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Cockroaches
- Infestations caused by unsanitary conditions -
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Summary: Cockroaches (aka "roaches") are probably the most important pest in structures where food is handled worldwide. Cockroaches are experts at finding and exploiting whatever food scraps we leave for them. They are generally, but not always, associated with unsanitary conditions.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What are cockroaches?
 Cockroaches are medium to large size, light brown to black insects (see image right) that are probably the most successful structure-infesting pest worldwide. Most people think of roaches as associated with unsanitary urban environments but many species are not associated with human dwellings at all. Those species that do invade dwellings are called peridomestic. These pages will help you get rid of peridomesic roaches from home kitchens and commercial property such as apartment buildings and restaurants. There are only a few truly peridomestic species and these are relatively easy to tell apart (see How to Tell Peridomestic Species Apart).
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German roach (adult) about 5/8" (16mm) long; note long antennae and dark stripes behind the head
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Peridomestic species enter buildings in search of food and water. Almost any food can attract and support these scavengers, and infestations can grow very quickly. While roaches do not cause structural damage their presence often indicates unsanitary conditions that may be unhealthy. There are also concerns about them directly causing allergic reactions and spreading disease by contaminating food.
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Roaches do not form true colonies the way termites and ants do but they often live in groups. They prefer warm and damp areas in out-of-the-way protected places, called harborages. Roach activity is usually highest at night. In fact, any activity in the open, during the day typically indicates very high populations with individuals actually pushed out of harborages because of overcrowding. Therefore, seeing cockroaches during the day means that the infestation is probably large.
Roach control
Getting rid of roaches in a single-family home is relatively easy but getting an infestation under control in a large apartment building, or commercial building, is much more difficult. The difference is that homeowners can clean and treat every room. On the other hand, in large multi-family and commercial buildings there are often areas that are not treated for a variety of reasons.
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In either situation effective roach control must include elimination of food and water sources, as much as possible, and the use of either poison baits, traps and/or insecticides. For infestations in commercial buildings, such as restaurants or apartment buildings, sanitation should be combined with baiting, as well as "crack & crevice" treatments. See How to Control Pest Cockroaches and Using Poison Baits) . |
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
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Copyright © 2004-... LivingWithBugs, LLC. All rights reserved. Page Updated: 1/3/2010
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