Cockroach FAQs

Roaches are oval, flat insects that vary in size depending on the species. The most common roach characteristics include the following.

1. Roaches have six long legs with pads that enable them to scale surfaces or walk on walls.
2. Male cockroaches are smaller than females, who carry the eggs. Male cockroaches of certain species, on the other hand, can possess wings.
3. Roach nymphs are paler in color and will molt several times before reaching maturity.
4. Cockroaches vary in appearance depending on their species: American cockroaches are large and reddish-brown in color. German roaches are nearly half the size of American roaches and are brown in color. Oriental roaches are nearly black in color and are also on the larger side.

As scavengers, roaches will eat just about anything and everything. Cockroaches are omnivores that are known to feed on all sorts of organic material. They are known to prefer three kinds of food: sweets, starches, and animal proteins. Roaches especially love anything that is greasy or fermented. If these options are unavailable to them, they will go as far as to eat book bindings, paper, glue, and dead insects they find.

For the most part, cockroaches have underdeveloped wings and are thus incapable of flight. The species that are able to fly are weak fliers at that, and don’t often use this tactic to their advantage. The American cockroach, one of the most common roaches in our area, will glide from a higher elevation to a lower one using its wings. In general, roaches are found scuttling around on their long legs.

Roaches can get inside your home easier than you may want to believe. The most common ways include the following:

1. Cracks and crevices. Like many other kinds of pests, roaches make their way indoors from your yard by squeezing through openings around your doors and windows.
2. Plumbing fixtures. An especially common occurrence in multi-family housing, roaches are sometimes found moving from unit to unit through plumbing systems. This is often seen with Oriental cockroaches.
3. Groceries. German and brown-banded roaches are the most common kind of cockroach found in grocery bags. They can easily sneak into your home from an infested environment without your knowledge.
4. Sewers or drains. Similar to plumbing, sewer systems are a common avenue for American cockroaches to infest homes through. Use steel wool or screens to block off gaps that they would be able to crawl through.

Roaches may strike fear in the heart of many, but they are unlikely to purposefully hurt you. However, roach infestations have been known to trigger health problems for some individuals. This is because roaches carry germs and bacteria that can contaminate food and surfaces in your home. When roaches feed on your food, they can spread bacteria that can possibly infect you.

Roaches are indeed nocturnal. These pests prefer to come out at night when people are not around. In the daytime, roaches prefer to hide in dark, damp areas of your home or business. If you spot cockroaches crawling around during the day, this is a bad sign you have a serious cockroach infestation on your hands. 

Cockroach bites are rare, especially considering these pests typically want to stay away from people altogether. However, a bite can occur in a very rare circumstance. If a bite occurs, this means that the population of cockroaches has grown too large for its food sources. A cockroach bite will likely occur at night on your face, hands, or fingers. It will look like a bed bug bite, but typically only one bump will show up. As with all bug bites, always contact a medical professional if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Cockroaches are known carriers of germs and diseases that can contaminate surfaces, and you can easily become sick. It’s especially dangerous when cockroaches infest pantries and food.

Roaches can also trigger allergies in some people. Roach droppings, skin, and saliva have all been found to contain particles that can trigger allergic reactions.

It can be confusing to know why you have a cockroach problem. Like any pest, roaches are attracted to food, water, and shelter in your home.

1. Food: Crumbs, spilled drinks, and unsealed food will all quickly attract roaches. Cockroaches are not picky and can find the most unsavory food remnants in or near your property suitable for feasting on.
2. Water: Cockroaches prefer damp, humid environments. Leaky pipes or faucets will draw cockroaches toward your pipes and plumbing. This is why roaches are common in basements and bathrooms.
3. Shelter: Like other small insects, cockroaches will gain entry into your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. Always inspect your property and seal holes with caulking to make your home impenetrable.

We’ve all heard that cockroaches can “survive a nuclear apocalypse”. However, that is simply a myth. Cockroaches are one of the most resilient creatures on the planet. That being said, any animal, insect or not, will die if they cannot find a proper source of food and water. Keeping a tidy kitchen and a neat home will prevent them from hanging around your home for long, if at all.