Cockroaches

Our company can tell you that cockroaches are one of the most pests you’ll ever encounter. There are roughly 4,000 cockroaches species in the world, but there is no need to worry about all of them. Instead, most cockroaches don’t invade homes. Furthermore, only five or so can be found in your area. Before doing anything, you need to take the time to identify the cockroach species you’re combating. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know more about the pest and how to eliminate it. Our company can help you identify and eliminate cockroaches regardless of the species.

Cockroaches Living In Pittsburgh

Our area is home to many cockroaches species, but the two most common are the American cockroach and the German cockroach.

German Cockroaches

These cockroaches grow up to 5/8ths of an inch. In terms of color, they’re either light brown or tan. Plus, they have a pair of racing stripes running on the back of their heads. German cockroaches are prolific breeders so an infestation is going to worsen rapidly. When they invade your home, they’ll find them hiding under your warm appliances.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are larger than the others since they can grow up to two inches in length. The cockroach is the largest and it can fly. It doesn’t help that they’ll live for several years. Just remember that they’re not going to infest your home overnight. Instead, it takes them a while. Furthermore, they prefer staying close to sewer tunnels and steam tunnels.

Although German and American cockroaches are the two most common species, you may encounter others. They’ll be explored in more depth below.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

As the name implies, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches can be found in Pittsburgh. These cockroaches can grow up to an inch. However, males are bigger than females. These cockroaches are native to the Eastern United States. Thankfully, they usually do not become pests. Even when they enter homes, they don’t reproduce inside homes. A Pennsylvania wood cockroach infestation can be a sign of clogged gutters, wood shingles, or woodpiles.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

The Spotted Mediterranean cockroach can be found in our area. They’re small and rarely grow larger than a third of an inch. They’re light tan and are native to Europe. Since they arrived in the mid-1900s, they’ve been spreading across the country rapidly. Today, they can be found in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. Again, they do not invade homes often.

Oriental Cockroaches

These cockroaches grow over an inch and they’re darker than the other species. While males develop short wings, females do not. They don’t have wings at all. Oriental cockroaches tend to infest sewers and older buildings. However, they’re capable of handling cold weather much better. Therefore, you might find them outside around your garbage cans.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

Smokey brown cockroaches are roughly an inch or an inch and a half. They’re reddish-brown and commonly found in the deep south. From time to time, they can be found in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. When they are found in our area, there is a good chance they arrived in a shipping container.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are three-quarters of an inch with a dark plate on their heads. These cockroaches do not like cold weather so you won’t encounter them often. When they’re found in Pennsylvania, they’ll be found hiding in greenhouses and other warm buildings with potted plants. There are no male Surinam cockroaches.

Brow-Banded Cockroaches

Finally, you have to worry about brown-banded cockroaches. They’re half an inch in length and tan. They are sometimes mistaken for German cockroaches. The best way to tell them apart is to remember the brown-banded cockroaches do not have racing stripes. These cockroaches aren’t common.

Reasons

Why would cockroaches invade a dwelling? In general, it depends on the species. Some are going to invade homes that haven’t been cleaned thoroughly. Others will look for homes with broken sewer pipes. Before you can find out the reason, you’ll need to find out what you’re dealing with.

Cockroach Dangerous

Although cockroaches are dangerous in their own way, they’re not physically dangerous. They generally do not attack humans or spread diseases when biting. However, they can spread diseases by contaminating your food sources. As the infestation grows in size, the risks grow as well. Cockroaches can spread salmonella and other dangerous diseases by contaminating your food with urine and feces. Their presence will also cause asthma symptoms to worsen.

Getting Rid Of Them

Don’t waste time getting rid of cockroaches because the infestation will only worsen. Using DIY methods might seem like a wise move. However, it might cause more problems in the long run. These products are not always safe or effective. With that being said, it is pertinent to take steps to protect yourself along the way. Working with one of our highly qualified exterminators is the best way to tackle the problem. Avoid DIY methods and work with us.

When?

Call our Pittsburgh office to schedule an appointment. We’ll contact you within 48 hours.

We Offer Safe Cockroach Removals

Our company offers safe cockroach removals. We strive to use non-toxic methods to eliminate the problem. Regardless of the species, you’re dealing with, you can guarantee that we’ll find a solution to the problem. We won’t stop until we find a safe, reliable solution. We strive to use EPA-registered products because they’re safe for everyone. Work with us and you can guarantee that your loved ones are going to be protected to the fullest.

Preventing Cockroach Infestations

Working with us is one of the best ways to eliminate cockroaches. However, you’ll need to do what you can to prevent them from invading. For instance, you should keep your home clean and tidy. Sealing the gaps around your home can stop them from entering too.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.