You may approach the prospect with dread, but there is no denying that a cockroach infestation is a possible event some time in your homeowning experience. Arizona has the unwelcome distinction of being one of the top ten most cockroach-infested urban areas in the United States.
While more than 20 species of cockroach make Arizona their home, about half of them are rarely encountered in the home because they live in remote wilderness areas and thrive in the outdoor desert environment. Those that have adapted to live well with humans are among the most hard-hearted pests, capable of relentless long-term infestations that can be very difficult to eliminate. However, knowing what particular species you are dealing with can help significantly in the effort to combat a cockroach infestation.
Cockroach Identification Tips for Arizona Homeowners
Identifying which roaches you are dealing with may not be fun at all. You might need to get close to dead – or living – roaches that are relatively intact to take note of identifying features. If you have a fear of bugs or just find them disgusting, this can be very difficult. However, it may be necessary to give pest control professionals the information they need to be successful in the identification of the most common cockroaches in Arizona.
Know the answers the following questions:
How big is the bug?
Size is an important identifier of species, with the American cockroach reaching up to 2 inches while German cockroaches average about a half inch. Turkistan cockroaches, which are most likely to be encountered in backyards, maybe about one inch in length.
What are its identifying colors?
Identifying colors on the shell of the cockroach may require a close look. American cockroaches are reddish brown and have a yellow band. German cockroaches are characterized by two dark stripes on their light brown shell. The Turkistan roach has very distinctive yellowish wings.
What part of the home are they encountered in?
Cataloguing encounters with the coaches should take into account which parts of your home they frequent. German cockroaches stick to dark areas under kitchen and bathroom sinks. American cockroaches will venture anywhere where food is left out or garbage is available. Turkistan roaches are attracted to light and may swarm to porches or find their way into lighted gardens for food.
Do the roaches fly?
While most roaches have wings, not all of them fly. In some of the most common species, males will fly if disturbed but females do not fly at all. Observing flying behavior can be very helpful in narrowing down the species.
Can they be encountered in large numbers?
Finally, taking note of how many roaches are seen at once can help identify the species as German cockroaches are known to swarm, unlike their American counterparts who are more solitary.
Do you need more help identifying these critters? Call the experts at University Termite & Pest Control for a free inspection.