What is a cockroach?
The famous philosopher of war, Sun Tzu, stressed the importance of knowing your enemy. When it comes to cockroaches, many of us find ourselves locked in a seemingly perpetual struggle. The reason we often fail to win is that we don’t know enough about our enemy! Cockroach control is complex and rarely succeeds if it is done in a haphazard manner.
This article is here to arm you with the knowledge to identify your roach problem, examine the risks they pose, and offer advice on when it is best to contact a pest control professional.
What are signs of a cockroach infestation?
Cockroach droppings
One often overlooked sign of a cockroach infestation is their droppings – however this is a great way to detect an infestation early! Cockroach droppings resemble coffee grounds or black pepper and are usually found in areas where they feed or travel, such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, and behind appliances.
The amount and size of the feces can indicate the type and severity of your infestation. Smaller droppings typically belong to smaller species like the German roach, while larger species like the American cockroach leave behind more substantial waste.
Cockroach egg cases
Another clear indicator of a cockroach problem is the presence of egg cases, or oothecae. These brownish, capsule-shaped casings are often found in hidden, dark areas such as under furniture, in crevices, or near food sources.
Each egg case contains up to 50 eggs – which is why cockroach infestations seemingly explode out of nowhere!. Finding these egg cases is a sign that cockroaches are actively breeding in your home, and prompt action is needed to control their population.
Cockroaches have a smell
A less obvious but equally telling sign of an infestation is the presence of a musty or oily odor. Cockroaches emit pheromones to communicate with each other, and in large numbers, this smell becomes noticeable. It is often described as musty, oily, or even sweet, and it can linger in areas where cockroaches are active.
This odor can permeate food, fabrics, and other materials, making it an unpleasant indicator of a significant infestation. If you notice this smell, it is a strong sign that you need to take immediate steps to address the cockroach problem in your home.
Seeing roaches is a bad sign!
Finally, seeing live cockroaches is the most obvious sign of an infestation. Spotting one cockroach isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, but it can be a warning sign especially if it occurs during the day, as cockroaches are typically nocturnal.
Frequent sightings, particularly in the daytime, often signify a more severe infestation. Cockroaches are adept at hiding, so seeing them out in the open usually means their hiding places are overcrowded. This visual confirmation, combined with other signs like droppings and egg cases means it is time to take action.
What kinds of cockroaches are found in homes?
Globally, there are ~4,600 species of cockroaches and about 30 find themselves in regular contact with humans. However, here in South Carolina there are just 8 species of cockroaches which are commonly encountered in our homes:
- American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai)
- Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
- Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
- German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
- Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
- Smoky Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)
Surinam Cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis)
Identifying which species of cockroach is infesting your home isn’t a purely academic endeavor – different treatment methods work better for particular species. The first thing that a qualified pest control technician will do is identify the species of your roach infestation – allowing them to select the right insecticide and application method.
How can I identify different species of cockroaches?
An important step in treating cockroach infestations is properly identifying what type of cockroach is infesting your home. Here is a brief identification guide for the most common types of roaches found in South Carolina:
Identifying large cockroaches (1” or greater in length)
Is it reddish brown? Then it is either an American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) or an Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae).
American cockroaches have a figure-8 shape on top of their head, while Australian cockroaches have yellow stripes which run along their right and left sides.
If the color is a dark brown or black, then you’re looking at either a Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) or a Smoky Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa).
Oriental cockroaches are relatively slow and clumsy compared to other large roach species, and unlike Smokey Brown roaches, their wings do not fully cover their abdomen.
Identifying small cockroaches (Adults smaller than 1”)
If the cockroach has 2 dark stripes on the pronotum (area behind the head), you are either looking at a German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) or an Asian Cockroach (Blattella asahinai). These two species are nearly identical visually, but can be told apart by their behavior. Asian cockroaches are strong flyers and often fly towards lights. German cockroaches can use their wings to glide – but do so rarely.
If the roach has light brown or yellow colored bands running horizontally across their bodies, you can be confident that you’re looking at a Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa).
If you’ve found these small roaches in potted plants or a greenhouse, then the most likely culprit is the Surinam Cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis).
Note: Cockroaches go through as many as 14 different molts, getting larger each time they shed their exoskeleton.
This means that juvenile cockroaches may be mistaken for adults. Adults are recognizable by the presence of wings – a roach without wings is in one of their juvenile nymph stages.
Which cockroaches can fly?
For people from colder climates, the idea of a flying cockroach sounds like a nightmare. However, as anyone who has experienced the hot and humid summer nights of coastal South Carolina, this nightmare is very real. Colloquially, flying cockroaches are called ‘palmetto bugs,’ but there are in fact a couple species of cockroach found in South Carolina that can fly: the American Cockroach and the Australian Cockroach.
These species are fast runners and relatively weak flyers – usually only flying in short bursts. However bad at flight they may be, their tendency to fly unexpectedly directly at people causes more than little alarm!
While both of these species are found throughout the United States, they are more active fliers in southern states, when the temperature is higher. In cooler conditions they seem to prefer simply scurry rapidly along the ground.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Some people believe that cockroaches can bite – but there really isn’t much evidence to suggest that this happens. However, regardless of whether or not they bite, they can and do impact our health.
What people mistake for cockroach bites are usually scratches from the stiff hairs that line their legs. Many individuals experience allergic reactions to these scratches, and also these hairs can be covered with bacteria leading to infection.
And the same bacteria that can cause infections on your skin also cause food spoilage and may even spread certain food-borne pathogens.
Do cockroaches cause asthma?
The risk of allergens and bacteria don’t stop with direct contact. For example, cockroach allergens are one of the most common reaction sources for people with indoor asthma. As many as 40 to 60% of people who suffer from asthma indoors show reactivity to cockroach allergens.
If you or someone in your family has asthma that is made worse by time spent indoors, this is a cause that should not be overlooked.
What attracts cockroaches to your home?
Some bugs seem to prefer to live outside – they might occasionally wander into our homes, but they don’t enjoy domestic life. Cockroaches however, are different. They like living in our homes, and that is because our homes offer them food, water, and shelter.
In particular, these are the things cockroaches find appealing about our homes:
- Food crumbs and spills: Unattended food particles are a major draw for cockroaches
- Standing water: Leaky pipes, pet water bowls, and damp areas like crawl spaces provide the moisture cockroaches need to survive.
- Clutter: Piles of paper, cardboard, and other clutter offer hiding places and nesting materials.
- Trash: Unsealed garbage bins and trash bags attract cockroaches with the scent of decaying food.
- Pet food: Leftover pet food in bowls or unsecured storage containers can be an easy meal for cockroaches.
- Dirty dishes: Leaving dirty dishes in the sink or around the house can provide a feast for these pests.
By eliminating these attractants, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a cockroach infestation. Regular cleaning, proper food storage, and fixing leaks are key steps in keeping these unwelcome visitors at bay.
How can I prevent cockroach infestations?
No one wants a cockroach infestation – yet most people only take action after they already are experiencing one! However, if you take the following steps you can avoid having cockroaches in the first place:
- Keep your home clean: Regularly sweep, mop, and vacuum to remove food crumbs and spills. Pay particular attention to your kitchen, dining room, and rooms where children regularly play.
- Store food properly: Use airtight containers for food storage and avoid leaving food out overnight.
- Fix leaks: Repair any leaky pipes or faucets to eliminate the water sources that create the high humidity environments which cockroaches prefer.
- Limit humidity: Use a dehumidifier in any areas of your home that are excessively humid. If your crawl space has moisture problems, consider investing in a water management system like a moisture barrier.
- Reduce clutter: Keep your home organized and free of piles of paper, cardboard, and other materials that can serve as hiding places.
- Seal entry points: Close off gaps and cracks in walls, doors, and windows to prevent cockroaches from entering. Expanding spray foam is good for larger cracks and voids while silicone caulking is ideal for smaller cracks.
- Take out the trash regularly: Use garbage cans with a lid and take trash bags out frequently to reduce attractants. While large trash cans are convenient, a smaller one may be a better choice as the bags need to be taken out more frequently.
- Clean up pet food: Remove pet food bowls after feeding and store pet food in sealed containers.
- Monthly pest control treatments: Schedule regular preventative treatments with a professional pest control service to keep cockroaches at bay.
How small of a crack can cockroaches get through?
If you are wondering where your cockroaches are coming from, you aren’t alone. These creatures can appear from seemingly nowhere and after skittering into a dark corner they vanish just as quickly.
Even large species, like the American cockroach which can exceed 1.5 inches in length, can fit through 3 millimeter tall cracks (the height of a stack of two pennies!).
What are the most effective DIY ways to get rid of roaches?
Roaches are incredibly resilient pests and many products on the market that claim to get rid of them simply don’t work very well. We recommend against aerosol sprays and foggers as these products almost never eliminate the problem and can leave behind residues which are dangerous to children and pets. Instead, a good place to start is with bait traps and/or boric acid.
Using roach bait traps to control cockroaches
Roach bait traps come in a variety of forms, ranging from plastic ‘roach motels’ to gel baits. These slow-acting poisons are quite effective but take some time to achieve their results.
Which bait trap should I use?
We recommend choosing bait traps that specifically state they are effective on the species of cockroach infesting your home. However, do be aware that cockroaches quickly evolve resistance to pesticides!
You might need to try a few different brands of traps before you find success, and there is a possibility that your roaches are already resistant to readily available treatments. In these cases your best option is to work with a professional pest management company.
Where should I place bait traps?
Place bait traps in areas where cockroaches are likely to travel or congregate. Focus on high-traffic areas such as:
- Kitchens: Near sinks, behind or under refrigerators and stoves, and inside cabinets.
- Bathrooms: Under sinks, around toilets, and near drains.
- Other Areas: Basements, garages, and any dark, moist places where cockroaches may hide.
Before placing bait traps, clean the area to remove competing food sources. This ensures that cockroaches are more likely to be attracted to the bait.
How many bait traps should I use?
The bare minimum number of traps to use is 1 to 2 per room. You will likely see faster and better results with more: 5 or 6 per room is usually enough.
If you have small children or pets, take care to place bait traps only in areas where they will be inaccessible to curious fingers and mouths.
Using boric acid to control cockroaches
Boric acid is a highly effective and affordable solution for controlling and eliminating cockroach infestations. When used correctly, it can target and kill these pests while being relatively safe for humans and pets.
How Boric Acid Works
Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound that acts as a poison for cockroaches. When cockroaches come into contact with boric acid, it adheres to their bodies. As they groom themselves, they ingest the boric acid, which disrupts their digestive and nervous systems, ultimately leading to their death.
How to use boric acid for cockroach treatment
1. Identify target areas:
- Focus on high-traffic areas where cockroaches are likely to hide, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Look for cracks, crevices, and other entry points where cockroaches can enter your home.
2. Prepare the area:
- Clean the targeted areas thoroughly to remove food debris and other attractants.
- Ensure the areas are dry, as boric acid is most effective when applied to dry surfaces.
3. Apply boric acid:
- Lightly dust a thin layer of boric acid in the target areas.
- Use a squeeze bottle or a bulb duster for precise application. Avoid piling boric acid, as cockroaches may avoid large clumps.
4. Safety precautions:
- Keep boric acid out of reach of children and pets. While it is less toxic to humans and animals, ingestion can still be harmful.
- Wear gloves and a mask during application to avoid direct contact and inhalation of the powder.
How to get the best results from boric acid
- Check the treated areas regularly: Monitor the effectiveness of the boric acid and reapply as necessary, especially after cleaning or if the powder becomes wet.
- Combine with other methods: For best results, use boric acid in conjunction with other control methods such as bait traps, sealing entry points, and maintaining cleanliness.
- Replace periodically: Refresh the boric acid every few weeks to ensure it remains effective, especially in areas with high cockroach activity.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Roaches
It’s been said that roaches can survive a nuclear apocalypse – and while this pithy statement does speak to their durability, it is an exaggeration. However, just because they won’t survive a nuke, doesn’t mean that they are an easy foe to conquer in our homes. It’s common for homeowners to try sprays, granules, sticky traps, foggers, electronic repellents, and more, all without lasting success.
Professional exterminators are the most reliable way to rid your home of cockroaches. They have access to more potent pesticides and the training to safety and effectively apply them. Ideally you will want to find a pest control company which has a recurring treatment plan as the efficacy of pesticides decreases over time and reapplication is necessary.
