Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are a type of six-legged insect hailing from the order Blattodea. They’re sometimes referred to as arthropods, which are invertebrate animals with an exterior shell made of chitin. It’s relatively easy to identify cockroaches in your home; they possess hard exoskeletons, have long, spindly antennae, and appear in color patterns of brown, black, and burgundy.

Cockroaches are some of the most common pests in the Cincinnati area. There are more than 4,600 cockroach species located worldwide, approximately 30 of which are known to infest homes and businesses. Here in Ohio, German cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches are the two most common species, both of which are associated with the spread of disease.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Not all cockroach species are associated with disease transfer. However, a large number of roaches in the Cincinnati area are capable of spreading viruses, bacteria, and even parasites. A few of the most common roach-borne illnesses include:

• Salmonellosis 
• Rotavirus 
• Hepatitis A 
• Typhoid fever 
• Pseudomonas 
• E. coli infections

Cockroaches pick up pathogens and parasites by walking through unsavory spaces like dumpsters, drains, and bathroom floors. As they crawl over food prep surfaces and scurry between cracks and crevices, they can transfer dangerous and infectious germs to food packaging, cutting boards, and dishes.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches don’t require much encouragement to settle down around your home or business. However, your property may become a major target if it offers multiple elements they need to survive.

For example, restaurants and storage warehouses offer plenty of food and water, which helps to attract hundreds of hungry cockroaches and encourages ongoing breeding. Any cracks or gaps around your home or business could also let roaches inside.

Once roaches settle down near bathrooms, kitchens, or basements, they may be almost impossible to remove without the help of professional cockroach control services.

Where will I find cockroaches?

It’s not uncommon to find cockroaches both inside and outside your building. During the cooler months, however, you’re more likely to find these pests within your walls. There’s little chance you’ll find live cockroaches in your home during daylight hours. These pests are nocturnal by nature and generally difficult to spot without advanced training.

If you’re looking to identify cockroach species around your Cincinnati home or business, it’s best to rely on secondary signs or symptoms that are more obvious to spot. For example, keep an eye out for:

• Cockroach droppings: These typically look like small coffee grounds around the corners and crevices of your building. 
• Exoskeletons or oothecae (egg sacs): While cockroach exoskeletons typically look like pale and translucent plastic, oothecae have a distinctive oval shape, ribbed sides, and a light brown hue. 
• A sickly-sweet or unusual smell: Many property owners liken the scent of a cockroach infestation to that of fermenting fruit or sooty mold. 

Discovering one or more of these signs around your property necessitates contacting a professional pest control service.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

The best way to get rid of cockroaches for good is to treat the root of the infestation. Not only do you need treatments for active roaches and eggs, but you need to eliminate any attractant factors in the area.

Arab Termite and Pest can support your business with all-in-one cockroach control. By identifying possible entry points and treating infestations at their source, we can help you navigate uncertain challenges and eliminate pest activity completely. 

Call us today to get a customized quote for cockroach and home pest control in Cincinnati.

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

The best way to stop cockroaches from infesting your home is to remove their attractant factors.

Here are a few cockroach prevention tips for property owners in Cincinnati:

• Wash dirty dishes immediately, wipe down counters after use, and never leave food unprotected on your counter. 
• Take out the trash on a regular basis and be sure to vacuum, sweep, and mop your floors. 
• Remove unwanted water sources both inside the outside your building. For example, be sure to fix leaky drains and fill in waterlogged holes outdoors. 
• Keep trees and bushes away from the home by pruning the landscape frequently. 

In addition, working alongside the professionals at Arab Termite and Pest will create a cockroach barrier around your property, keeping these pests away for good.