Cockroaches are no stranger to cities like Durham because urban homes and businesses are able to provide them with the access to food and water that they need to survive. They use methods of transportation like the sewer system and invading mailed packages in order to enter properties, and once they do, cockroaches are capable of spreading some very serious health risks like salmonellosis and gastroenteritis.
Rather than live in fear of roaches and what they might mean for your daily life, The Eco Man Pest Solutions is here to help you understand the intricacies of cockroaches with this handy guide. We offer pest control in Durham that helps protect against these pests from season to season, which you can learn more about by clicking over to our residential pest control page. Please feel free to contact us for more information on cockroach control and to schedule your initial inspection.
Can All Cockroaches Fly Around?
If you were to take one look at cockroaches, you might be left with the impression that there’s no way that they’re capable of flight. Cockroaches are typically oblong, dense pests that don’t engender thoughts of athleticism. That said, there are in fact various species that have wings that can fly, ones that have wings that can’t fly, and some that don’t have wings at all.
Of the types of cockroaches that can fly, there’s the American cockroach and the brown-banded cockroach. The American cockroach is a reddish-brown color and has a very large set of antennae. It is also the largest species of cockroach in the entire country, which is made even scarier by the fact that its fully-formed wings give it flight. People can also usually determine if they’re dealing with an American roach based on the figure eight symbol that’s stamped on its head. The brown-banded cockroach is also an easy species to identify because it looks as the name would suggest. Their wings are covered in dark brown bands, but it should be noted that while females have wings, only the males are capable of flight.
Of the species that cannot fly, most notable is the German cockroach, but there’s the Oriental cockroach as well. The German cockroach is the most commonly found species to invade local properties but luckily, it cannot fly. It is usually a light brown to tan color and though it has wings, it doesn't take flight; rather it is a very fast runner. The Oriental cockroach is also equipped with a set of wings but is not capable of flying. It is one of the larger types of cockroaches and is commonly referred to as "water bugs" because of its preference for damp and dank conditions. It’s also easy to tell if the Oriental cockroach is present because of the unique and strong odor that it produces. For cockroach protection from flying species and otherwise, contact The Eco Man Pest Solutions today.
What Is The Difference Between An American And German Cockroach?
There are two very common types of cockroaches that Durham homeowners might find as the culprit in an infestation: the American and German cockroach. There are some very important differences between the two that are important, especially when working to eliminate them. Here is some helpful info about both species:
- German cockroach. This species is the most common cockroach across the globe. They are rather small in size, measuring less than an inch. The German cockroach usually has tan to light brown coloring, and sometimes may even appear metallic and shimmery. It has six legs and a set of thin but prominent antennae. And while both the female and male have a set of wings, they are not capable of flying, but they can run very fast. Where the German cockroach really starts to cause trouble is with its ability to fit through the smallest cracks imaginable. Homeowners usually find German cockroaches inside of kitchens and then bathrooms because they thrive wherever people are and where they leave behind crumbs or dripping faucets. Because they like things easy, German cockroaches also tend to live around their food and water supplies. These cockroaches are also linked with health risks like allergic reactions from the particles of their shed skin that float through the air as well as gastrointestinal distresses. They also have a growing immunity to many common pesticides, which makes them even more dangerous.
- American cockroach. While the German cockroach might be the most common species, the American cockroach is the largest. They are almost three times bigger than the German cockroach and have wings that make them capable of taking flight. People can also identify the American cockroach because of its distinct reddish brown coloring and the wavy pattern that is branded on its head. This species will usually travel through drain pipes and prefers to live in moist and secluded areas of the home. They are linked with the spread of bacteria like E. coli and salmonella as well.
For more information on cockroach control for all species, contact The Eco Man Pest Solutions today.
Are Cockroaches and Beetles Related?
Imagine, it’s the middle of the day and you’re going to make lunch in your Durham kitchen when suddenly, you see a dark insect scamper across your floor. You're now immediately wondering how it got there and what it wants. But more importantly, what was it? A cockroach? A beetle? When insects move so quickly, as some cockroach and beetle species are capable of, properly identifying them can be tricky, especially when they look alike from a distance and while wearing your fear goggles. But the truth is, these two pests are not related and are very distinct insects.
To start, cockroaches and beetles have very different physical characteristics when you look up close. While the specifics of cockroaches may vary from species to species, they usually have long flat bodies, may or may not have wings, usually have six legs, and long, thin antennae. They are also commonly some shade of brown. In contrast, beetles are usually black and have pincer-like appendages coming from their mouth. They also have much shorter and stumpier antennae than cockroaches do. Unlike the cockroach's seamless head, the beetle has a head that is a distinct part of its body and they are also often marked with a vertical ribbing pattern on their backs. Cockroaches also have legs that splay outward while the beetles' legs are situated directly beneath them.
One of the biggest differences between cockroaches and beetles is their capacity to become a health risk. While cockroaches have been linked with over 30 different bacteria, illnesses, and viruses, beetles will not pose a threat to your health. Rather, beetles eat away at things like fabrics, leather, upholstery, pet fur, silk, wool, and even synthetic materials that have traces of oils or food. Cockroaches are certainly capable of eating away at similar items but not on the scale of beetles.
For more information on how pest control in Durham can protect your home from beetles and cockroaches, contact The Eco Man Pest Solutions today.
Recent Blog Articles
Winning The Battle Against Fleas: Effective Control Strategies For Durham Homes
September 10, 2023
Fleas can be a year-round battle. Learn how to win the battle against fleas and discover effective strategies for homeowners. Read More
Ant Control 101: A Helpful Guide For Durham Homeowners
September 05, 2023
Have ants taken up residence in your home? Learn the basics of ant control by reading this help guide for homeowners.Read More