Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are one of the world’s oldest survivalists. These hearty insects have learned to survive almost anywhere. Their survival instincts are why they have become such a formidable pest to deal with. Cockroaches breed fast, live together in large numbers, and hide out of reach of people; they are a pest no one wants to discover in their home or business.

There are thousands of species of cockroaches living worldwide, but only a select few have become a problem in and around our Alabama and Florida homes:

• American cockroaches
• Asian cockroaches
• German cockroaches
• Oriental cockroaches
• Smoky brown cockroaches

Are cockroaches dangerous?

The ability to spread over 33 kinds of bacteria is just one of the many reasons why cockroaches are considered dangerous pests. Other reasons include triggering allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. Cockroaches are scavengers, and before finding a way into your home or business, were most likely feeding on decaying plant and animal matter. Cockroaches are unhygienic and do not belong around people.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are attracted to our homes and businesses because of the warmth, moisture, and easy access to food they provide them. Cracks in foundations, spaces around utilities, and vents and drains are all used by cockroaches as entry points into homes and commercial facilities.

Cockroaches don’t only move inside using their own six legs; they can also be introduced into structures inside of anything they can crawl into. Boxes, flower pots, deliveries, grocery bags, pieces of used furniture, and electronics are all things that can transport cockroaches into structures.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches belong to the insect order Blattodea. In Latin, “Blatta” means an insect that shuns the light. The name fits as cockroaches spend most of their time in dark spaces, avoiding the light of day. The only time you see roaches out and about during the day is when an infestation is large, and there is a lot of competition for food.

Though most avoid light, it is important to note some species of roaches are attracted to light, and exterior lights are what attract them to our homes and businesses. After finding a way inside, cockroaches move to dark, secluded areas to hide.

Some of their most sought after hiding spots include:

• Behind appliances and cabinets.
• Inside of drawers.
• Inside wall voids near leaky pipes.
• Behind window and door trim.
• Behind baseboards.
• Near drains and sump pumps.