Cockroaches are a pest and a danger to public health because they can:
Cockroaches are widespread, and are one of the hardest household pests to control. Four types of cockroaches cause problems for people:
(Described in detail below)
Cockroaches will eat just about anything. They prefer to live in warm, damp areas like sewers, bathrooms, cabinets, furniture, electrical appliances, basements, porches and crawl spaces.
It is also important to be aware that nymphs (baby cockroaches) look different than the adults.
The best signs are live cockroaches, but you should also look for:
Over-the-counter pesticides can be counterproductive in cockroach control. Often the bugs will run and hide when household “bombs” are used, causing the roaches to harbor in unusual places and making them harder to reach. They can, however, be controlled and eliminated using a combination of good housekeeping, preparation, and the appropriate application of chemicals labeled for use against cockroaches. Pesticides and their application are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Federal Government. No pesticide may be applied in a food handling area that will contaminate food or utensils (pots, pans, glasses, plates, forks, etc.) that come in contact with food. Those items must be removed and covered. There is no exception to this law. The most common type of cockroach in San Diego is the German cockroach.
Here is how we will ask you to prepare for service to control German cockroaches:
Cockroach control may take three weeks after the time of service. Please call our office for a follow-up appointment if you still see live roaches three weeks after your initial service.
There are 4 kinds of cockroaches likely to cause problems:
1. German Cockroach: This variety of cockroach is light brown, 3/4″ long and is the most common cockroach. It prefers damp, warm places inside the home such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Adults: They have two dark stripes and males and females are similar in appearance.
Nymphs: They have two dark vertical stripes just behind their head.
2. American Cockroach: This variety is reddish-brown and 1-1/2″long. It prefers warm, damp places outdoors such as sewers and water meters.
Adults: Wings cover their abdomens and males and females look the same.
Nymphs: They have darker sides and segment margins.
3. Oriental Cockroach: These roaches are black and 1-1/4″ long. They prefer damp, cooler sites such as water-meter curb boxes, trash piles, shrubbery, and other protected outdoor areas as well as basements and sometimes sewers.
Adults: They are black in color and their wings are shorter then abdomen.
Nymphs: They have a shiny dark reddish-brown to black color.
4. Banded Cockroach: It is light brown, 1/2″ long and prefers warm, dry places. It can be found all over the house and in furniture, closets and around the ceiling. It is less common in restaurants.
Adults: They have two pale bands across the base of the wings.
Nymphs: They have two pale bands across back.