Cockroaches

  • German Cockroaches

  • Brown-Banded Cockroach

  • American Cockroach

    • 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 Cockroaches
    Sand 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 Infestation
    Do Cockroaches Bite?
    Cockroach Feces
    Cockroach Infestation in Your Apartment

    Cockroach Facts

    Scientific Word for Cockroach
    Cockroach Food
    Largest Cockroach
    Cockroach Predators
    Cockroach Activity
    Cockroach Myths
    Cockroach Anatomy

    Cockroach Pest Control

    Cockroach Foggers
    Gel for Cockroaches
    How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Cockroaches?
    Boric Acid and Cockroaches
    Cockroach Traps

    Life Cycle of a Cockroach

    Cockroach Eggs
    Cockroach 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.