The Oriental cockroach, despite its name, is belived to have originated in North Africa in areas with summer heat and moderate winters. In Great Britain it is known as the "black beetle" or "common roach" and is the most important cockroach pest. In the United States, however, it is less common than the german roach and is often referred to as a "waterbug". This roach species is easily identified. It is uniformly dark brown to black in color and about 1 1/4 inches in length. The wings of the male cover about 2/3 of the abdomen; females have characteristic short wing pads. Oriental roaches are slower moving and less wary than other domestic species. The egg capsule is more than 1/4 inch long and is not symmetrical. The capsule has no subsegments to indicate egg position and lacks lateral indentations. The first indication of an infestation may be old scattered roach parts on the floor or individual roaches caught in spider webs.

The Oriental cockroach is one of several species in the U.S. which can cause serious problems in buildings. It is more closely associated with filth and cool, dark damp areas than any of the other roach species. It is most often found in basements, crawl spaces, utility rooms, sewers and old incinerators used for trash chutes. This species fares better outdoors than most and can be found under debris, leaf litter, mulch and dense vegetation near a house and in water meter vaults.

The Oriental cockroach is long-lived- the entire life cycle is about 22 months. The egg capsule contains 12-16 eggs. After hatching, the nymphs develop into adults after several instars over a period of 17 months. The adults live 1-4 months. During that time, each female deposits an average of 12 capsules producing approximately 196 offspring.

Reducing the humidity and increasing the light and air circulation in problem areas will help control infestations. Removing food, trash and debris will help reduce harborage in nesting areas. Floor drain and condensation line traps should be full of water to prevent migration from the sewer. Abandoned drain lines should be capped. Loose bait formulated for damp areas can provide effective control in basements and crawl spaces. Niban is a granulated bait for just such a purpose. If you have any questions or would like more information on this product, please contact us.
Mature American cockroaches measure 2 inches in length. They are red-brown in color and are characterized by fully developed wings that completely cover the abdomen. The pronotum (the shield-like area behind the head) has a yellow halo-like band around its edge. American roach nymphs are 1/4 inch in length when they emerge from the egg capsule, and are initially gray-brown in color. As they develop, they become more red-brown, and the yellow halo on the pronotum becomes more prominent.

American cockroaches are not common pests in most homes. They are abundant in sewers and are often found in large numbers in groceries, prisons, resturants, hospitals, office buildings and apartment buildings. These insects prefer to inhabit warm, damp locations and are often found in the thousands in steam tunnels and boiler rooms. They are good fliers and can often migrate from building to building on the wing. Each female can produce an average of 60 egg capsules during its lifetime. Each egg capsule is 5/16 in length and brown to black in color. The nymphs emerge in about 60 days. They molt 13 times before becoming adults which takes between 285 to 616 days. The adults live an average 400 days. American cockroaches can become abundant in secluded locations despite their long life cycle because they are long-lived and because the females produce so many egg capsules.

As with other cockroach species, sanitation is very important in controlling American roaches. Population reduction is most effective if food materials and harborage areas are eliminated whenever and wherever practical. Large existing populations can be reduced or eliminated with careful application of insecticide sprays, dusts and/or baits. Suspend SC is a safe, versatile general insecticide that will last for months per application. Delta Dust is a long lasting dust that is also waterproof. Use the spray as a long lasting surface residual control and use the dust in voids even those with a high moisture content. Maxforce Granular Insect Bait is an excellent alternative to spraying. Place a small amount of bait, as needed, around trees, firewood piles, compost heaps, under low decking or ornamental gardens that have a lot of mulch in them. Bait at night; this is when they forage for food. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please
contact us.
Although cockroaches have been around since the Paleozoic Era (which began 600 million years ago and lasted for 375 million years), the brown banded cockroach did not come to the United States until about 1903. It is of African origin and even though introduced first in Florida, it is now well known throughout many northern states. It is also known as the spotted roach or the tropical roach. Of the four species that are widespread throughout the world, the brown-banded is considered a small roach, reaching a length of about one-half inch. The favorite spot for the brown-banded roach is an "up" location, behind mirrors, pictures, drapes and in such hot spots as the inside of television sets, radios and even wall clocks, and it is not necessarily a "basement" roach. Heights are no deterrent for this roach, which has the habit of standing erect on it's legs while searching for food. Although called brown-banded, it may vary in color from black to a light gold. Two yellow bands are found on the wings of the adult, one near where the wing joins the body, the other where about 1/16 inch further back toward the wing tips. The "brown-banded" is actually more appropriate for the nymphs than for the adults since the bands are more noticeable at that stage.

The brown-banded roach's egg capsule is only 3/16 of an inch long and is yellowish or reddish-brown in color. It can be found in as many places as the female can reach and has been fastened on ceilings and walls. The female carries the capsule for about one day before attaching it to some object. The female will carry about 14 of these capsules during her life. Each capsule contains about 18 eggs, with about 13 young emerging per capsule after a two month incubation period. All development stages of the brown-banded roach are retarded when the temperature drops below 75 degrees and the roach prefers temperatures above 80 degrees. Length of the nymph stage from hatch to adult will average about 160 days. The maximum adult female life is 200 days. Some studies have indicated the brown-banded roach is very gregarious and will live harmoniously with other roaches, although the brown-banded has been observed to fly readily when disturbed.

Sanitation is a must for non-chemical control of roaches to be effective. Because the roach is a nocturnal creature, foodstuffs left out overnight, even crumbs, are an invitation for it to participate. Because the brown-banded roach likes heat rather than moisture, elimination of certain wet areas that reduce other roach populations may not work for the brown-banded. Baiting, in conjunction with a growth regulator, is the most effective method for fast, total control. MaxForce FC Roach Gel and Avert Gel are two of the best baits we have found.Place numerous small bait points, in hidden areas, aroung the infested room. Cockroaches will feed on the bait and then pass it on to other members of the colony so total control is achieved quickly. Also use Gentrol Point Source as the growth regulator. This will deform the nymph stage so as an adult they are unable to reproduce. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please contact us.
The Smokey Brown cockroach is a native species common in the southern states from Texas eastward. It has also been found in isolated locations in the north, breeding in greenhouses or other warm, moist areas. It is normally found outdoors, but can become an established pest in and around homes and other structures. This cockroach has become a major pest in Houston and New Orleans, and is second only to the German cockroach in homes in southwest Georgia. The Smokey Brown has also been established in the sewer systems in southern California. It has been found in heated buildings as far north as Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

This roach species is closely related to the American cockroach, but can be distinguished by it's smaller size and shiny uniform dark-brown or mahogany color. It is about 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 inches in length, and the wings of both sexes cover the abdomen; the female has a stouter abdomen and lacks styli. Young nymphs have whitish markings on the thorax, abdomen and on some antenna segments; old nymphs are uniformly dark brown. The egg capsule is about 1/2 inch long and is dark brown in color. The Smokey Brown cockroach has a life cycle of about 17 months. The nymphs develop into adults after several instars over a period on 11 months. The adults live 2-6 months.

Removing food, trash and debris will help reduce harborage in nesting areas. Since this cockroach species is found outdoors, spraying of foundation plantings, building perimeters and wood piles is recommended.
Suspend SC is a safe, versatile general insecticide that will last for months per application. Delta Guard granules should also be used as a broadcast treatment in the yard. Maxforce Granular Insect Bait is an excellent alternative to spraying. Place a small amount of bait, as needed, around trees, firewood piles, compost heaps, under low decking or ornamental gardens that have a lot of mulch in them. Bait at night; this is when they forage for food. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please contact us.
Adult German cockroaches are 1/2 to 5/8/ inch in length, pale brown or tan in color, with two parallel black streaks on the pronotum (the shield-like segment behind the head). The adult males are somewhat narrower when viewed from below than the females. German cockroach nymphs, 1/8/ inch in length when they hatch, are almost uniformly dark except for a light area on the back of the second and third segments. As they grow, this light area becomes larger, until as mature nymphs they have two parallel black streaks separated by a light tan area.

The German cockroach is the most common household insect found in the United States. This pest is usually found infesting kitchens and bathrooms, but it has the capability of living in any portion of any heated structure. It is usually found in dark, secluded harborage areas such as under cupboards, behind cabinets, in wall voids or around motor housings around appliances. The adult female produces four to eight camel-brown egg capsules in it's lifetime. Each capsule is about 5/16 inch in length and contains 30 to 40 eggs. The female carries the egg capsule partially within it's abdomen until just before the nymphs are ready to emerge. If the egg capsule is dropped prematurely, the developing cockroaches will die of dehydration. The nymphs emerge from the egg capsule in 28 to 30 days, and they feed and live in the same areas the adults do. Nymphs molt six to seven times before becoming adults. There are three to four generations per year, with each generation averaging 130 days. Cockroaches feed on all types of food and practically anything else with nutritional value found within a home or commercial building. German cockroaches are nighttime insects. They remain hidden in dark, secluded harborage areas during the day. If they are seen during daylight, it is a sure sign that a tremendous population exists. Cockroaches prefer to congregate together in their harborages, but if the population becomes too large, they will be forced to move out of the safest hiding spots.

Sanitation is the cornerstone of effective, long-lasting German cockroach control. Food material must be eliminated as much as possible and harborage areas should be sealed off where possible. Baiting, in conjunction with a growth regulator, is the most effective method for fast, total control.
Maxforce FC Roach Gel and Avert Gel are two of the best baits we have found. Place numerous small bait points, in hidden areas, around the infested room. Cockroaches will feed on the bait and then pass it on to other members of the colony so total control is achieved quickly. Also use Gentrol Point Source as the growth regulator. This will deform the nymph stage so that as an adult it will not have the ability to reproduce. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please contact us.
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ROACHES
The key to elimination of cockroach infestations is to understand the habits and needs of these pests. You can then implement a professional-strength solution based on that knowledge.
GERMAN COCKROACH
Adult German cockroaches are 1/2 to 5/8/ inch in length, pale brown or tan in color, with two parallel black streaks on the pronotum (the shield-like segment behind the head). The adult males are somewhat narrower when viewed from below than the females. German cockroach nymphs, 1/8/ inch in length when they hatch, are almost uniformly dark except for a light area on the back of the second and third segments. As they grow, this light area becomes larger, until as mature nymphs they have two parallel black streaks separated by a light tan area.

The German cockroach is the most common household insect found in the United States. This pest is usually found infesting kitchens and bathrooms, but it has the capability of living in any portion of any heated structure. It is usually found in dark, secluded harborage areas such as under cupboards, behind cabinets, in wall voids or around motor housings around appliances. The adult female produces four to eight camel-brown egg capsules in it's lifetime. Each capsule is about 5/16 inch in length and contains 30 to 40 eggs. The female carries the egg capsule partially within it's abdomen until just before the nymphs are ready to emerge. If the egg capsule is dropped prematurely, the developing cockroaches will die of dehydration. The nymphs emerge from the egg capsule in 28 to 30 days, and they feed and live in the same areas the adults do. Nymphs molt six to seven times before becoming adults. There are three to four generations per year, with each generation averaging 130 days. Cockroaches feed on all types of food and practically anything else with nutritional value found within a home or commercial building. German cockroaches are nighttime insects. They remain hidden in dark, secluded harborage areas during the day. If they are seen during daylight, it is a sure sign that a tremendous population exists. Cockroaches prefer to congregate together in their harborages, but if the population becomes too large, they will be forced to move out of the safest hiding spots.

Sanitation is the cornerstone of effective, long-lasting German cockroach control. Food material must be eliminated as much as possible and harborage areas should be sealed off where possible. Baiting, in conjunction with a growth regulator, is the most effective method for fast, total control.
Maxforce FC Roach Gel and Avert Gel are two of the best baits we have found. Place numerous small bait points, in hidden areas, around the infested room. Cockroaches will feed on the bait and then pass it on to other members of the colony so total control is achieved quickly. Also use Gentrol Point Source as the growth regulator. This will deform the nymph stage so that as an adult it will not have the ability to reproduce. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please contact us.
SMOKEY BROWN COCKROACH
The Smokey Brown cockroach is a native species common in the southern states from Texas eastward. It has also been found in isolated locations in the north, breeding in greenhouses or other warm, moist areas. It is normally found outdoors, but can become an established pest in and around homes and other structures. This cockroach has become a major pest in Houston and New Orleans, and is second only to the German cockroach in homes in southwest Georgia. The Smokey Brown has also been established in the sewer systems in southern California. It has been found in heated buildings as far north as Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

This roach species is closely related to the American cockroach, but can be distinguished by it's smaller size and shiny uniform dark-brown or mahogany color. It is about 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 inches in length, and the wings of both sexes cover the abdomen; the female has a stouter abdomen and lacks styli. Young nymphs have whitish markings on the thorax, abdomen and on some antenna segments; old nymphs are uniformly dark brown. The egg capsule is about 1/2 inch long and is dark brown in color. The Smokey Brown cockroach has a life cycle of about 17 months. The nymphs develop into adults after several instars over a period on 11 months. The adults live 2-6 months.

Removing food, trash and debris will help reduce harborage in nesting areas. Since this cockroach species is found outdoors, spraying of foundation plantings, building perimeters and wood piles is recommended.
Suspend SC is a safe, versatile general insecticide that will last for months per application. Delta Guard granules should also be used as a broadcast treatment in the yard. Maxforce Granular Insect Bait is an excellent alternative to spraying. Place a small amount of bait, as needed, around trees, firewood piles, compost heaps, under low decking or ornamental gardens that have a lot of mulch in them. Bait at night; this is when they forage for food. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please contact us.
BROWN-BANDED COCKROACH
Although cockroaches have been around since the Paleozoic Era (which began 600 million years ago and lasted for 375 million years), the brown banded cockroach did not come to the United States until about 1903. It is of African origin and even though introduced first in Florida, it is now well known throughout many northern states. It is also known as the spotted roach or the tropical roach. Of the four species that are widespread throughout the world, the brown-banded is considered a small roach, reaching a length of about one-half inch. The favorite spot for the brown-banded roach is an "up" location, behind mirrors, pictures, drapes and in such hot spots as the inside of television sets, radios and even wall clocks, and it is not necessarily a "basement" roach. Heights are no deterrent for this roach, which has the habit of standing erect on it's legs while searching for food. Although called brown-banded, it may vary in color from black to a light gold. Two yellow bands are found on the wings of the adult, one near where the wing joins the body, the other where about 1/16 inch further back toward the wing tips. The "brown-banded" is actually more appropriate for the nymphs than for the adults since the bands are more noticeable at that stage.

The brown-banded roach's egg capsule is only 3/16 of an inch long and is yellowish or reddish-brown in color. It can be found in as many places as the female can reach and has been fastened on ceilings and walls. The female carries the capsule for about one day before attaching it to some object. The female will carry about 14 of these capsules during her life. Each capsule contains about 18 eggs, with about 13 young emerging per capsule after a two month incubation period. All development stages of the brown-banded roach are retarded when the temperature drops below 75 degrees and the roach prefers temperatures above 80 degrees. Length of the nymph stage from hatch to adult will average about 160 days. The maximum adult female life is 200 days. Some studies have indicated the brown-banded roach is very gregarious and will live harmoniously with other roaches, although the brown-banded has been observed to fly readily when disturbed.

Sanitation is a must for non-chemical control of roaches to be effective. Because the roach is a nocturnal creature, foodstuffs left out overnight, even crumbs, are an invitation for it to participate. Because the brown-banded roach likes heat rather than moisture, elimination of certain wet areas that reduce other roach populations may not work for the brown-banded. Baiting, in conjunction with a growth regulator, is the most effective method for fast, total control. MaxForce FC Roach Gel and Avert Gel are two of the best baits we have found.Place numerous small bait points, in hidden areas, aroung the infested room. Cockroaches will feed on the bait and then pass it on to other members of the colony so total control is achieved quickly. Also use Gentrol Point Source as the growth regulator. This will deform the nymph stage so as an adult they are unable to reproduce. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please contact us.

This page was last updated on: February 15, 2007

AMERICAN COCKROACH
Mature American cockroaches measure 2 inches in length. They are red-brown in color and are characterized by fully developed wings that completely cover the abdomen. The pronotum (the shield-like area behind the head) has a yellow halo-like band around its edge. American roach nymphs are 1/4 inch in length when they emerge from the egg capsule, and are initially gray-brown in color. As they develop, they become more red-brown, and the yellow halo on the pronotum becomes more prominent.

American cockroaches are not common pests in most homes. They are abundant in sewers and are often found in large numbers in groceries, prisons, resturants, hospitals, office buildings and apartment buildings. These insects prefer to inhabit warm, damp locations and are often found in the thousands in steam tunnels and boiler rooms. They are good fliers and can often migrate from building to building on the wing. Each female can produce an average of 60 egg capsules during its lifetime. Each egg capsule is 5/16 in length and brown to black in color. The nymphs emerge in about 60 days. They molt 13 times before becoming adults which takes between 285 to 616 days. The adults live an average 400 days. American cockroaches can become abundant in secluded locations despite their long life cycle because they are long-lived and because the females produce so many egg capsules.

As with other cockroach species, sanitation is very important in controlling American roaches. Population reduction is most effective if food materials and harborage areas are eliminated whenever and wherever practical. Large existing populations can be reduced or eliminated with careful application of insecticide sprays, dusts and/or baits. Suspend SC is a safe, versatile general insecticide that will last for months per application. Delta Dust is a long lasting dust that is also waterproof. Use the spray as a long lasting surface residual control and use the dust in voids even those with a high moisture content. Maxforce Granular Insect Bait is an excellent alternative to spraying. Place a small amount of bait, as needed, around trees, firewood piles, compost heaps, under low decking or ornamental gardens that have a lot of mulch in them. Bait at night; this is when they forage for food. If you have any questions or would like more information on these products, please
contact us.
ORIENTAL COCKROACH
The Oriental cockroach, despite its name, is belived to have originated in North Africa in areas with summer heat and moderate winters. In Great Britain it is known as the "black beetle" or "common roach" and is the most important cockroach pest. In the United States, however, it is less common than the german roach and is often referred to as a "waterbug". This roach species is easily identified. It is uniformly dark brown to black in color and about 1 1/4 inches in length. The wings of the male cover about 2/3 of the abdomen; females have characteristic short wing pads. Oriental roaches are slower moving and less wary than other domestic species. The egg capsule is more than 1/4 inch long and is not symmetrical. The capsule has no subsegments to indicate egg position and lacks lateral indentations. The first indication of an infestation may be old scattered roach parts on the floor or individual roaches caught in spider webs.

The Oriental cockroach is one of several species in the U.S. which can cause serious problems in buildings. It is more closely associated with filth and cool, dark damp areas than any of the other roach species. It is most often found in basements, crawl spaces, utility rooms, sewers and old incinerators used for trash chutes. This species fares better outdoors than most and can be found under debris, leaf litter, mulch and dense vegetation near a house and in water meter vaults.

The Oriental cockroach is long-lived- the entire life cycle is about 22 months. The egg capsule contains 12-16 eggs. After hatching, the nymphs develop into adults after several instars over a period of 17 months. The adults live 1-4 months. During that time, each female deposits an average of 12 capsules producing approximately 196 offspring.

Reducing the humidity and increasing the light and air circulation in problem areas will help control infestations. Removing food, trash and debris will help reduce harborage in nesting areas. Floor drain and condensation line traps should be full of water to prevent migration from the sewer. Abandoned drain lines should be capped. Loose bait formulated for damp areas can provide effective control in basements and crawl spaces. Niban is a granulated bait for just such a purpose. If you have any questions or would like more information on this product, please contact us.