Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the worst household pests you’ll ever encounter. There are 4,000 species but 30 of them live in human habitats. The good news is that only five can be found in Kansas City. Nevertheless, these five species can create serious problems for locals. Before you can identify the severity of the problem and the best way to fix it, you’ll need to identify the species. Working with our exterminators is the best way to identify the problem and fix it.

Cockroaches In Kansas City

Kansas City residents need to learn how to identify a cockroach species. Doing so will make fixing the problem easier. Below, you’ll learn about the most common cockroach species in our area.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are common in Kansas City. On average, they can grow up to 5/8ths of an inch. In terms of color, they’re either tan or light brown. One thing that sets them apart from other cockroaches is that they have racing stripes on their heads. German cockroaches and other cockroaches are prolific breeders. They can create an infestation rapidly. They tend to hide under warm appliances. German cockroaches develop wings but they do not fly.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches can be found across Kansas City. You won’t be able to ignore them because they can grow up to two inches in length. They’re reddish-brown and have a lighter color on the back of their head. These cockroaches live a long time with it taking two years for them to mature. They won’t infest a dwelling quickly. In fact, they tend to stay out of residential dwellings. They prefer living in steam tunnels and sewer systems. An American cockroach infestation tells you that you have a broken sewer pipe or something similar.

American and German cockroaches are the most common but there are others. Below, you’ll learn more about other cockroaches in our area.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

As the name suggests, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are native to Pennsylvania. They can be found in most states in the Eastern United States. They can also spread to other areas. Adult cockroaches grow up to an inch while females are slightly shorter than that. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches generally aren’t pests and they won’t reproduce inside. They are attracted to homes that have wood shingles, woodpiles, and blocked gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches are smaller than other cockroaches since they only grow up to a third of an inch. These cockroaches came to the United States in the mid-1900s from Europe. Since then, they’ve spread across the United States. You’re going to find them in several states, including Missouri. They are generally found near outdoor foliage. They may enter dwellings but they won’t reproduce inside.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are large with some growing over an inch in length. They’re black or dark brown. Males have short wings but females never grow wings. They’re similar to American cockroaches since they prefer infesting the same things. Oriental cockroaches can handle cold weather exceptionally well. As a result, they often hang out around trashcans.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

These cockroaches grow over an inch with some reaching an inch and a half. These cockroaches are commonly found in the southern United States, but they can spread elsewhere too. They might take a ride in a shipping box and arrive in Missouri.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are all female. They hold their eggs until they give live birth. The cockroach is three-quarters of an inch at the maximum. They prefer being in warm areas so they don’t travel too far north. In our area, it is common to find these cockroaches in greenhouses.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are usually half an inch and tan or light brown. The one thing that sets them apart from German cockroaches is that they do not have racing stripes. It is uncommon to see these cockroaches but they can infest buildings.

Causes Of Cockroaches

Cockroaches generally enter residential dwellings because they’re searching for food. If the home hasn’t been cleaned thoroughly, there is a good chance that cockroaches will enter and infest the home. However, not all cockroaches infest homes due to leftovers and food crumbs. Some are attracted to blocked gutters and broken sewer pipes.

Cockroach Dangers

A cockroach infestation must be dealt with as quickly as possible because these pests are incredibly dangerous. As the infestation grows, the homeowner will face larger risks. They’re not physically dangerous. They’re not going to bite you, but they can contaminate your food sources. When this happens, there is a risk that you’re going to develop a serious illness such as salmonella. The risks are immense so try getting rid of them quickly

Getting Rid Of Them

Take steps to get rid of the cockroaches in your home as quickly as possible. You might’ve heard about the do-it-yourself products on the market. You might’ve considered using them to eliminate your cockroaches. Although some of these products work, others do not. Plus, some of them are hazardous to your health. We argue that it is best to stick with professional cockroaches treatments. Doing so ensures you can fix the problem while keeping the ones you love safe.

We’ll Get Back To You

Don’t hesitate to call our office today. We can contact you back in 48 hours or sooner.

Safe Cockroach Treatments

We offer safe cockroach treatments. We know how quickly you want to get rid of the pests so you can sleep soundly in your home again. Our company can help. We offer cost-effective, safe, and reliable solutions. Although we can get rid of the pests quickly, we won’t put anyone at risk. We use EPA-registered products to eliminate cockroaches. As a result, everyone in your home is going to be okay.

Preventing Cockroach Infestations

Although you can reduce the risks, keeping cockroaches out won’t be easy. Start by cleaning your home from top to bottom. Make sure it stays clean so cockroaches won’t be able to find food in your home. Finally, block all gaps and holes around your home to prevent them from finding a way inside.

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