What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are extremely invasive and dangerous pests. They are found successfully living in urban, suburban, and rural environments and can become a problem in both homes and businesses. Cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies and six legs covered in spines. Their long antennae are usually the same length as their body. Cockroach nymphs look similar to adults, but are smaller in size, and are wingless.
Common Types of Cockroaches
The most common cockroaches living in the greater Memphis area are the German, American, and smoky brown cockroaches.
- German cockroach - These cockroaches have two black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads, which helps to identify this species. Their bodies are light brown to tan in color. They are capable of flying, but rarely do.
- American cockroach - These cockroaches are large in size. They have a distinctive yellowish-colored figure-eight pattern located behind their heads. Both males and females are strong fliers.
- Smoky brown cockroach - These cockroaches are closely related to American cockroaches and look similar in appearance. They are shiny and are solid black or mahogany in color. Their wings extend past their bodies. Smoky brown cockroaches are attracted to outdoor lighting.
More About Cockroaches
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches are dangerous pests to have living in your home. Cockroaches are not aggressive and rarely bite people. However, they spread a wide variety of diseases, making them a significant danger to people. Cockroaches carry a large number of bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens on their bodies and legs. Dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli can all be spread by cockroaches. Additionally, cockroach feces, saliva, and shed skins commonly trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children or people with weakened immune systems.
Why Do I Have a Cockroach Problem?
Cockroaches find their way onto properties and then into homes while foraging for food and suitable nesting sites. Common entrance points for cockroaches include cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls, spaces underneath doors and around windows, vents, and holes in screens. Cockroaches can also unknowingly be brought inside homes and businesses inside deliveries, used furniture, used appliances, cardboard boxes, or on potted plants.
Where Will I Find Cockroaches?
German cockroaches like living inside, especially in homes and restaurants. They nest in warm, humid, dark, secluded places, including behind appliances or underneath cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, in laundry rooms, and in pantry areas.
American cockroaches prefer to live outside on trees, in garden areas, underneath mulch, and in sewers and drains. They move inside while searching for food or when the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for their liking. They nest in humid rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Smoky brown cockroaches prefer to live outside and are often seen at night walking around landscaping beds and gutters. These cockroaches are attracted to light and will gather on decks and porches, and in doorways. Inside, they hide out in attics, bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?
To get rid of dangerous cockroaches at your Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi residential or commercial property, seek the help of an experienced pest control expert. At Mid-South Pest & Termite, our knowledgeable professionals provide effective pest control services using environment-friendly methods. We are committed to our customers and to using advanced solutions to eliminate cockroaches and other household pests from Memphis, Germantown, Cordova, Bartlett, Lakeland, and Arlington homes. To learn more about our residential and commercial pest control options, contact Mid-South Pest & Termite!
How Can I Prevent Cockroaches in the Future?
To avoid problems with cockroaches in your Memphis area home or business, we suggest the following prevention tips:
- Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
- Place a barrier between any mulch and your home’s foundation.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home.
- Replace any torn window or door screens.
- Repair leaky pipes, fixtures, and faucets.
- Make sure that outdoor trash cans have locking lids.
- Check potted plants before bringing them inside from outdoors.
- Inside your home, store all food in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
- Wash dirty dishes, remove trash from your home daily, and vacuum regularly.
- Make sure that weather stripping is in place around all exterior windows and doors.
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We Treat for a Wide Range of Common Memphis Area Pests
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