Cockroaches are a common pest in homes all across the United States. The most frequently encountered domestic roaches in Virginia are German cockroaches, while the common species of peridomestic roaches (meaning they live outside) are Oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches, and various types of wood roaches. Peridomestic roaches often move inside when conditions are favorable. 

Cockroaches are an extreme annoyance but more importantly, they are disease carriers. They are able to spread disease around homes and businesses while looking for food, water, and shelter. Feces, shed skin, and body parts become allergens that can cause asthma attacks, mild to severe rashes, and other allergic reactions of the sort. Cockroach waste and saliva can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and Staphylococcus infections if it gets into food.

Why is it Important to Identify Types of Cockroaches?

Knowing what type of roach infestation is in your home makes it easier to treat the problem. Here are some of the most common types of roaches in Virginia and how to identify them. 

German cockroaches are the most common type of cockroach found inside homes and businesses. They are typically more active at night and are usually found inside cracks, crevices, gaps, and holes in walls and floors, and behind appliances. They will eat almost anything they can find - garbage, food left in the sink, and even glue in book bindings. Adults typically are light brown or tan in color and have two black stripes behind their heads. 

American cockroaches are found outside in warm and moist environments such as mulch and ground-level debris. In the winter, they typically move indoors to escape the cold. They are usually found in places where food and water is abundant. Kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and basements are where these roaches are usually found. They are large and reddish-brown or mahogany in color, and have a yellowish-colored band on their bodies behind their heads.

Oriental cockroaches are primarily found outside. In the outdoors, they are usually found beneath leaf litter, mulch, rocks, and other outdoor debris. Indoors, they are commonly found in crawl spaces, wall voids, sewers, storm drains, floor drains, and other moist areas. Oriental cockroaches are usually found eating garbage and other decaying substances. They generally live in coastal areas and port cities within Virginia. Large populations can cause asthma, and they are potential carriers of foodborne diseases. They are dark brown or shiny black in color and are about 1-2 inches long.

Wood roaches have a similar look to German cockroaches. These roaches are commonly found outside and do not usually live inside homes and businesses. They might fly or crawl inside homes, but do not live long as they are susceptible to the lower humidity found in homes. They do not reproduce indoors, so they are not much of a threat, but you may occasionally find one in your home.

How can I prevent a cockroach infestation?

Good hygiene and sanitation are key factors in keeping roaches at bay, especially in the kitchen. It is advised to clean up after yourself after cooking and eating. You should limit where you eat so as to not leave crumbs around. Store food in sealed containers and empty the trash as soon as it’s full.

If you’re suffering from an infestation, call Eagle Pest Services at 1-888-616-8739 to speak with a friendly expert today. We can help you identify the type of roach or pest and quickly apply our professional extermination methods so that you can go back to living in your home without the fear of finding cockroaches in your favorite places.