ABOUT COCKROACHES
It's been said that at the end of the world only cockroaches will survive. That's because they've been around for some 320 million years and they have great ability to adapt to situations.
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These are hardy insects capable of remaining active for a month without food and able to survive on limited resources.
Cockroaches vary greatly across their 4600 species, but they are all generally omnivorous and can dine on foodstuffs like bread, fruit, leather, glue, skin flakes, dead insects and leather.
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Cockroaches are part of the same family as termites.The 30 species known to be pests to mankind feed on human and pet food, can leave an offensive order, and transport pathogenic microbes on their body surfaces.
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If you have cockroaches, don't battle them alone. Call an Axiom professional for help. And click here to learn more about our cockroach treatment program.
AMERICAN COCKROACH
If you've ever been surprised by the speed of the American cockroach, there's good reason. Scientists have clocked the insect running at 50 body lengths per second, which would be comparable to a human running at 210 miles per hour.
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Nocturnal by nature, the American cockroach shuns light. It might be because its eyes have over 2000 individual lenses.
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These cockroaches are omnivorous and opportunistic in their feeding. They like cheese, beer, glue, hair, dead animals, soiled clothing and fermenting foods. They also are cannibalistic, feeding on dead or wounded cockroaches of their own or other species.
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Cockroaches and their egg cases can be hidden in furniture, suitcases, grocery bags and nearly anywhere. You'll definitely need help in dealing with them. Call your Axiom professional.
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BROWN BANDED COCKROACH
These banded cockroaches prefer it to be dry and warmer than 80 degrees before they inhabit your home. They like to hide their egg cases under furniture and tend to like to hide themselves in upper cabinets of kitchens and bathrooms.
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They are easily identified because of their dark bodies with light brown banding that runs along their back and sides. Males have full wing sets that are longer than their abdomens, but females have underdeveloped wings that keep them from flying.
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Like other cockroaches, the brownbanded species likes to chew on glues and pastes that are on envelopes, stamps and books. These insects also consume nylon stockings and flakes of human skin.
Like most cockroaches, you'll want a professional treatment, or you'll never get rid of them. Call your Axiom professional for an appointment.
GERMAN COCKROACH
This is the most prevalent cockroach, spread primarily through hitchhiking along in cardboard boxes, luggage, grocery bags and secondhand appliances and furniture.
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German cockroaches prefer a warm, humid environment, like those of your bathroom or kitchen. They also love to feed on meats, starches, sugars, and fatty foods. If they lack their favorite foods, they'll turn to soap, glue and toothpaste. If no food is available, they'll feed on one another, eating each other's wings and legs.
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Another reason the German cockroach is so prevalent is that it reproduces faster than other species. German cockroaches go from egg to adult in 50-60 days, where other species can take months for the same process.
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More than just a nuisance, German cockroaches also are blamed for spreading 33 different pathogens. You'll definitely need help in dealing with them. Call your Axiom professional.
MADAGASCAR HISSING COCKROACH
This is the only insect species capable of hissing when it is disturbed. While other insects rub body parts together, the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach actually releases air from its abdomen to make its loud hissing sound.
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These cockroaches, native to Madagascar forests, all make the hissing sound when they are disturbed, but the male makes a specific hiss, that is meant to elicit a fight. Males of this species are territorial and use their horns in combat.
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This large insect can reach nearly 3 inches in length. It has a hard exoskeleton that it sheds over time. They can live anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on care and resources.
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These cockroaches aren't really pests. In fact, there are stores that sell these cockroaches as pets here in the United States.
ORIENTAL COCKROACH
This cockroach also is called the waterbug or black beetle. Its large size and dark brown or black glossy body get it noticed.
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These roaches like dark, moist places — you'll find them in decaying organic matter, sewers, drains and in damp basements. While they do not bite or sting, they do feed and live in areas that harbor dangerous bacteria. If they come into contact with food prep areas, they can easily contaminate food and cause uncomfortable side effects like vomiting, fever and diarrhea.
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Originally from the Black Sea and Caspian Sea area, these cockroaches now live around the world, mostly where temperatures are warm and humid. In the United States, you'll find them most frequently in the Northwest, Midwest and Southern U.S.
SMOKY BROWN COCKROACH
The Smoky Brown Cockroach is strong flier, with wings that extend beyond its body. They are drawn to leaky roofs, standing water, exposed trash and sewer openings. They like to call basements and ground floor levels home.
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Smoky Browns will either fly into your home or crawl in through openings in your foundation or small holes in siding. They are attracted by interior lighting.
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As these pests come in contact with surfaces, they contaminate them and spread bacteria, Proteins in their skin and saliva have been blamed for triggering asthmatic and allergic reactions.
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If you see these pests in your home, or notice them flying around, contact an Axiom professional to get them removed from your home.
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