Cockroaches

American Cockroach - Sometimes referred to as a waterbug or a Palmetto bug, this is the largest common household cockroach. It has reddish brown wings, a light brown body, and a yellow margin around the shield on its back. Found nearly anywhere in a house, American cockroaches may contaminate food, carry disease organisms, and can damage bookbindings, fabrics, wallpaper and many other products containing starch. They are active at night. Egg capsules contain 12-16 eggs.

Oriental Cockroach - This uniformly black cockroach is also called a sewer cockroach, and seeks dark, damp places such as basements. The female is nearly wingless and the male only has short wings. Oriental cockroaches are common are found in sod, leaves, vegetation and in crawlspaces and basements. They enter the house or structure from outside or through drains and are similar to American cockroaches in foods eaten and items damaged. Oriental cockroaches create an odor that is very persistent.

Smoky Brown Cockroach - This cockroach has no special marks for identification but is a mahogany brown color with an oily sheen. It can fly and may be found anywhere - trees, grass, attic, crawlspace, eaves and kitchen. The smoky brown cockroach has the reputation of being one of the most difficult cockroach to control because it is so active and varied in its habitat. Damage is similar to American cockroaches. Thorough exterior efforts are required for long term control.

German Cockroach - The German cockroach has two dark stripes down its back. The egg capsule contains 36-48 eggs that can become adults in 3 months. German cockroaches pollute foods, cause stains, create foul odors, and are capable of carrying disease organisms and produce allergens. They hide during the day, often closely packed in small cracks and crevices in kitchens, bathrooms or other places near sources of moisture.

Brown Banded Cockroach - Also known as the furniture cockroach, it is recognized by the alternating light and dark bands running across its back. It is about the same size as the German cockroach, but tolerates a drier habitat, and may be scattered through the entire building. Brown banded cockroaches do not multiply as fast as German cockroaches, but because of their scattered habitats are often difficult to control. They can damage fabrics, books, wallpaper and often get inside motors, electric clocks and light switches.