Cockroaches

Specifying Cockroach Species

Cockroaches are unique because there are more than 4,000 species. When you have a cockroach infestation, you cannot delay figuring out which species you’re dealing with. The species you’re dealing with will make a big difference because it can help you determine why they entered your home and how to get rid of them. Around the world, there are roughly 30 cockroach species that will live in residential dwellings. In Seattle, there is a risk that you’ll experience five species.

Again, you need to work quickly to find out which species you’re dealing with because it’ll tell you a lot about the cockroach. Some species aren’t pests and others do not reproduce in residential dwellings. Below, you’ll learn more about the common cockroach species in your area.

Common Cockroach Species In Seattle

Which cockroach species are likely to enter your home in Seattle? Although you may encounter other species, you’re likely going to battle German cockroaches and American cockroaches. Below, you’ll learn more about both species.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches aren’t too big since they only grow up to 5/8s of an inch, but they can create big problems. They breed prolifically so a small infestation will quickly spiral out of control. A female can produce as many as 40 eggs per case. When they sneak into your home, they’re going to take shelter in your appliance because they’re warm. They’ll hide under dishwashers, ovens, and fridges. Despite having wings, they generally do not fly.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are very common in Seattle, and they’re one of the largest with some growing up to 2 inches. They’re reddish-brown so they can easily hide in furniture. These cockroaches will be able to fly across your property quickly. You’ll have to deal with them rapidly because they can live up to three or four years. If you don’t eliminate them, they’ll continue breeding and growing. The good news is that they usually do not infest dwellings. Instead, they prefer staying outside near broken sewer pipes. If you’ve found a lot of large cockroaches in your yard, there is a good chance that they’re American cockroaches and they’ve found a busted sewer pipe.

Although these cockroach species are most common, you may also encounter Smokeybrown, Surinam, Brown-banded, and Oriental cockroaches.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are usually located in the Eastern portion of the United States, but they may travel to Seattle. Male and female cockroaches of this species look nothing alike. Females are much smaller and they have shorter wings. These cockroaches do not reproduce inside so you don’t have to worry about them invading your home. These cockroaches tend to stay outside and they usually do not invade human dwellings. Instead, they are attracted to wood shingles, wood siding, and blocked rain gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

Although they’re only 1/3 of an inch, spotted Mediterranean cockroaches can create issues for you and your loved ones. These roaches are light tan and they recently came to the United States. They came from Europe and quickly spread across America. Nevertheless, they’re not common so you don’t have to worry about them too much. They prefer staying outside, but they’re attracted to lights so they may mistakenly enter your home.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are bigger than some of the others since they can grow up to an inch or longer. They’re usually black or dark brown. Although females do not develop wings, males develop small wings. Oriental cockroaches and American cockroaches tend to do the same things. For instance, both are attracted to busted sewer pipes. Oriental cockroaches are tougher so they can survive during the cold weather exceptionally well. You’ll likely find them around your garbage cans.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

Smokey brown cockroaches can grow up to an inch and a half so they’re one of the biggest cockroaches on this list. These cockroaches aren’t common in Seattle though. They tend to stick to the Southern States. They do not like cold weather so you likely won’t encounter them in your area.

Surinam Cockroaches

The Surinam cockroach may grow up to three-quarters of an inch, and they have a dark spot on the back of their heads. They have tan wings that are lighter than the rest of their body parts. They are not going to be found in Seattle because they cannot tolerate cold weather. If you do find them in your area, they’ll likely be found in greenhouses. They prefer warm weather so they won’t make it in Seattle.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

These cockroaches grow up to half an inch and they’re tan or brown. Many people confuse them with German cockroaches, but there is a slight difference. Brown-banded cockroaches do not have racing stripes. These cockroaches aren’t common today, but they may infest a structure from time to time.

Why Are Cockroaches Infesting My Home?

Cockroaches may infest your home for a handful of reasons. For instance, you might not have cleaned your home thoroughly enough. Some cockroaches like infesting homes that have not been cleaned thoroughly enough. If you’ve been lazy, there is a risk that your home is full of crumbs and leftovers. Cockroaches will enter your home to feed on these crumbs. Alternatively, there is a chance that cockroaches have found busted sewer pipes on your property. They’re not going anywhere until you deal with the busted sewer pipe.

The Dangers Associated With Sewer Pipes

Do you need to worry about the risks of cockroaches? How dangerous are they? Unfortunately, cockroaches are one of the most dangerous pests in the world. They won’t bite or scratch, but they will contaminate your food sources. They can crawl inside of your cereal, flour, and chips. If you eat the food they’ve contaminated, there is a risk that you’re going to develop salmonella or another dangerous. One or two cockroaches on their own likely won’t be dangerous. However, the risk increases significantly when the infestation grows in size. If you have thousands of cockroaches in your home, you need to move out or get rid of the roaches as quickly as possible.

They can spread dangerous diseases and inflame your asthma. Don’t hesitate to contact us because we can rectify the problem faster than anyone else.

What The Best Cockroach Eradication Method In Seattle?

Our professional pest control is by far the best option for cockroach infestations. Our pest control combines routine visual inspections of the impacted home or business with a customized treatment strategy. We believe our professional-grade pesticides and eco-friendly treatment, such as cryonite and thermal heat, are by far better than over-the-counter pesticides.

We can also combine traps and pesticides or a green-friendly treatment to speed up the eradication process. Our goal is to help you regain control of your home, so you and your family no longer need to live in fear of cockroaches.

It is crucial to target your existing food storage system. It is not recommended to leave processed food stored in manufacturer packaging such as paperboard and thin plastic. These products are extremely vulnerable to cockroaches. There is always the risk of foodborne illnesses and even worse allergy and asthma attacks in immunocompromised individuals.

When Will The Exterminator Be Available To Do My Seattle Pest Inspection?

In many cases, we can dispatch an exterminator out to your home within 24 to 48 of the initial service request. We believe in delivering a quick response to every Seattle pest control service request. Remember, we offer both same-day and emergency services as well.

Do Cockroach Pest Control Products Pose Health Risks To Children And Seniors?

Pest control products do and do not contain toxins that may be harmful to humans. However, manufacturers have combined efforts with exterminators across the nation and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to combat these issues. In addition to this combined effort, the EPA has a set of guidelines that target areas notorious for mishaps that lead to environmental exposure. These areas include handling, storage, transport, and treatment.

Our exterminators heed the EPA guidelines and the manufacturer’s recommendations to further fight against exposures that may put their client’s health at risk.

What Is The Best Cockroach Pest Management Strategy In Seattle?

There is no doubt, many over-the-counter pesticides are a temptation for average consumers facing cockroach infestations. Unfortunately, these pest control products are not always the solution to a cockroach infestation. Unlike some insect species, the cockroach is described by scientists as a “prolific breeder,” which means it continuously reproduces. This is why a few cockroaches can turn into a full-blown infestation in a short duration.

Our professional pest management is the best cockroach strategy, regardless of severity. It combines routine visual in-home inspections, customized treatment, and prevention.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.