American Cockroach American cockroach adults are 1 and 1/2 inches long (38mm).American cockroaches are reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the
body region behind the head. When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may fly. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are
wingless. American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm
temperatures around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas, these cockroaches live in basements
and sewers, and may move outdoors into yards during warm weather. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks
and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material. American cockroaches are the largest of the common roaches.
Brown-Banded Cockroach Brown banded cockroaches are about 5/8 inch long (17mm). Light brown to glossy dark brown in color. These insects feed on starchy materials
and even non-food materials such as nylon stockings. These roaches are active at night, and nymphs and adults jump rapidly when disturbed. These pests do not require as much moisture as German cockroaches and tend to avoid light. They prefer to hide in warm, elevated areas near the ceiling, behind wall decorations and loose wallpaper, in closets, beneath or inside upholstered furniture, and in electrical appliances such as
TV sets, stereos, radios, and toasters. They develop and live throughout the building, making control difficult. No room or furniture is immune to
infestations, and one may find tiny, dark droppings and cast skins on cabinets and shelves. The roaches are commonly transported in furniture,
luggage, and other items in houses and soon develop into annoying infestations under warm, humid conditions.
German Cockroach The German cockroach is the cockroach of concern, the species that gives all other cockroaches a bad name. While these cockroaches are
very similar, there are some differences that a practiced eye can discern. The German cockroach is found throughout the world in association
with humans. They are unable to survive in locations away from humans or human activity. Studies have shown that German cockroaches
were unable to colonize inactive ships during cool temperatures and could not survive in homes without central heating in northern climates.
The availability of water, food, and harborage also govern the ability of German cockroaches to establish populations, and limit growth. The
adult is 10 to 15 mm long, brown to dark brown in color with two distinct parallel bands running the length of the pronotum. The German
cockroach has three life stages typical of insects with incomplete metamorphosis: the egg, nymph, and adult. The entire life cycle is
completed in about 100 days.
Oriental Cockroach The oriental Cockroach is 1 & 1/4 inches long (31mm).Dark reddish brown to black in color. When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults
may fly. Females are wingless, and males have wings. Oriental cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if
they have access to water. They prefer cooler temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can overwinter in protected areas outdoors
where temperatures average 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and
crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material. Due to their
large size and slow development, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the
year, they may move inside a house from outside sources.
Smokey-Brown Cockroach Adults are 1 to 1-1/4 in. and are brownish-black in color, have wings, can fly and are attracted to light. Instars (juveniles) have distinctive
colors, shapes and bear limited resemblance to the adults. Common habitats are loose mulch, ground ivy, woodpiles, and the soffits/eaves
of attics. They can be carried into homes, but usually enter at night via small cracks and crevices where light penetrates to the outside. Once
inside, they tend to prefer warm and humid areas that are not exposed to air currents. They feed on any kind of organic matter and can do
minor damage to indoor plants. Primarily a night feeder, it is not uncommon for the homeowner to find them in the kitchen or pet feeding areas
in the middle of the night. They can be very prosperous and flourish in huge numbers by feeding on dog droppings left in the yard.
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