Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are scavenging insects that are opportunistic and will take advantage of the food, water, and shelter we provide them. These insects have oval-shaped bodies, long antennae, and are dark in color. Their body shape and color help keep them hidden, allowing large populations to breed before you become aware of them. 

Two of the most common cockroach species living throughout the United States are the German cockroach and Oriental cockroach. Both have learned to benefit from living near people.

German Cockroach

German cockroaches have a tan body with two dark parallel lines running between the head and thorax. These roaches have wings but prefer to run from place to place instead of flying. They cannot thrive in cold temperatures, which is why they live mainly indoors.

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches are not aquatic but prefer to live in very damp or wet areas; they are also called "water bugs." Oriental cockroaches have an oval, elongated body that is shiny black. These roaches are known for being sluggish and slow-moving.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Unhygienic and disease spreading, cockroaches are dangerous pests that we don't want living with us in our Nebraska homes or businesses. Through their feces, shed skins, and saliva, cockroaches create allergens that cause skin rashes, runny noses, and itchy eyes. In some, especially young children, the allergens will trigger breathing problems and even asthma attacks. In addition to creating allergens, cockroaches spread salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and E. Coli. Cockroaches are responsible for contaminating food. Any food they come in contact with will need to be discarded, becoming an expensive problem.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are scavengers, and the tiniest amount of food and water attracts them. Things found in most of our yards can draw cockroaches like open trash cans, compost piles, pet food bowls, standing water, dirty dishes, and leftover food.

While cockroaches are more than capable of moving onto your property or into your home on their own, they also get in accidentally inside boxes, grocery bags, electronics, furniture, and deliveries. No matter how they got in, you must eliminate them as quickly as possible.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Though many cockroaches have wings, few fly; instead, they use their six legs to scurry from place to place. Cockroaches feed together in groups, but they will quickly scatter away from each other and back to their hiding spots if disturbed. Both German and Oriental cockroaches prefer to hide in warm areas near water sources. Some favorite hiding spots include the backs of drawers and cabinets, under sinks, in cracks in walls near pipes, behind window or door trim, and in clutter in basements or attics.

Since cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, you may not notice their presence right away; knowing some of their signs will help you discover an infestation sooner rather than later:

• Coffee ground-like droppings in drawers or on counters
• A strong, musty odor from the pheromones that cockroaches emit
• Dead cockroaches

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Eliminate cockroaches from your property with the help of the professionals at Beeline Pest Control. If cockroaches have found a way into your home, make a "beeline" to us so we can work with you to get rid of them. Our professionals are committed to providing pest control solutions that our customers can count on!

Working around your schedule and through our ongoing quarterly services, we will eliminate cockroaches and other pests from your property and keep them from returning. To learn more about our residential or commercial pest control services or to receive a free quote, call today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Prevent cockroaches from becoming a big problem in your Omaha area yard or home using the following prevention tips:

• Check the weatherstripping around windows and doors, repairing or replacing any that is damaged.
• Check for and fix any cracks in the foundation or exterior walls of your home.
• Place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Remove excess moisture from your home by using dehumidifiers and repairing leaking pipes and dripping faucets.
• Regularly clean out your pantry and food storage cabinets to remove crumbs.
• Pull out appliances to remove food debris under and behind them.
• Regularly vacuum floors.
• Keep drawers, cabinets, and other storage areas organized to reduce hiding spots for cockroaches.
• Remove trash from your home daily and keep it outside in containers with locking lids. 

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.