Cockroaches are among the oldest groups of insects because they will pretty much eat anything. Roaches find and devour any organic material – decaying or fresh – book bindings, glue, leather, beer, cheese, meat, grease, sweets, and starches.
Where Do Cockroaches Live?
These insects are attracted to wet and warm environments and can be found in dark, secluded places. In the home, roaches are most often found under refrigerators, stoves, the bottoms, sides, and backs of cabinets. They can also be found behind pictures and inside electronics.
What Kind of Cockroach Do I Have?
- The German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) is among the most frequently found pests in homes. They prefer dark, wet, and warm places close to food and water.
- The American Cockroach (Periplantea americana) is one of the largest cockroaches found in the Northeast region.
- They prefer cooler areas. You’ll find them in basements and crawlspaces.
- The Brownbanded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa) is often well hidden because it requires less moisture than the other roaches. They prefer drier climates and are often found in pantries and closets.
- The Oriental Cockroach and Brown Cockroach are rarely found on Long Island- Nassau, Suffolk or the Hamptons.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
Keeping a clean home is one of the best preventative measures with cockroaches. For example – do not allow dirty dishes to stay in the sink overnight, keep food covered at all times (including pet food), remove garbage daily and keep the cans outside, sealed, and clean behind stoves and cabinets.
Trapping these pests is difficult because for every cockroach you see, there could be a hundred that you don’t. However, there are glue traps available that will catch whatever walks through it – including cockroaches. Cockroaches always walk along a vertical and horizontal surface in a straight line (such as where a wall and floor join). Baits, insecticides, and dusts should be placed here.
Do I NEED to exterminate them?
Yes–Cockroaches can be dangerous to have around because they are known to carry some diseases: Salmonella, E. coli, food poisoning. They also irritate allergies and asthma. They can destroy the fabric and paper of things around the home. Many people opt for physical removal – vacuuming or crushing the visible ones.
It’s important to remember that even the cleanest homes get these pests. Also, because they eat everything, they become very adaptive to any environment. It’s important to call a professional ASAP, like Suburban Exterminating at (516) or (631) 864-6900.
