Cockroaches

Cockroach Identifiers

Cockroach species number into the thousands, 30 of which are known to invade homes and five can found in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It is crucial to be able to identify the cockroach species invading your home. This knowledge will ensure you find the appropriate treatment the first go-round. With so many cockroach species, some of which prefer the outdoors and others indoors. If a cockroach species have invaded your home, there is a reason behind it. This reason could be accessibility, preference, or necessity. The cockroach species that invade home do so to reproduce and live in a warm, safe environment. Remember, every cockroach begins as a tiny egg, maturing into a nymph and eventually an adult.

Cockroach Species Found In Indianapolis, Indiana

There are two cockroach species sightings reported in Indianapolis, Indiana. These include the American and German cockroach species, both of which share some similarities and differences.

German Cockroach Species – The German cockroach species measures between ½” to 5/8” in length, with a tan or light brown body and “racing” stripes on the head plate. The adult female German cockroach species can produce up to five capsules with approximately 35 eggs each within her lifetime. They are mostly found living indoors near appliances where food plentiful. While they have a full set of wings, their flying capabilities are nonexistent.

American Cockroach Species – The American cockroach species measures between 1-3/8” to 2” in length, with a brownish-red body and light head plate with a single dark marking. This is one cockroach species that have flying capabilities and a long lifespan. It takes the egg between six and 24 months to mature into adulthood. Once it reaches adulthood, it can live up to 36 months in a controlled environment. The American cockroach species prefers the indoors to the outdoors. They are more commonly found living near sewage systems, which offer quick indoor access.

Cockroach Species Not Commonly Reported In Indianapolis, Indiana

While the American and German cockroach species are commonly reported in Indiana, the Pennsylvania wood, brown-banded, spotted Mediterranean, smokey-brown, Oriental, and Surinam cockroach species are a rarity.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Species – The adult male and female have unique characteristics, with the adult male being the larger of the two. The adult female measures between ½” and ¾” in length while the adult male is up to an inch in length. The adult has a full set of wings, allowing them to fly toward bright lights after dark. This is one cockroach species that prefers the outdoors to the indoors. The spotted-Mediterranean cockroach grows up to 1/3 inch in length, with a light body and dark spots scattered about. The species originates in Europe, making its way to American shores in the 1900s.

Oriental Cockroach Species – The oriental cockroach species can grow up to 1-1/4 inches in length. The body is slighting darker than most cockroach species. The adult’s wings are extremely large, covering nearly three-quarters of the body. Like the American cockroach species, the Oriental cockroach species prefer the outdoors in areas where the essentials are readily available. The diet consists of rotting organic material, fecal matter, and trash.

Smokey-Brown Cockroach Species – The smokey-brown cockroach species is about 1-1/2 inches in length, with dark brownish-red coloring. It is more commonly reported in the Southern part of the United States. Sightings have been reported in Indianapolis and other Indiana cities. These cockroaches are notorious for hijacking shipments from the south. The wings are fully established for flying.

Surinam Cockroach Species – The Surinam cockroach species grows up to ¾ of an inch in length, with a dark head plate and light tan wings. These cockroaches prefer warm climates and the outdoors. Indoor sightings are slim to none. The adult female gives live birth in the outdoors. According to evidence, there is only one Surinam gender, which is female.

Brown-Banded Cockroach Species – The brown-banded cockroach species is about ½ of an inch in length, with a light brown body that is small like the German cockroach. The head plate has a single dark line instead of the double racing stripes like the German cockroach. They prefer the outdoors where they thrive and continuously reproduce.

What Is My Home Infested With Cockroaches?

If your home has become a cockroach target, it is because you invited them in. While this was not your plan, it happened anyway. Cockroach species that prefer indoor living are opportunist insects. They utilize every opportunity to access the indoors, where they will thrive and reproduce for weeks or months until detection. In the perfect environment, the cockroach will continuously reproduce until death.

Are Cockroach Infestations A Health Risk To Humans?

Cockroach infestations have been linked to respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about them biting, but you do have to be on the lookout for contaminated food. Cockroaches are not all bad, as they are a major part of the food chain. These insect feeders are given to bearded dragons, frogs, turtles, and birds. Their feces have been linked to food poisoning (salmonella), resulting in a wave of symptoms – diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, fatigue, and low-grade fever.

Is It Possible To Eradicate A Cockroach Infestation?

Sure, with the perfect pest control strategy, it is possible to fully eradicate mild-, moderate-, and severe-cockroach infestations. For this to be possible, all parties must be on board with the pest control strategy. While the homeowner is responsible for the housekeeping strategy, the extermination company is responsible for creating an effective pest control solution. This combined effort will guarantee efficiency on all levels. Does DIY cockroach treatment work? It can, but only in mild cases. Pest control is more complex than many people want to believe. It is much more in-depth than administering an over-the-counter pesticide.

When Should I Expect The Exterminator To Arrive At My Home?

The exterminator will arrive at your home with 24 to 48 hours of your initial phone call to our local Indianapolis office.

Is Cockroach Infestation Treatment Harmful To Humans And Animals?

Chemical-based pesticides contain toxins that have been shown to be contraindicated in immunocompromised people, children, and senior citizens. To avoid these risks, we request that all household members, including pets, vacate the home several hours prior to the initial treatment. Vulnerable members must remain out of the home for up to 24 hours following the initial treatment. Our pesticides have been approved by the EPA, which means they are safe when administered properly. To learn more about EPA-approved pesticides, please contact our cockroach specialists in Indianapolis.

How To Prevent Future Cockroach Infestations?

Once a home has been compromised by cockroaches, it becomes a common target. Indoor cockroach species are opportunists always looking for available access points into homes of unexpected owners. We have helped thousands of Indianapolis homeowners strengthen their pest barriers around the perimeter of their properties. We start by removing all access points, followed by routine visual inspections and treatment when necessary. Once your pest barrier is rebuilt, we will start working on a custom cockroach prevention plan specific to your home. For this process to work, every member of the household must be a willing participant. With improved housekeeping techniques, routine inspections, and diligence, your home will no longer be a cockroach target.

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