Printable brochure on cockroaches

Cockroaches 

Blattella germancia, Periplaneta australasiae, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana

There are a variety of cockroach species worldwide.  The most significant is the Blattella germancia (German Cockroach) for being held accountable as a mechanical vector in a variety of pathogenic microorganisms.  Cockroaches are known to congregate in groups and they like dark crevices usually located near food and water and have the ability to modify their physiological and behavioral patterns toward their environment. Domestic cockroaches usually live amongst environments containing fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Cockroaches do not have a pupa or larval stage.  Immature and adult cockroaches have identical eating habits, they require the same sort of shelter, as well as visually resemble each other (only difference is nymphs do not have wings). Cockroaches are either brown or black with a flattened oval shape.  Some species live solely indoors while other species invasive species live elsewhere.  Indoor cockroaches usually occupy the area where food is prepared and is indicative toward poor sanitation. Invasive cockroaches usually come into contact with humans when access is gained through sewer systems, tunnels, storm drains, masonry meter boxes, and/or manholes. The presence of invasive cockroaches is usually due to poor &/or deteriorating construction.  

German Cockroaches, Water bugs, and House Roaches  

Description

Adult German cockroaches are small to medium length (1/2 to 5/8-inch long), pale brown or tan, with two parallel black streaks on the shield-like segment behind the head. The adult males are narrower than the females. Both sexes have wings but rarely fly.roach infestation

Cockroaches like dark, moist, warm places to live in. The kitchen and bathroom fit this description but so do other places like laundry baskets. They will also live in boxes, paper bags and books. It is easy to transport them from house to house and even across oceans.

Cockroaches can’t swim but they can come in through sewer pipes if the water has subsided. Keep counters, floors and cupboard free from food and crumbs.

Cockroaches are the most common and repulsive household insect found in the United States. These pest are usually found infesting the kitchen or bathroom, and can live in any portion of any heated structure. 

They are usually found in dark, secluded areas such as cupboards, behind cabinets, in wall voids or around motor housings in appliances.

According to the National Pest Control Association, cockroaches can contaminate food and transmit diseases  by carrying organisms, such as; staphylococci, strep, coliform molds, salmonella, yeast’s and clostridia.  Cockroaches spread diseases by carrying contaminated organisms onto your countertop or onto your left out food. Roaches will eat animal and human feces, rotten and contaminated food, book bindings, leather, and even the glue on canned food labels. Roaches like the glue in paper bags and can be transported from grocery stores to homes by the grocery bags.

Cockroaches like to congregate but if the population becomes too large they will be forced to move out of the safest areas for new places to start another infestation.

If roaches are seen during the day, it is a sign that there is a large population present & close by.  You must prevent cockroaches from entering your house by sealing up any holes and cracks along baseboards, door frames and windows. Seal up the space around water and sewer pipes, and electrical and telephone lines where they come inside. Keep all piles of debris and mulches and compost piles away from your house. Spray the perimeter of your house frequently.

Printable brochure on cockroaches

West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District