Roach Problems

COMMON ROACHES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST:

German cockroaches are the most common in the Pacific Northwest. They are about 1/4″ to 1/2″ long and tan to light brown. Although they have wings, they do not fly. Baby roaches are similar in appearance to adults except that they are smaller and lack wings. The German cockroach is best identified by its small size and by two dark parallel lines running from the back of the head to the wings. It is usually found in kitchens (near dishwashers, stoves, and sinks) and in bathrooms of homes or restaurants.

Another type of cockroach (Brown-banded cockroaches) also have wings, are about 5/8 inch long and are light brown to dark glossy brown. Males are capable of flight. Nymphs and females are broad when viewed from above, while the male is slender. The male’s wings cover the abdomen, whereas the female’s wings are short, exposing the abdomen. Most cockroaches have a flattened, oval shape, spiny legs, and long, filamentous antennae. Immature stages are smaller, have undeveloped wings and resemble adults. These roaches have two light, transverse bands across the base of the wings and abdomen. These bands may appear irregular or broken but are usually quite apparent on the nymphs and females. These insects feed on starchy materials and even non-food materials such as nylon stockings. These roaches are active at night, and nymphs and adults jump rapidly when disturbed. These pests do not require as much moisture as German cockroaches and tend to avoid light.

HABITAT :

They prefer to hide in warm, elevated areas near the ceiling, behind wall decorations and loose wallpaper, in closets, beneath or inside upholstered furniture, and in electrical appliances such as TV sets, stereos, radios, and toasters. They develop and live throughout the building, making control difficult. No room or furniture is immune to infestations, and one may find tiny, dark droppings and cast skins on cabinets and shelves. The roaches are commonly transported in furniture, luggage, and other items in houses and soon develop into annoying infestations under warm, humid conditions.

Without a professional pest control operator’s help, roaches are nearly impossible to control for the average home, apartment or business once infested.