Cockroach Identification & Prevention

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are one of the most common species of insects in the world. Luckily, among the 4,000 different species of cockroaches, only a handful live near people and cause us problems. Cockroaches are easy to identify with their flat, oval-shaped bodies, six legs, and long antennae. Some species of cockroaches have wings; however, cockroaches are not known to be great flyers.

Cockroaches have adapted to living near people – taking advantage of the food, water, and shelter we unintentionally provide them. Three of the most common species of cockroaches living in the Honolulu area are the German cockroach, American cockroach, and brown-banded cockroach.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches will contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens that cause diarrhea, dysentery, salmonella, and more. Cockroaches, no matter the species, are not a pest you want crawling through your home.

Other problems that cockroaches cause include:

• Chewing on and damaging clothing, fabrics, books, and other paper goods.

• Triggering allergies.

• Causing asthma attacks, especially in young children.

• Creating a strong, musty, unpleasant odor.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches have become a problem on your property because it offers them shelter near sources of food. Once living near the exterior of a structure, it is very common for them to move inside while foraging for food. While out looking for food, they often find their way indoors through cracks in the foundation, spaces under doors, and through loose or torn screens. They also get inside through vents and drains.

Furthermore, cockroaches become problematic when people accidentally introduce them into their home inside of used appliances or electronics; or in boxes, packages, and deliveries.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Where cockroaches live depends on their species. Some prefer to live indoors, while others stay outside; some prefer hot, dry locations, while others like warm, humid areas.

• American cockroaches favor an outdoor lifestyle, however, often find their way inside, while foraging for food. Moving indoors at ground-level, they hide out in warm, damp areas like basements, underneath sinks, in bathrooms, and kitchens. Outside, they live in gardens, behind tree bark, and under mulch.

• Brown-banded cockroaches live in warm, dry locations, preferring temperatures over 80 degrees. You are most likely to come across brown-banded cockroaches indoors. They hide in the upper cabinets of kitchens and bathrooms, in attics, and under furniture.

• German cockroaches like to live inside and are a particular problem in urban areas. They live in homes, restaurants, hotels, schools, and other structures where food is stored or prepared. When inside, they hide in the dark areas of basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

If you have discovered cockroaches in your yard or home, the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from returning, is to reach out to Able Pest Management, LLC. Our team will come to your aid and develop a pest control program that is customized to meet the unique needs of your home and family.

Our highly trained and experienced professionals are passionate about eliminating pests through our proven treatment methods. If you are looking for exceptional pest control for your Honolulu home or business, reach out to Able Pest Management today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Keep cockroaches out of your Honolulu home and away from your family with the help of Able Pest Management and the following cockroach prevention tips:

• Inspect your home’s exterior, and seal any possible entry points.

• Replace white outdoor lightbulbs with yellow or LED lights that are less attractive to cockroaches and other insects.

• Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.

• Keep basements dry using dehumidifiers.

• Ventilate crawlspaces.

• Make sure outdoor trash cans, recycling bins, and compost bins have locking lids.

• Inspect packages and used items for roaches before bringing them into your home.