There are over 4000 species of cockroaches in the world, but thankfully, here in Long Island, we have to be concerned with just three, the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
Regardless of the species you're dealing with, all cockroaches are just about equally disgusting, carry multiple infectious diseases, and gung-ho about contaminating every surface in your house thanks to their non-hygienic habits.
For a pest control method to be effective, you need to be able to identify the species that are infecting your home, preferably in the early stages of an infestation. Let's take a look at how you can identify the specific specie plaguing your home, what problems to watch for when dealing with them, and how to find quality pest control in the Long Island area to rid your house of them.
How To Identify Common Types Of Cockroaches
To identify the specific specie of cockroach in Long Island you're dealing with, pay attention to their size and coloring:
- The American cockroach is the biggest specie you're likely to run into in the United States, growing up to two and one-eighth inches in length. They have a reddish brown, oval body with long antennae and a distinguishing mark shaped like a figure eight on the back of their head.
- German cockroaches are much smaller, growing only to 5/8 inches in size, with a light brown body and two dark stripes on their backs.
- Oriental cockroach, also known as the 'water bug," has a shiny black, oval-shaped body up to one inch long. Unlike American and German cousins, oriental cockroaches do not have wings.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are relatively small at only half an inch long. They are mostly light brown in color, but as their name suggests, they are recognizable for the two distinctive light-colored bands that run across their wings and abdomen.
All cockroaches are nocturnal and do their best to stay out of sight, so if you're starting to see them around your house, especially during the day, the infestation is advanced, and insects are heading further out in search of food.
Why Cockroaches In The Home Can Be A Major Health Risk
Spending most of their time in pretty unhygienic places, cockroaches pick up and spread bacteria and various pathogens all over your house. They carry multiple infectious diseases, such as:
- Salmonellosis
- Typhoid fever
- Cholera
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- Giardia
Recently, the link between asthma attacks and being in the vicinity of cockroach feces has been discovered.
The Secret To Getting Rid Of Cockroaches Fast!
Once cockroaches have established a colony in your house, getting rid of Long Island cockroaches on your own is close to impossible. They seem to adapt to over-the-counter insecticides faster than companies are coming out with new ones. Plus, in most cases, DIY products are designed to only rid you of adult insects, leaving cockroach eggs intact and guaranteeing another bout with a cockroach infestation in the future. The only reliably effective way to rid your house of cockroaches fast is to get a professional on the case.
Five Simple Tips To Prevent Future Cockroach Problems
The easiest way to win a battle against a cockroach infestation is to keep them out in the first place. The following tips will help you do just that:
- Seal cracks in the outer walls and foundation.
- Cover vents with tight mesh.
- Fix plumbing issues.
- Store trash in sealed containers.
- Do not leave food or pet food out and accessible.
If, regardless of your best prevention efforts, you're starting to see signs of a cockroach infestation in your Long Island home, it's time to call a professional!
At Parkway Pest Services, we are family-owned and locally operated, and we'll be happy to take care of your cockroach problem in no time.
Give us a call today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Long Island.