Cockroaches
Cockroaches: Facts, Identification & Control
Cockroaches belong to Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta and Order Blattaria. Some species invade human dwellings and are considered pests. Others are beneficial to the environment as important recyclers of decaying organic material. The pest cockroaches can be carriers of various diseases because they are commonly found near waste deposits or in the kitchen, where food is present. Restaurants may also experience cockroach infestations. Cockroaches can measure over 50 cm (2 in) length, with tropical species tending to be larger than those found in other climates. Cockroaches have six legs, two antennae and some have wings. However, most winged cockroaches are not particularly adept at flying. Cockroaches emit unpleasant odors and may also produce sound. The Madagascar hissing cockroach is the most famous of these vocal cockroaches, although more common species may produce quieter clicking or chirping noises.- Entry: Cockroaches can enter your home in many different ways, from the outside through cracks and crevices, vents, sewer and drain pipes. We even bring them in on products like grocery bags, boxes, purses and on our person!
- Ideal environment: Your home is an ideal breeding ground for certain pest species of cockroaches. With plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, they can remain active all year round.
- Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly. For every one you see there can be many, many more hiding and multiplying behind your walls.
- Evasiveness: Because cockroaches typically are nocturnal, if you’ve seen one, you probably haven’t seen them all. The few cockroaches you see by day could mean they were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.
- Allergies/Asthma: The debris created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
- Do-it-yourself ineffectiveness: Cockroaches are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from many over-the-counter insecticides. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle.
Other Types of Cockroaches
Surinam CockroachesSand Cockroaches
Flying Cockroaches
Asian Cockroaches
Woods Cockroaches
Green Cockroaches
Albino Cockroaches
Florida Woods Cockroaches
Death Head Cockroaches
Types of Cockroaches
Cockroach Infestation
Signs of Cockroach InfestationDo Cockroaches Bite?
Cockroach Feces
Cockroach Infestation in Your Apartment
Cockroach Facts
Scientific Word for CockroachCockroach Food
Largest Cockroach
Cockroach Predators
Cockroach Activity
Cockroach Myths
Cockroach Anatomy
Cockroach Pest Control
Cockroach FoggersGel for Cockroaches
How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Cockroaches?
Boric Acid and Cockroaches
Cockroach Traps
Life Cycle of a Cockroach
Cockroach EggsCockroach Nymphs
Cockroach Gestation
Cockroach Stages
Cockroach Identification
What Does a Cockroach Look Like?Difference Between a Water Bug and a Cockroach
Difference between a Cockroach and a Palmetto Bug
For information on other pests, visit the pest library home page.