With the vast amount of species found across the country, there are few species of pests more commonly found in Virginia than cockroaches. Cockroaches in general are not only creepy and grotesque, but they can trigger allergy symptoms, contribute to asthma attacks, and spread germs, bacteria and diseases simply by trekking across a surface. Most species prefer the warmth and darkness and some opt for humid climates where others need dry areas to live in.  

Cockroach Identification & Behavior

American Cockroaches are not only common to the area, but they are one of the largest species of roaches in the country, getting up to 2” long. Their coloring is reddish-brown or a chestnut brown with distinctive yellowish band by the head. They are equipped with wings, but rarely fly as they are clumsy and awkward. They prefer to run, and are notably one of the fastest little critters around.  American roaches will consume nearly anything; edibles left over from human consumption, paper products, glue, pet food and whatever organic material might be in their path.

 

Brown-banded Cockroaches are so named bearing lighter brown stripes across their body.  They grow to approximately 1 ¼” long.  Like any roach, they will eat anything opportunity gives them, but are partial to book bindings, wallpaper glue, and stamps.  And like other cockroaches, they are nocturnal and will scatter out of sight when the lights flicker on.  

 

German Cockroaches they get about 1 ¼” long and have stripes running the length of their bodies.  They are more than happy to feast on fermented foods but will of course eat whatever fate throws at them.  They also have wings, but don’t fly much.  German cockroaches thrive in much warmer and humid areas and will venture back outside in the warm months.  

 

Oriental Cockroaches get about an inch long and will consume decaying organic matter.  They are shiny and black to dark-reddish brown in color.  They are notorious for being found eating and living in sewers and garbage heaps.  

 

Cockroaches Are Disease Vectors

Cockroaches are particularly gruesome. Their habits,  meal consumption, and the filth they don’t mind to trek through, can make even the most nonchalant individual gag. Considering the areas they forage, it is understandable that diseases and germs they can easily pick up and spread. Cockroaches can spread as many as 33 types of bacteria alone; among the bacteria they spread are E coli and salmonella. Roaches are also linked to carrying parasitic worms, as well as several other different pathogens.  

 

Cockroach Control Services in Northern Virginia, Stafford, Warrenton, Manassas, Culpeper, Chantilly, Leesburg VA and Gaithersburg Maryland

Cockroach infestations can overrun your home quickly as they breed rapidly.  If you see cockroaches of any kind in your home, the quicker you have Eagle Pest Services exterminate the infestation, the less damage can be done to your home, and it will prevent the health risks associated with their presence.  Eagle Pest Services have expert technicians both experienced and talented, utilizing exclusive professional grade equipment and products with guaranteed effective methods and techniques.  Contact us today to schedule your appointment.