Cockroaches are hard-shelled insects that seem to find their way into the most difficult-to-reach areas of your home. These hide-and-seek masters are difficult to target and eliminate with common pesticides, making them very stubborn pests to get rid of. When you are searching for complete, effective cockroach control in Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding areas, give the experts at Frontline Pest Control a call.

Common Types of Cockroaches

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are a species of cockroach that are typically small in size, reaching about half an inch in length. They are easily identifiable by the distinctive brown bands that run across their wings and abdomen. These cockroaches are primarily found indoors, preferring warm and dry environments such as inside cabinets, appliances, and furniture. They are known to feed on a wide range of materials including food, paper, and fabrics

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches, also known as water bugs or black beetles, are a type of large, shiny, and dark-colored cockroach species. They are typically around 1 inch in length and have a distinct musky odor. Oriental cockroaches prefer cool and damp environments, and can often be found in basements, crawl spaces, and drains.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches, also known as palmetto bugs, are one of the largest species of cockroaches, measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in length. They are reddish-brown in color with a yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of their head. American cockroaches are fast-moving and are capable of flight. They prefer warm and moist environments and are often found in dark, damp areas such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. While they are not known to be direct disease vectors, American cockroaches can contaminate food and spread bacteria, making them a potential health concern in homes and commercial buildings.

German Cockroaches

The German cockroach is the most common species found around the world and is commonly found in warm, humid spaces like restaurants, hotels, food processing plants, and other institutions where food and water sources are abundant. They are light brown or tan with two dark parallel stripes running down their backs. Adult German cockroaches are one-half to 5/8 inches long and may leave behind pepper-like feces that leave stains behind.

What Attracts Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are attracted to various things in their environment, including food, moisture, warmth, and shelter. They have a strong sense of smell and can detect even small amounts of food and water, which are their primary sources of sustenance. Cockroaches are known to feed on a wide variety of foods, including crumbs, grease, and even pet food. They are also attracted to warm and humid environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where they can find water and shelter. 

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

If you’re on the fence about whether or not your home has a cockroach infestation, be on the lookout for these common signs:

• Droppings. Many cockroaches leave behind droppings in the dim areas they hide in, which can be mistaken for mouse feces. They are small and black and often look like specks of pepper, coffee grounds, or small grains of rice. 
• Eggs. Be on the lookout for dark-colored egg capsules, which are often found near food or water sources in basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other places where cockroaches hide. They are about 8 mm in size. 
• Smell. Many cockroaches produce a musty-smelling pheromone that they use to communicate with one another. The more cockroaches you have in your home, the heavier the smell will be.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

Once a cockroach infestation begins, it can be incredibly difficult to fully eradicate your home from these very persistent pests. The best approach is to practice preventive pest control in order to stop them from entering your property in the first place. 

To prevent cockroach infestations, consider the following:

• Keep your living spaces clean and free of food debris and crumbs.
• Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly.
• Seal up cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and pipes to prevent cockroaches from entering.
• Reduce moisture in your home by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers.
• Take out your trash regularly and keep trash cans clean.
• Vacuum and sweep your floors frequently, especially in areas where you eat and prepare food.
• Consider using cockroach baits or traps as a preventative measure.

Schedule a Cockroach Treatment With Frontline Pest Today

Whether you’ve had enough of your unwanted cockroach visitors or you want to make sure that they never come knocking on your door in the first place, Frontline Pest can help. Our pest professionals will treat the interior and exterior of your home with safe, effective pesticides and baited traps, so you’ll be living pest-free in no time. When you’re ready for personalized pest control services from local experts, give us a call or contact us online to set up your Maryland and Virginia cockroach control treatments today!