There are four types of cockroaches that live in Washington: German, American, Oriental, and Brown-Banded cockroaches. They all have different habits and characteristics that can lead to infestations depending on different situations. It’s also important to note that these pests pose a potential threat to humans due to the diseases they carry. Understanding the different resources and environments they need to survive can help treat and prevent an infestation from becoming worse. By working with pest control professionals like those here at Independent Pest Solutions will ensure no cockroach will ever get in the way.
WA Cockroach ExterminatoR
Washington state residents may only see these critters from time to time, but in reality, cockroaches are a common pest that infest many homes and businesses. There are four types of cockroaches that live in our state, and they are becoming increasingly more common. During the warm, humid months, cockroaches reproduce more and are more likely to make your home theirs. It’s vital to know how to identify cockroaches so that you can keep them at bay.
Different Types of Cockroaches Found in Washington
While the type of cockroach may not matter to a home or business owner trying to deal with a current infestation, understanding different species could help you determine what kind of services and solutions you need.
- German cockroaches are the most commonly found cockroaches in Washington. They are oval-shaped, with flat bodies and wings, and are smaller than other cockroaches in the area (from half an inch long to 5/8ths of an inch long). They are brown or tan with darker stripes down their backs, and the females are generally wider than the males. They are drawn to kitchens or spaces where they can easily access food.
- American cockroaches can get to be two inches long, and are the largest cockroaches that live in the region. Their coloring consists of light reddish-brown-colors, with lighter tan around the edges of their shield. Both females and males have fully developed wings, which they use. They’re known to be drawn to damp spaces with access to food– especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. When outside, they can be found in mulch and gardens.
- Oriental cockroaches are also large in size, found between an inch and 1.25 inches long. They range from cherry to black coloring, are smooth and shiny, and are also known for giving off a musty odor. The females are wider than the males, but neither female nor male can fly. These cockroaches prefer damp, dark spaces near water sources. This type is often found in basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms.
Brown-banded cockroach. They are usually around 1.5 inches long and are reddish-brown or dark brown in color. As their name suggests, they have tan bands across their wings. The females are shorter and stockier than the males, with undeveloped wings. Males have bigger and functional wings. Brown-banded cockroaches are less common in the area and usually prefer to live outside in warm places. When they do make their way inside, they live in kitchen cabinets, closets, attics, or pantries.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous to Humans?
Unfortunately, cockroach infestations can pose a risk to humans. They can carry diseases such as salmonella, dysentery, polio, and more. They contaminate any surface that they come in contact with, including dishes, food, counters, and more. Aside from spreading diseases, cockroaches can also spread parasites to humans. All in all, it’s safe to say they are not clean creatures; they travel through garbage and sewers and carry those germs with them wherever they go.
Cockroaches can also be a potential risk to people with asthma. Shed skin, saliva, and feces that cockroaches leave behind can trigger allergy attacks and asthma, especially in people with weaker immune systems, such as children and the elderly. Risks such as these would understandably cause one to want a cockroach infestation in their home or business.
What Attracts Cockroaches?
Roaches may choose to come into a human home because they are in search of shelter, warmth, food, or water. When your house provides any of these things or all of the above, cockroaches and other pests take advantage of these awesome conditions and move in.
Cluttered, dirty houses give roaches lots of places to hide. When faucets and pipes are leaking, they have access to moisture and water. Leaving out food or not properly cleaning it up, including not taking out the trash or having dishes in the sink, gives roaches an easy food source.
How to Prevent Cockroaches in Your Home
Cockroaches sneak into houses through open doors or windows, and through cracks. Sealing up these areas keeps pests from getting in. Independent Pest Solutions offers exclusion services, inspecting your property and determining potential entry points that cockroaches could be using. Cockroaches may also hitch a ride into your house on packaging and suitcases, so it’s important to check them before bringing them into your home.
Managing Cockroach Infestations
If you’ve seen any cockroaches skittering around or any signs of a pest problem, such as eggs or droppings, don’t delay in reaching out for professional pest control services. Our team here at Independent Pest Solutions has over 20 years of industry experience and is a trusted pest control name in the Puyallup area. Our pest control technicians are trained and fully equipped to eliminate any current infestation and take steps to prevent future ones from occurring.
Don’t Wait to Take Action!
Independent Pest Control offers a variety of pest control services for Puyallup home and business owners and those in the surrounding areas.
Call our team to schedule a pest control service consultation today!