Cockroach Identification Guide

Cockroaches are some of the most problematic insects to find their way into our Worcester, MA, and surrounding area homes. The species of cockroaches that have come to live successfully with people are common visitors. They are prolific breeders that quickly create large populations that are not easy to get rid of.

If you have discovered cockroaches in your home, it is likely one of the following species:

• The large American cockroach is capable of flying short distances.
• The German cockroach is a small, fast-moving cockroach that almost exclusively lives indoors with people.
• The Oriental cockroach has high moisture needs and a beetle-like appearance. They move at a slower pace than most other roaches.

All three of the above species have adapted to living with people taking advantage of our homes.

Cockroaches are insects that carry on their legs and bodies bacteria, pathogens, and parasitic pests that make people ill. Having cockroaches in your home is dangerous, and they need to be eliminated as quickly as possible.

In addition to the spread of diseases, cockroaches put allergens into the air that cause breathing problems, skins rashes, and cause asthma attacks. As cockroaches move around your home, they stain fabrics and surfaces with their excrement. Food contamination and food waste are other huge concerns with cockroaches. Cockroaches contaminate more food than they consume.

No matter the cockroach species, the reason they have found their way into your home and seem to be thriving is that there is food and water available.

Things that attract cockroaches and make them want to stay in your home include:

• Dirty dishes
• Crumbs under appliances or furniture
• Pet food
• Excess moisture
• Open trash cans

Cockroaches get into our homes after entering from the outside through openings in foundations or by hitchhiking in inside of boxes, firewood, deliveries, and secondhand appliances and furniture.

Once inside, most roaches are most attracted to warm, humid areas. In our homes, most commonly gather in kitchens and bathrooms. During the day, they like to hide in the narrowest of cracks and crevices. They enjoy feeling something solid on either side of their body. Some of their favorite hideouts include behind refrigerators, under sinks, and the backs of drawers and cabinets.

Cockroaches feed on various food and non-food items like toothpaste and soap. Their ability to eat almost anything enables cockroaches to survive in even the cleanest homes.

Partner with an experienced and dedicated professional to rid your Rhode Island home of cockroaches. At Encon, we can help you eliminate cockroaches and other pests from your home and keep them from making a return appearance. Our business is helping people, and we treat our customers like family and work as a team to ensure we meet your cockroach control needs in Worcester, MA, and surrounding areas, and your family is kept safe from the dangers cockroaches can introduce. Our knowledgeable and trained technicians will perform the treatments and services necessary to rid your home of cockroaches using the most up-to-date products available.

Discover the details about our cockroach control services by giving Encon a call today!

Using the following tips, reduce the chance of cockroaches making themselves at home in your Rhode Island house.

• Cockroaches can squeeze their bodies through the smallest of spaces. Seal any openings you discover in your home’s exterior, no matter how small it may be, to help keep cockroaches out of your house.
• In addition to food, moisture is a huge attractant for cockroaches. Reduce excess moisture in and around your home by repairing leaky pipes, fixing dripping spigots, and ensuring your home is properly ventilated.
• Always inspect items that you are bringing into your home for cockroaches.
• Take away the cockroach’s easy access to food by always placing lids on trash cans and storing your family’s food properly.
• Routinely vacuum and dusty your home to remove food debris that cockroaches will take advantage of. 
• Keep drawers, closets, and other storage areas free of the clutter that can hide cockroaches.