Blattodea

Cockroaches are insects that have been around for millions of years. They are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth, which makes controlling and eliminating them difficult. Cockroaches crawl through dirty areas and then walk around our homes tracking lots of bacteria and germs. Cockroaches are can cause allergies and trigger asthma attacks. There are approximately 4,000 living species of cockroaches in the world.

Identification and Appearance – What do cockroaches look like?

Cockroaches are light tan to dark reddish-brown in color with distinguishing patterns on their bodies. Cockroaches have flattened, oval shaped bodies with a small head. Their mouth is directed down and backwards. They have two long antennae, a six legs, and overlapping wings. They range in size from 1/4 inch to 6 inches in length with the majority being 1/2 to 2 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits of cockroaches

With trillions of cockroaches living on the earth, large percentages are never seen by humans. Most live in forests, brush, caves, and burrows. Most prefer warm, dark, and moist areas. Almost all cockroaches are nocturnal. Cockroaches usually invade homes through cracks and crevices looking for warmth, water and food. They are found in kitchens, food storage areas, drains, and sewers. They can live a week without water and a month without food. Interestingly, cockroaches can hold their breath for 40 minutes, run up to 3 miles per hour, and live a week without their head. Cockroaches live approximately 1 year.

Diet – What do cockroaches eat?

Cockroaches are omnivores. They are scavengers and will eat any organic food available to them. In the wild they eat mainly plants and insects. In homes and other buildings, cockroaches prefer sweets, meats, starches, and greasy foods but will also eat hair, books, and decaying matter.

Cockroach Extermination – How to get rid of Cockroaches?

The length of time it takes to get rid of a cockroach infestation largely depends on the species and size of the infestation. Many over-the-counter products homeowners utilize often prove ineffective against a cockroach infestation. These pests are extremely adaptable and may even be resistant to some home extermination methods. Cockroaches are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from many over-the-counter insecticides. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle. A serious cockroach problem may need a more direct solution. For safe pest treatments, contact Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest Solutions