Cockroaches
Blattodea (Order)
Cockroaches are resilient, nocturnal insects that thrive in warm, humid environments. As one of the most common household pests, they contaminate food, spread bacteria, and trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Cockroach Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Cockroaches are flat, oval-shaped insects with long, thread-like antennae and six spiny legs. They range from 1/2 inch to over 2 inches depending on the species. Most have wings, though not all species fly. Their bodies are covered with a waxy coating that makes them resistant to many pesticides.
Common Species
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German Cockroaches - Small, tan roaches with two dark parallel stripes behind the head. The most common indoor species.
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American Cockroaches - Large, reddish-brown roaches that prefer warm, damp areas like basements and sewers.
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Oriental Cockroaches - Dark, glossy roaches often called “water bugs” due to their preference for damp locations.
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Brown-Banded Cockroaches - Small, light brown roaches with distinctive banding across their wings.
Cockroach Behavior and Biology
Cockroaches are nocturnal scavengers that can eat almost anything, including food, paper, glue, and even soap. They reproduce rapidly, with some species producing hundreds of offspring per year. Cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and are often found near water sources. They can survive for weeks without food and days without water, making them extremely resilient pests.
How We Treat for Cockroaches
We use a comprehensive approach to eliminate cockroaches at every life stage:
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Initial Treatment - A thorough inspection identifies harborage areas in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. We apply gel baits in cracks and crevices, dust in wall voids, and residual treatments in problem areas. These products work together to eliminate the entire population.
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Ongoing Maintenance - We return for follow-up treatments to ensure complete elimination and prevent reinfestation. For severe infestations, we may recommend more frequent visits initially. Our ongoing pest control plans keep cockroaches out year-round.
Types of Cockroaches
Click on any species below to learn more about identification, behavior, and control methods.
American Roaches
Periplaneta americana
American cockroaches are the largest common roach species found in homes, reaching up to 2 inches in length. Known for their reddish-brown color and yellowish figure-eight pattern behind the head, they prefer warm, humid environments like basements, crawl spaces, and sewers.
View identification guide
German Roaches
Blattella germanica
German cockroaches are the most common indoor roach species in the United States, known for their rapid reproduction and preference for warm, humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
View identification guide
Oriental Roaches
Blatta orientalis
Oriental cockroaches, also known as water bugs or black cockroaches, are large, dark, glossy roaches that prefer cool, damp environments like basements, sewers, and crawl spaces.
View identification guideCommon Questions about Cockroaches
How do I know if I have cockroaches?
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Signs include seeing live or dead roaches, finding droppings that look like coffee grounds or pepper, discovering egg cases (oothecae), noticing a musty odor, and seeing smear marks along walls or surfaces. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so seeing one during the day often indicates a large infestation.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
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Yes, cockroaches pose health risks. They carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, contaminate food and surfaces, and their droppings, shed skins, and saliva trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children.
Why do I have cockroaches if my house is clean?
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Even clean homes can attract cockroaches. They can enter through cracks, pipes, or hitchhike in boxes and bags. They're seeking warmth, moisture, and any food source, including pet food, crumbs, or even glue and paper.
What's the difference between German and American cockroaches?
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German cockroaches are smaller (1/2 to 5/8 inch), tan with two dark stripes, and live indoors near kitchens and bathrooms. American cockroaches are much larger (up to 2 inches), reddish-brown, and often enter from sewers or basements.
Can I get rid of cockroaches myself?
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DIY treatments rarely eliminate infestations because cockroaches hide in hard-to-reach areas and reproduce quickly. Store-bought sprays may kill visible roaches but don't address the source. Professional treatment targets the entire population.
How long does cockroach treatment take?
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Initial knockdown happens within days, but complete elimination typically takes 2-4 weeks as the treatment works through the population. Severe infestations may require multiple visits.
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With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years.
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