History
Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years. They’re one of the only pest able to survive a nuclear blast. Although over 4,000 species of cockroaches exist, only about 30 are common with human habitats. We can further narrow it down in the Baltimore, D.C metro area, with only about 4-5 species that commonly infest homes, or places of business.
Here are the most common species of cockroaches
that Raven Termite and Pest Control treats:
✓ German cockroach- the most common indoor cockroach found in our region. Prefers humid and hot
conditions (75-85 degrees) in kitchens near stoves, dishwashers, sinks, and behind the refrigerator.
✓ Oriental cockroach- also common indoor and outdoor. Known as the “Waterbug” prefers temperate
conditions, (65-75 degrees) low level damp places such as basements, sewers, drains, mulched
flowerbeds.
✓ American cockroach- Prefers living outdoors, mainly found in the South and Southeast U.S. Prefers hot,
humid (85-95) places living in decaying vegetation outside. American Cockroaches can also be found
occupying sewers, and invading homes especially basements and garbage areas.
✓ Smokey brown cockroach- is an excellent flyer. Prefers hot sheltered humid places, living outdoors
especially in tree holes. Usually found in the South and Southeast U.S but commonly invade home often
via eaves.
✓ Brown Banded cockroach- Will fly when disturbed. Prefers warm, dry, elevated level places. Sometimes
found in the Baltimore, D.C. metro area.
Signs of Cockroach Infestation
Each cockroach has different indications that they’re present in a home or business. For example, the German cockroach will leave fecal matter in places they infest. The fecal matter looks like pepper sprinkles in corners of cabinets, drawers.
The American cockroach will leave droppings closely resembling of mouse droppings. If you believe you have a cockroach problem give Raven Termite and Pest Control a call for an inspection and proper identification of the species of cockroach.
Why Control is Required
Cockroaches pose a threat to human health and food. Cockroaches will eat anything in their way. They regularly defecate and regurgitate food they consume, thus spreading bacteria that may be living inside of them. Cases have been reported in extreme infestations roaches crawling into body cavities of humans while they’re sleeping. Cockroaches also are known to give people allergies from itching to in some cases asthma.
Control
One of the main ways to combat a roach infestation is with proper sanitation. Raven will advise and recommend to the customer on how to help us reduce the population of infestations their home or office.
Raven methods of eliminating a cockroach infestation can include one or all these methods:
✓ Non-insecticidal treatment
✓ Insecticidal treatment
✓ Baiting
✓ Monitoring
✓ Localized deep flushing