Cockroach Identification

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are hearty pests, and their ability to adapt and live with people means cockroaches are major pests in our homes and businesses. You can identify a cockroach by its flat oval body, a head that is angled downward, and dark colors. The cockroach’s color and shape help hide them, which enables them to develop into large, difficult to deal with populations before we discover their presence.

Many but not all cockroaches have wings that fold over their backs. While a lot of cockroaches are winged, most are weak flyers or don’t fly. They use their six legs to quickly scurry away from danger and retreat to their hiding spots.

In our area of California, we deal with several different species of cockroaches, including Oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and Turkestan cockroaches.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Having cockroaches find a way into your home is never ideal. Not only are they prolific breeders taking over spaces in short order, but they cause health risks and damage.

Some of the biggest reasons why we don’t want cockroaches in our homes are listed below:

• Cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces.
• They transmit diseases that make people ill.
• Cockroaches chew on and destroy fabric and paper.
• They trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
• They produce foul odors that are unpleasant and affect the flavor of food.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

A problem with cockroaches can occur after we unintentionally bring them into our homes inside things like boxes, deliveries, potted plants, furniture that was outside, or used appliances or furniture.

If cockroaches are living in your yard or in an outdoor space nearby, there is a good chance they will eventually wander into your home while looking for food or after being attracted by light or areas of moisture. Gardens, trash cans, compost bins, woodpiles, and dense vegetation often lure cockroaches to a property.

Where will I find cockroaches?

German cockroaches are a significant pest inside homes, restaurants, and other structures that handle or store food. They mainly live indoors in areas of high humidity, with kitchens and bathrooms being some of their favorite real estate.

Oriental and American cockroaches spend time indoors and outdoors but regularly move inside to search for food and water. Both have high moisture needs and are often found around sewers, drains, sump pumps, and leaky pipes. They are common visitors to basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Turkestan cockroaches usually live outdoors, in wooded areas, or in our yards in things like in potted plants, woodpiles, under leaf piles, or in compost piles. When populations are high, these insects may move indoors while searching for food or after being attracted by your home’s lighting.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Get rid of cockroaches from your property by reaching out to Ventura Pest Control. We are Ventura County's oldest family-owned and operated pest control company. With longevity comes the knowledge needed to solve and prevent local pest problems efficiently and effectively.

We know how unsettling having cockroaches in your home can be and will act quickly and work with you to put together a solution that meets your property’s specific needs. To learn more about the exceptional cockroach control services we offer throughout a variety of pest control service areas, give Ventura Pest Control a call today and speak with one of our knowledgeable professionals!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent cockroaches from invading your property:

• Regularly take out of your garbage and clean and sanitize both indoor and outdoor trash cans. Food odors are highly attractive to cockroaches.
• Make sure both indoor and outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids on them.
• Pick up leftover pet food and keep pet dishes and feeding areas clean.
• Keep their access to food to a minimum in your home. Wash dirty dishes each day, vacuum floors, and wipe down counters to eliminate food debris.
• Eliminate entry points into your home by placing weatherstripping around windows and doors, caulking around pipes and other utilities entering your home, and placing covers over vents.
• Seal cracks in your home’s foundation.
• Remove debris from your yard that collects moisture and attracts cockroaches like brush, woodpiles, overgrown vegetation.
• Repair any leaky pipe, fixtures, and hoses.

Helpful Cockroach Articles

Why You Should Call The Pros About Roaches In Your Ventura County Home

How To Spot Early Signs Of Roaches In Your Ventura County Home

The Key To Successful Cockroach Control For Ventura County Homes