Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches are invasive pests that are commonly found living inside both homes and businesses. Cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies, and six legs that are covered in spines. Their long antenna is usually the same length as their bodies. Their color is usually black, brown, or reddish-brown. Many species of cockroaches are winged, but few species are great fliers. Cockroaches have a three-stage life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. Cockroach nymphs look similar to the adults, but are smaller in size and are wingless.

Cockroaches are considered dangerous insects as they are responsible for causing a variety of bacteria, diseases, and health problems for people. And though cockroaches rarely bite humans, in cases of large infestations, bites may occur. Some of the diseases and infections that cockroaches are known to spread include:

• Dysentery
• E. coli
• Salmonellosis
• Gastroenteritis

The feces, saliva, and shed skins of cockroaches can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in young children and the elderly. And when they invade, cockroaches contaminate food sources, food prep areas, utensils, bowls, plates, and other surfaces within residential and commercial properties by leaving their saliva and excrement behind.

Most cockroaches are attracted to dark, damp, warm environments and properties that offer them easy access to food and water sources. Some common attractants for cockroaches on our properties include leaky pipes or fixtures, open containers of trash, garden areas, pet food bowls, and wild animal feed.

Once on your property, cockroaches will often find their way inside your home or business through openings found in its exterior. These pests are also commonly brought indoors inside boxes and packages, on potted plants or used appliances, inside electronics, or inside used furniture or rugs.

Out in nature, cockroaches are found hiding out in flower beds, underneath mulch, inside sewer systems, under rocks, behind tree bark, inside wood piles, and in potted plants. Cockroaches that have found their way inside homes and businesses are found living in secluded areas that are close to food and water sources. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, inside cabinets and drawers, and areas behind large appliances are all potential nesting spots for cockroaches.

To eliminate cockroaches found inside your home or business, it is best to partner with a professional like Penobscot Pest Control. When you partner with us at Penobscot, our dedicated experts will provide the quality pest control services needed to find and completely eliminate invading cockroaches from your home or business.

At Penobscot, we're committed to using the best products on the market to get rid of cockroaches and other invasive pests. We will prevent their return through our guaranteed residential and commercial pest control services. To learn more about eliminating cockroaches from your Bangor home, contact us at Penobscot Pest Control.

• Seal any gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home or business
• Make sure that weather stripping is placed around all exterior windows and doors
• Install door sweeps on all your exterior doors
• Replace any ripped or torn door or window screens
• Fix leaky pipes, fixtures, and drains to help prevent moisture build-up
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity levels in your home
• Ensure that all your outdoor trash cans are sealed with locking lids
• Keep all the food in your home or business inside airtight containers or in the refrigerator
• Inspect packages, boxes, appliances, and furniture items for cockroaches before bringing them inside

For more information about our commercial and residential cockroach control options, give us a call today!