Roaches in NYC:

How to Keep These Nasty Pests Away

When most think of the Big Apple, thoughts of Broadway, museums, Times Square, and of course Central Park come rushing through, but no ever thinks of the pests and particularly the cockroaches, until they have to deal with a roach infestation.

Many common cockroach species are found around the world, and a good handful of them in the U.S. Though little critters don’t pay close attention to human-made borders, one can still generalize the more common species found in the area.

American cockroaches, German cockroaches, Brown-banded cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches are the most frequently spotted roaches terrorizing residential homes and commercial businesses in NYC. When you run into these pests, you can always count on a roaches NYC exterminator from Control Exterminating Company.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is also known as a Palmetto or Water Bugs in NYC. It is one of the larger roaches found wandering inside your abode, ranging from 1 ½ inch – 2 inches in length. American roaches are brown and have lighter markings on the back of the head.

The American cockroach is one of the fastest moving insects. They have been documented at running at three miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a human running at 210 miles per hour. Though they have wings and the ability to fly, they are clumsy, and flying is a struggle.

American cockroaches prefer their quick sprints to evade predators. They are scavengers and will eat nearly anything. Preferring a convenient water source, American cockroaches are usually found close by sewers, or by drains or leaky pipes.

an american cockroach scurrying on the floor

American Cockroach

American cockroaches are most likely around food and food preparation surfaces. This is the largest of the cockroaches that are found commonly measuring about two inches. They are usually a reddish brown color and they have fully developed wings. The females will lay about 10 eggs usually in a crack somewhere and leave to hatch.

Identify an American Roach Infestation

It is pretty easy to see with the naked eye the sign of an infestation of the cockroach, especially the American cockroach. They usually try to escape from the light and flee to the darker areas after being seen. 

Not only that, but they also leave behind cockroach droppings in their hideouts, which are tiny, black and blunt ended. This can, however, be confused with mouse droppings, so proper identification is crucial so as to be able to call the right exterminator. 

If you are not sure, call a licensed professional for pest control such as Control Exterminating who are more than capable of doing the job for you.

One of the easiest ways to check for an infestation is the eggs that they leave behind almost everywhere they have been. These are around 8mm in length, dark brown and in the shape of capsules. 

Kitchens and basements are where these can be found the most, but you will also come across them in your furniture. The last indication is very hard to catch, for they leave a distinct smell, which only some people manage to catch.

The American cockroach is known to be one of the most resilient pests in the world. And, regardless of their small size, they are incredibly hard to get rid of, making it a tough job for everyday people to get rid of every trace of their existence using regular household materials.

Brown-banded Cockroach

Brown-banded roaches are one of the smaller cockroach species coming in at 5/8 inch long. They are light brown with two distinctive brownish bands running around their abdomen and wings.

Adult males have full-length wings, and females have shorter ones than the males. With most cockroaches, they prefer moisture; however, brown-banded cockroaches don’t depend on it and can be found in drier places. They too will eat nearly anything, and can even be caught devouring bookbinding, stamps, and wallpaper and envelops.

German Cockroach

German cockroaches are light brown or tan in color, with two darker brown stripes running parallel from their head and down their body. They too are smaller like the Brown-banded roach measuring between ½ inch to 5/8 inch long.

German cockroaches are masters at finding ways to come in. A mere 38 inch is all they need to intrude. They prefer warm and moist environments and are usually hunkering down in kitchens and bathrooms. Like most cockroaches, they will eat anything.

a german cockroach on textured fabric

German Cockroach (Photo: Janet Hurley, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, Bugwood.org)

German cockroaches are the most common kind of cockroach that you will see around and in your residence. They generally like a nice warm place to nest and live so your home is a great option to start their family.

German cockroaches are found most often in bathrooms or kitchens. They like to hide out in the cracks of walls and cupboards. German cockroaches can be identified by their brown coloring with a yellow band behind their head. They are not very large with the adults growing to only about half an inch. German cockroaches also reproduce very quickly with up to 50 eggs at one time.

Oriental Cockroach

Despite their name, Oriental cockroaches are believed to hail from North Africa and like the American cockroach, are also commonly known as water bugs. They emit an extremely pungent odor.

Oriental cockroaches grow to be about 1” long and are black and shiny. Oriental cockroaches will eat anything and can survive in freezing cold temperatures. These roaches are haunting basements and crawlspaces.

Oriental cockroaches are not as common of a cockroach species to come across but they are out there and can get in your home just like any other pest. They like to hide out in dark and damp places where they can stay well hidden.

Oriental cockroaches can also live in cooler environments as well so nowhere is safe from these nasty little pests. These cockroaches are a bit larger than the German cockroach and grow to about one and a half inches long. Oriental cockroaches also have a fully developed pair of wings and are usually a very dark brown to black color.

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“The American cockroach is one of the fastest moving insects. They have been documented at running at three miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a human running at 210 miles per hour.”

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Health Problems Caused by Cockroaches

There is a wide misconception that cockroaches are not harmful. This is not true; thus cockroaches can adversely affect your health. They can be detrimental to all types of people by putting their health in danger. No matter the species, cockroaches can transmit germs, bacteria, and diseases and can trigger allergies.

Bites

You may not be aware of the fact that some cockroaches actually bite. Even though they may not leave a mark, you may start to notice changes in your skin. If you notice that your skin is changing, get help, you might have been bitten and infected.

Bacteria

Cockroaches spread pseudomonas aeruginosa and salmonella. If you happen to become infected with any type of pathogen disease, you could become deathly ill. Whenever you have effected by cockroach infestation, don’t tread lightly.

Act immediately to get rid of them by contacting the most reputable service provider in New York City at Control Exterminating Pest Control. We can safely eradicate the problem from you as quickly as the problem developed.

Food Contamination

People generally see the largest concentration of cockroaches in and around kitchens. You may also find them in your cabinets, refrigerator, and pantry.

Their fecal matter and dead skin are what can cause your food to become contaminated. They will often eat on grains, starches, cereals, and beans.

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“Cockroaches can adversely affect your health. They can be detrimental to all types of people by putting their health in danger.”

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How to get rid of roaches

Roaches pose a sanitation and a health problem. They wonder around sewers and other infested places and carry bacteria that can be harmful for humans. That’s why controlling these pests is very important to one’s health.

Here are steps you can do to avoid roach infestation in your home:

#1. Seal the gaps

Some small steps that one can take to prevent roach infestation in your NYC apartment or house include having a very clean environment and getting rid of cracks and gaps in walls, furniture, sockets and other places in the house.

Silicon-based seals can help fill in these gaps and prevent cockroaches from seeking shelter or laying eggs. Proper sanitation is also crucial to the prevention of these pests. Places in the house, especially the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements require extra care.

#2. Vacuum regularly

It is also wise to vacuum regularly to get rid of dust buildup, reduce moisture in any nook or corner and also suck in eggs in the process.

#3. Use food containers

When it comes to food, it’s best to store it in airtight containers that do not let pests in or attract them in the first place.

#4. Don’t use over-the-counter products

There are plenty of products on the shelves of your local stores; however, the problem with these types of products is that they are rarely effective for an extended amount of time. They don’t address the source of the problem, and therefore the problem will still exist.

Over-the-counter products also use harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to your health and the environment. Don’t take unnecessary chances with your health, instead, get the help you need today and stay healthy.

#5. Call a professional cockroach control

If you notice a cockroach infestation, it is important to exterminate them to keep your home safe from damage, and your health intact. Control Exterminating Company has expertly trained professionals on hand ready to eradicate roach infestations and with regular maintenance can keep them at bay. Call us today to get started!***

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