The cockroach is a common species of insect that lives all throughout the world, preferably near people. These armor-coated pests have oval-shaped bodies with six legs and two antennae that are the same length or longer than their bodies, and some may have fully developed wings. In the United States, there are about 55 species of cockroaches.

Three of the most common species of cockroaches here in the Atlanta Metropolitan area are listed below:

• American cockroach These cockroaches are large and reddish-brown in color, with a yellowish figure-8 pattern located behind their heads. American cockroaches have fully developed wings and are strong flyers.
• German cockroach The German cockroach is light brown to tan in color, with two black stripes running horizontally behind their heads. These cockroaches are capable of flying but rarely do.
• Oriental cockroach Adult Oriental cockroaches grow up to an inch long and have dark, shiny brown bodies. Females have wide bodies and short wings, while males have narrow bodies and longer wings; despite possessing wings, Oriental cockroaches can not fly.

Cockroaches are dangerous pests because they spread diseases that can make people very ill, contaminate food, create unpleasant odors, exacerbate allergies, and trigger asthma attacks. Cockroaches also ruin personal items like books, clothing, curtains, and furniture with their excrement or by feeding on them. Having a cockroach infestation is also unnerving and can create stressful days and sleepless nights.

Cockroaches can become a problem in any home or business. They easily squeeze their bodies through spaces in the foundation, exterior walls, vents, and open doors or windows, as well as through drains and pipes. These pests are also introduced into homes in bags, boxes, food deliveries, potted plants, and used appliances or furniture. Cockroaches thrive inside your home or business as the temperature-controlled environment offer pantries full of food and plenty of places to hide.

Where will I find cockroaches?

American cockroaches primarily live outside and are typically found in and around sewers, drains, in flower beds or under mulch. They may move inside during periods of bad weather or while searching for food. Indoors they hide in basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. German cockroaches prefer to live inside, invading homes and businesses. They usually gravitate to damp, warm areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and become very problematic inside restaurants and other facilities that handle food. Oriental cockroaches live outside in sewers, piles of firewood, under landscaping ties, and under leaf debris. They move indoors during the hot summer months, seeking cool, damp shelter. Inside, they take up residence in humid areas like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawlspaces.

Get rid of cockroaches the easy way by partnering with an experienced, local pest control expert. Squash-A-Bug is a family-owned and locally operated company that has over 15 years of experience keeping Atlanta area properties free of pests. Our certified professionals provide highly effective pest control services that eliminate cockroaches and minimize their return. To learn more about our exceptional, 100% guaranteed residential or commercial pest control solutions, contact Squash-A-Bug today!

Keep disease-spreading cockroaches out of your Atlanta Metro area home or business with the following prevention tips:

• Place a barrier between any mulch and your structure’s foundation.
• Outdoor trash cans and compost bins should have locking lids.
• Remove areas of clutter where cockroaches can hide.
• Seal gaps or cracks in your foundation.
• Fix leaky pipes, fixtures, and faucets.
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels.
• Inside keep all food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
• Install weather stripping around all exterior windows and doors.
• Wash dirty dishes, vacuum regularly, and remove trash from your property daily.