat virtually anything humans will eat.

Habitat
German cockroaches locate themselves close to water and food, making kitchens and bathrooms the first place you will see them. When German roaches are present, they will be found in drawers and in cracks and crevices in the kitchen and bath areas.

Tips for Control
This is a job for a professional! Using the correct method and treating the right areas is of utmost importance.

American Cockroach

Characteristics
Size: Up to 1 1/2-inches long
Color: Reddish Brown

Introduction
There is not a larger roach in the United States that invades structures. This roach likes cool, wet climates, and it is known as the “sewer roach”, “water bug” or “palmetto bug”

Behavior
Roaches are omnivorous and will eat anything that you will eat, including any Crumbs that may fall behind the stove or food left outside after a picnic.

Habitat
This pest thrives in areas such as sewers and any other comparable climates. In southern states, where humidity is higher, they are also found living and breeding outdoors.

Tips for Control
The most important step in treating this pest is to find the source and treat the breeding and dwelling areas directly.

Oriental Cockroach

Characteristics
Size: 1 inch in length
Color: Dark brown to black

Introduction
Male and female oriental cockroaches vary slightly in color and size. The wings
on this species will not cover the entire back. The wings on a male oriental roach extent about ¾ of the abdomen.

Behavior
During the summer months, you are more likely to see them outdoors. But when it begins to cool down, they will make a big push to get indoors. The oriental cockroach prefers warm, wet climates.

Habitat
When this roach is found inside, it will usually be areas that stay warm with high humidity such as basements, crawl spaces, or around water piping. During the summer months, when it is more common to see them outdoors, they prefer storm drains and sewers.

Tips for Control
Keep all cracks and possible entry points in the home sealed tight. A good time to do this is just as the temperature begins to cool down outside.

Brown Banded Cockroach

Characteristics
Size: Adults are 1/2 –inch in length
Color: Light to dark brown with colored bands running across the wings,
directly under the thorax

Introduction
Not unlike the oriental cockroach, the brown banded cockroach also varies in
size and color depending on sex.

Behavior
Brown banded roaches do not require as much moisture as other indoor roaches, such as the German cockroach. Many times, they will be spotted in closets, under furniture, and just about anywhere else! Though omnivorous, they will eat a wide variety of things including organic glues used in books and cabinets.

Tips for Control
Because brown banded roaches prefer the interior of structures, it is very important to seal all possible entry points. This includes sealing holes around plumbing pipes under sinks and in bathrooms. Don’t keep paper bags under sinks or in the kitchen areas.