Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
Spotting a cockroach inside your home can send chills down your spine. These disease-borne insects have been around for thousands of years, and they won’t be going away any time soon. Unfortunately, that means that roaches make their way indoors when their current situation isn’t working out, or they are in search of food and shelter. Pest control treatment for cockroaches is most effective when you know which time of roach you’re dealing with. So today on the blog, our Memphis pest control techs share what type of cockroach could be living inside your home.
German Cockroach
This roach species is really dependent on water, so they are likely found near water sources like the bathroom, or kitchen, especially cabinets under the sinks. German roaches thrive inside cramped quarters, like inner-city housing, and live and reproduce indoors. It’s identified by its small stature, measuring about ¾ of an inch long, with a torpedo-shaped body that has diagonal stripes along its back. These roaches are notorious for causing mass infestations and can be difficult to control without the help of a pest control company near you in Cordova.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
These roaches are actually a little bit reddish-brown and small like the German cockroach. Since Brown-Banded roaches don’t have the same water needs as the German species, you’ll likely find these higher up or in areas other than the kitchen. The good news is that Brown-Banded roaches are typically easier to control and can be caught with professional-grade roach bait.
American Cockroach
Also called a Palmetto bug, the American cockroach is one of the largest roaches, about 2 inches in length. It also has a reddish color to it and invades homes or sewer systems in cities. In hotter regions, these roaches emerge from the sewer system during the summer in search of a cooler place to live and eat. Coincidently, their new home may be yours! You’ll likely spot these roaches behind or around your fridge, under the kitchen sink, or in cabinets with food.
Smoky Brown Cockroach
Similar in size to the American cockroach, the Smoky Brown species is a shiny, almost black color. They can be found in suburban areas, although not usually by choice. Smoky Brown roaches usually come indoors by accident, like hitchhiking in boxes or packaging from the outside or storage buildings or on firewood that you bring indoors. Usually, Smoky Brown roaches prefer the outdoors and are less likely to start an infestation in your house. Try getting rid of this roach using a shoe, and you probably won’t see anymore. If you do, call a trusted pest control company in Memphis.
Oriental Cockroach
This large, dark brown roach is often called a “water bug,” and a distinguishing feature is that the females are wingless, while males have only short wings, although people don’t usually see them actually flying. They prefer cooler, moist climates, like basements, crawlspaces, or sheds, although they search for shelter during bouts of heavy rainfall. These roaches can be baited and aren’t likely to cause an infestation.
Roach Control in Cordova and Memphis
Roaches carry and spread diseases to humans, and an infestation is undoubtedly an unhealthy environment for you or your loved ones. Therefore, if you find roaches in your home, call AAA Termite & Pest Control for help. We provide year-round treatments to reduce the number of pests and roaches you will find inside your home. Find out more or schedule a consultation by calling (901) 737-7378.