Roaches are one of the most common pests treated with our Household Pest Control Services. The 1st step is proper identification of any pest then the Certified Pest Control Technician formulates a plan to target what you need to resolve & prevent future infestations. 2nd step after treatment, is the habitat modifications.
The Most Common Roaches in North Georgia Pest Control
GERMAN COCKROACHES
German Roaches are brown to dark brown in color. They have two distinct parallel bands running the length of their pronotum (behind the head to the base of the wings). Adults are approx. ½-inch in length.
It is very closely related to the Asian cockroach, and to the casual observer the two appear nearly identical and are often misidentified for each other. However, the Asian cockroach is attracted to light and can fly rather like a moth, while the German cockroach cannot.
German roaches are the most widespread of all cockroaches in the United States. They complete their lifecycle in approximately 100 days, and they breed continuously. Under the right conditions, it is estimated that one female can create (directly & indirectly through offspring) over 1 million roaches in her lifespan.
German roaches often litter food or food products with their feces and defensive secretions. They also physically transport and often harbor pathogenic organisms, and in some cases may cause severe allergic reactions and illnesses.
The German cockroach is extremely successful at establishing an ecological niche in buildings, and is very hardy & resilient against pest control. This is because of the large number of nymphs produced from each egg case, the short period between birth and sexual maturity, and their ability to easily hide due to their small size. That is also the main reason they can most effectively be controlled with baits in cracks and crevices.
Southern Pest Management believes in using just enough pest control products to get the job done without going overboard. We use “Low Risk” products such as baits, and IGR’s (Insect Growth Regulators). These products only affect the roaches themselves and have zero effect on mammals, birds, fish, and other non-target organisms.
AMERICAN COCKROACHES
Both male and female American cockroaches can fly. The wings develop when the roaches become adults.
American cockroaches normally live outdoors. They prefer warm, damp areas like flowerbeds, and under mulch. In many parts of the United States people call them “palmetto bugs” because they live on trees. I think Florida almost opted to make the Palmetto Bug their State Bird but the Mosquito won that election. American cockroaches are very common in sewer systems of many American cities.
American cockroaches enter homes to find water or food. They can easily pass under doors if the weather stripping is damaged. Basement windows and garages are also common entryways. When American cockroaches enter homes, they often go to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements.
ASIAN COCKROACH
Since often confused for the German Cockroach, in most cases, identification is established by the behavior and location of the roaches. Specifically, Asian roaches are capable of sustained flight and normally live in grass and/or leaves; German roaches are not capable of sustained flight and are found residing in our homes, kitchens.
Asian cockroaches also live primarily outdoors, while German cockroaches tend to infest human dwellings. Outdoors Asian cockroaches are typically located in shaded, moist areas. Asian cockroaches are most active at dusk and fly long distances toward sources of light. You may see an Asian cockroach attracted to your television screen or perched near lamps and other sources of illumination.
If you notice an Asian cockroach inside your home, the use of screens may be effective in preventing further infestation.
However, a pest control expert should be contacted to discuss further treatment, as cockroach populations multiply quickly and are difficult to eradicate without professional help.
ORIENTAL COCKROACHES
Oriental cockroaches are often called water bugs because of their preference for dark, damp, and cool areas such as those under sinks and washing machines, and in damp basements. This species, which is less wary and more sluggish than the others, of concern because it often travels through sewer pipes and lives on filth.
Adult Oriental cockroaches are about one inch in length. Both male and female adults are very dark brown, nearly black; their bodies usually have a somewhat greasy sheen.
OUR COCKROACH APPROACH:
We inspect your home—inside and outside. There are several things the technician will do during the inspection:
- Locate areas of cockroach activity.
- Identify the causes of the cockroach problem.
- Look for entryways that cockroaches could be using to get into your home.
Implement a customized solution
Since “cookie-cutter” treatments aren’t always effective, the technician will customize the treatment specific to your unique situation. We can select from a variety of tools and techniques to help keep any cockroaches out of your home:
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- Exclusion: Non-chemical methods such as caulking or door sweeps help keep cockroaches from entering your home. We will provide you with a quote to exclude your home from pests.
- Habitat Modification: If roaches are living in and around your home, we provide you with a list of things that you can change to cut back on the things in your home or yard that are attracting roaches.
- LOW RISK Gel or granular bait: These are applied in areas where cockroaches will eat them but children or pets cannot reach them.
- Insect growth regulator: Applied into cockroach hiding places, these interfere with the cockroaches’ normal development.
- Residual insecticides: Applied into cracks and crevices, these help keep cockroaches from hiding in the treated areas. The technician may also apply liquid insecticide outdoors to help keep all cockroaches from coming inside.
Monitor
Every time the technician returns to your home, they will inspect. There are several things he will do during the inspection:
- Confirm that previous treatment was effective.
- Check for new cockroach activity.
- Revisit habitat modification suggestions. Identify changes to the home or landscape that could make your home vulnerable to cockroach invasion.