Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a serious urban pest, known to spread disease, contaminate food, and aggravate allergies and asthma. They are also notoriously resilient, and without intervention, a small problem can quickly become an infestation. If you suspect that cockroaches have taken up residence in your home, it is a good idea to contact a pest management professional for expert advise.
In order to successfully manage a cockroach problem, it is imperative to correctly identify which species you’re dealing with. There are 6 different pest species in California, the two most common of which are American and German roaches. American cockroaches are the larger of the two, with adults reaching about 1.5 inches long. This species prefers outdoor environments, and generally enters homes in search of water. German cockroaches are smaller, about a half inch long, and thrive inside homes, typically in kitchens and bathrooms, where they have access to food and water.
MANAGEMENT:
Managing cockroaches is not easy. Treatment generally includes:
- Removing all food and water sources
- Sealing cracks and crevices
- Removing harborage sites like cardboard, paper products, plastic bags and trash.
- Chemical application in target areas.
Knowing the species helps to determine the source of infestation and allows pest management professionals to place traps, baits, or chemicals in areas that will effectively treat the infestation. Exclusion is another key part of any cockroach management plan. Pest management professionals can help you identify and seal any entryways into home in order to prevent future problems.
MONITORING
The most important component of managing a cockroach infestation is to change the conditions that promoted infestation in the first place. Cockroaches are likely to reinvade as long as they find a suitable habitat (i.e, availability of food, water, and shelter).
Don’t let cockroaches get you down. They are common, but there are ways to control them. Do research and contact a pest management professional help.
For more information on cockroach identification, life cycle, biology and management check out Pest Notes from UC IPM Online provided by UC ANR.