UNITY / PESTS 

How to Identify and Get Rid of Roaches

Safeguard your home or business from cockroaches with expert identification and control techniques.

IDENTIFY

TYPES OF COCKROACHES

WHAT DO COCKROACHES LOOK LIKE?

Cockroaches can reach lengths over 50 mm (2 in), with tropical species typically being larger than those in other climates. These pests have six legs, two antennae, and some even possess wings, although most winged cockroaches are not proficient fliers. Characterized by flat, oval-shaped bodies, cockroaches can feel oily to the touch and their temperature varies with their environment. In homes, cockroaches excel at hiding, and their eggs are naturally resistant to many over-the-counter insecticides and difficult to trap. Effective cockroach pest control often requires specialized equipment, materials, and expertise. Discover more about cockroach identification.

TREATMENT

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

What Unity Property & Pest Does

 

While a cockroach infestation is one of the most common pest issues, it’s also among the most stubborn. Since every home is unique, a Unity Property & Pest expert can create a personalized cockroach treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Eliminating roaches and keeping them out of your home or building is an ongoing process, not a one-time treatment. Unity Property & Pest’s exclusive Points of Service consists of a continuous cycle of 5 critical steps, providing an effective strategy for pest control of roaches and other pests.

  • We Investigate: We’ll inspect your home thoroughly, inside and out, for current or potential cockroach issues.
  • We Protect: We’ll treat the perimeter of your structure with the appropriate materials, remove all accessible cockroach nests, and use the safest methods available.
  • We Fortify: We’ll take all necessary measures to keep roaches out by sealing, caulking, plugging, and securing gaps and cracks.
  • We Keep Watch: We’ll treat the interior of your home and install pest monitors in critical areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and garages.
  • We Report: We’ll always provide a detailed report of services rendered and recommendations to help keep your home free of cockroaches and other pests.
  • We Follow Up: We’ll stay in touch between our regularly scheduled visits and respond to any immediate needs.

Unity Property & Pest’s roach exterminators can provide the right solution for a cockroach infestation, ensuring roaches stay out of your home or business.

If you suspect a cockroach infestation in your home or business, contact your local Unity Property & Pest branch to discuss inspection and customized solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many attribute a cockroach issue to inadequate housekeeping. While maintaining clean floors, kitchens, and bathrooms is crucial for reducing food sources that attract cockroaches, these pests can infiltrate homes and cause infestations through various means. They hitch rides on infested items, enter through cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior, use drains or sewer pipes as entry points, and some species are even attracted indoors by lights and can fly inside. Learn more about signs of a cockroach infestation.

Cockroaches are not just a common pest problem; they’re notoriously difficult to eradicate. They hide in numerous places, reproduce rapidly, possess high reproductive capabilities, and can develop resistance to pesticides.

These pests frequently contaminate food with dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, making it imperative not to overlook their presence. Prolonged exposure to cockroach feces and deceased roach body parts can also lead to allergies and aggravate asthma symptoms.

The duration required to eliminate a cockroach infestation from your home varies significantly based on the species and extent of the infestation. Many over-the-counter products used by homeowners often fail to effectively control cockroach infestations. These pests are highly adaptable and may demonstrate resistance to certain DIY extermination methods.

Cockroaches progress through egg and nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Female cockroaches produce egg cases called oothecae, which contain numerous eggs and are encased in a protein substance that gradually hardens into a durable casing. Some species drop the ootheca, while others carry it until the eggs are ready to hatch.

When the eggs hatch, immature cockroaches known as nymphs emerge from the ootheca. Initially bright white, nymphs darken and harden within hours after emerging. They undergo several molts, gradually darkening to a grayish-brown color with each molt. The time it takes for nymphs to develop into adults varies by species and environmental conditions, ranging from months to over a year.

Once nymphal development is complete, adult cockroaches emerge. Adults are typically larger than nymphs and are distinguished by the presence of wings in most species. However, some species, like the Madagascar hissing cockroach, remain wingless throughout their lives.

Cockroaches can cause significant damage to your home. To effectively manage cockroach infestations, consider the following:

Entry Points: Cockroaches can enter homes through various avenues such as cracks, vents, sewer pipes, and carried in on items like groceries and personal belongings.

Preferred Habitat: Homes provide an optimal environment for cockroaches with abundant food, warmth, water, and hiding places, allowing them to thrive year-round.

Rapid Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly, with each visible one potentially indicating a larger hidden population multiplying within walls and crevices.

Elusiveness: Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, meaning seeing one during the day suggests a potential overcrowding issue and severe infestation beyond what’s visible.

Health Concerns: Cockroach debris like shed skins, carcasses, and droppings can exacerbate allergies and asthma, particularly in children and sensitive individuals.

Challenges of DIY Approaches: Cockroaches evade detection better than humans can track them, and their eggs are naturally resistant to many over-the-counter insecticides. Effective control often requires specialized equipment, materials, and expertise.

INFORMATION ABOUT COCKROACHES

Understanding Cockroach Problems

The more you understand about cockroaches, the more effectively you can predict and manage their behavior. Here are some essential facts to guide you:

Classification

Cockroaches belong to the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, and Order Blattaria. Some species invade human dwellings and are considered pests.

Risk of Disease

Pest cockroaches can carry various diseases because they are commonly found near waste deposits or in kitchens where food is present.

Environmental Impact

Some cockroaches benefit the environment by serving as important recyclers of decaying organic material.

Classification

Cockroaches belong to the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, and Order Blattaria. Some species invade human dwellings and are considered pests.

Risk of Disease

Pest cockroaches can carry various diseases because they are commonly found near waste deposits or in kitchens where food is present.

Environmental Impact

Some cockroaches benefit the environment by serving as important recyclers of decaying organic material.

THE UNITY WAY

WE’RE NOT HAPPY, UNTIL YOU’RE HAPPY.

With off-schedule return visits and a 30-day money-back guarantee, partnering with Unity Property & Pest ensures pest-free peace of mind.

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