Cockroaches don’t belong anywhere in Bucks, PA households. Of course, we don’t need to tell you that. Cockroaches are dirty disease spreaders, and if you see one in your house, you’ll probably get rid of it immediately, if possible. What you need to know is that cockroach infestations are far more common than you might think and difficult to get rid of. If cockroaches have shown up in your Bucks property, let’s discuss how to identify and get rid of them.
Cockroach Identification Tips in Bucks, PA
There are a few different types of cockroaches throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, but they share many similarities. All cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies, two body-length antennae, and six spiny legs. Some cockroaches have wings, though most are incapable of flying. Cockroaches are universally fast and nocturnal pests, so they often give Bucks property owners a fright towards the evening. On top of these traits, the four common cockroaches in Bucks all look slightly different.
The American Cockroach
The American Cockroach, the largest of any U.S. species, grows between 1-3 inches and has a dark reddish-brown body. These roaches occasionally fly, though they tend to stay on the ground.
German Cockroaches
German Cockroaches, the most common of Bucks cockroaches, only grow around half an inch and have tan-to-brown bodies. Additionally, these roaches have two black stripes on their heads, making them easier to identify up close.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Less common but still prominent, Brown-Banded Cockroaches also measure around ½ an inch. They have a light-to-medium brown color and they have distinctive brown bands running across their wings.
Oriental Cockroaches
Finally, Oriental Cockroaches have black, shiny bodies and grow between ¾ and 1¼ inches. These cockroaches are also known as "stink bugs" because they can leave a musty odor where they reside.
Cockroaches and Their Pathogens
As you’ve probably heard, cockroaches are filthy. These pests will scavenge anywhere for food, and before they got into your property, they likely foraged in trash cans or sewers. While in these dirty places, cockroaches pick up all sorts of pathogens, including salmonella, giardia, dysentery, cholera, listeria, and typhoid.
Those pathogens remain with the cockroach until it moves into your Bucks home or business. Then, when the roach feeds from your pantry or simply walks around the property, it spreads those pathogens, creating a huge danger for you and your family.
To make things worse, prolonged exposure to cockroaches and their carcasses can cause allergies and asthma. Simply put, cockroaches don’t belong in your Bucks property. How can you get rid of them quickly?
Getting Rid of Cockroaches in Bucks, PA
The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to identify the infestation as early as possible. Because cockroaches reproduce quickly and are great at hiding, a prolonged infestation will be much harder to get rid of and can have much more serious health consequences.
You can identify the early signs of an infestation by the following:
- Cockroach droppings. Cockroach feces are small and cylindrical, often resembling grains of pepper or coffee grounds.
- Cockroach carcasses. Cockroaches regularly shed their skins and also have a short lifespan, so transparent skins or dead roaches are a surefire sign.
- Cockroach smells. Cockroaches leave a musty odor, especially "water bugs." This odor will accumulate near nesting sites, often in the kitchen or the bathroom.
If you notice or think you notice the signs of a cockroach infestation, your best bet is to contact the pest control professionals at M.A.D. Exterminators, Inc. Reach out today, and we’ll confirm whether these pests are bothering your property. We can exterminate them and keep them from ever coming back.