Cockroaches

What You Need To Know About Cockroaches

Despite having more than 4,000 cockroach species in the United States, only 30 are known to enter and live in residential homes. Roughly five of these species are commonly found in Portland. Even if you clean your home thoroughly each day, there is a risk that cockroaches are going to enter your home and transform your life into a nightmare. Before you can conquer this issue, it is vital to work with an exterminator to identify the species you’re dealing with. Cockroaches are dangerous and destructive so you cannot ignore this problem for too long.

Our company employs the top exterminators in Portland and we can identify and eliminate cockroaches. Regardless of the species, you’re dealing with, you can count on us to remedy the problem swiftly. Below, you’ll learn a great deal more about cockroach species you may encounter in Portland.

Cockroach Species Living In Portland

Although Portland is home to other cockroach species, the most common are German and American cockroaches.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches may grow up to 5/8s of an inch once they’ve reached adulthood. They’re tan or light brown and have two stripes on their heads. Some people call them racing stripes. Unfortunately, German cockroaches can infest your home quickly because they reproduce rapidly. It only takes one pregnant German cockroach to create a full-blown infestation in your home. A female can produce egg cases containing at least 30 eggs at once. If German cockroaches have entered your home, they’ll likely live near your warm appliances so you need to check under your fridge, dishwasher, and oven.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are common in Portland as well. These cockroaches are very large with some reaching two inches in length. Suffice to say, their presence will frighten you. They’re reddish-brown and have a lighter spot in the center of their heads. American cockroaches can live many years outside. They generally mature in two years and can live another year or so after that. They primarily live outside so it takes a long time for these roaches to infest your home. They tend to stay outside and shelter near sewer pipes. When you begin finding American cockroaches in your home and yard, you likely have a broken sewer pipe that needs to be addressed.

Although these are the most common Portland cockroaches, there are others. Below, you’ll learn more about Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, Mediterranean cockroaches, Smokey brown cockroaches, Brown-banded cockroaches, and Surinam cockroaches.

Pennsylvania Wood Roaches

As a Portland resident, you may encounter Pennsylvania wood cockroaches at some point. It isn’t likely though because they primarily stick to the eastern portion of the United States. Adult males of this species have full wings and can reach an inch in length. As for females, they have shorter wings and generally do not reach three-quarters of an inch. Even if they approach your home, they likely won’t become an indoor pest. They don’t reproduce inside homes and offices. They are common outside in some states, but they’re not that common in Portland. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are frequently found near wood shingles and wood siding. They can also be found near backed-up gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

These small cockroaches usually do not grow more than one-third of an inch. They’re light tan and have a few darker spots on their bodies. Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches are native to Europe but they’ve become a big problem in some US states in recent years. They’re not common in Portland and they prefer staying outside. You may run into them but they shouldn’t create any problems for you.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are larger than others with adults extending more than one inch. Males and females are dramatically different because females do not have wings. Males have wings but they don’t cover their entire bodies. Oriental cockroaches are frequently compared to American cockroaches because both infect sewer systems. They can tolerate cold weather exceptionally well so they tend to live around garbage cans.

Smokey brown Cockroaches

These cockroaches are large with adults growing over an inch in length. They have a shiny reddish color. Smokey brown cockroaches are common in the southern states of America but they can also be found in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Oregon. They can sneak inside of packages and hitch a ride to Oregon.

Surinam Cockroaches

These cockroaches do not grow up to 1 inch in length. Surinam cockroaches have a dark plate on their heads as well as tan wings. These cockroaches prefer living in areas with warm climates so they’re not common in Portland. If they do live in Portland, they’ll have to stay in warm buildings such as greenhouses. One thing you’ll find surprising is that this species does not have male cockroaches. All of them are females yet they’re still capable of breeding.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Portland residents may encounter brown-banded cockroaches as well. An adult brown-banded cockroach may reach half an inch in length. They are similar to German cockroaches in terms of size and color, but there is one difference. They have a dark mark on their head instead of stripes. You likely won’t encounter brown-banded cockroaches.

Reasons Cockroaches Have Entered Your Home

Are you wondering why cockroaches have decided to enter your home? Well, the reasons are plentiful. First and foremost, your home might need a thorough cleaning. If cockroaches can find food crumbs or open packages in your home, they’ll enter and eat your food. However, some cockroach species are attracted to blocked rain gutters and broken sewer pipes. You’ll need to find out which species you’re dealing with to determine why they’re in your home.

Cockroach Infestation Dangers

Cockroaches can be dangerous but the risk level depends on the species you have. One thing to note is that a bigger infestation comes with large risks. Either way, you cannot ignore a small cockroach infestation because it’ll quickly grow and spiral out of control. Cockroaches aren’t dangerous in terms of biting you. They likely won’t bite and they won’t spread diseases. Still, they’re dangerous because they will contaminate your food. If this happens and you eat the food they’ve contaminated, you’re going to get sick. They can transmit several dangerous diseases, including salmonella.

If they contaminate your food, you’ll need to replace the food and make sure they can’t do it again. Otherwise, you may experience diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning, and other symptoms.

Removing Cockroach Infestations

Once you’ve confirmed that your home has a cockroach infestation, fixing the issue immediately is key. Otherwise, the cockroaches will continue breeding, spreading, and increasing the risks. Unfortunately, eliminating a cockroach infestation won’t be easy, but you can do it. You’ll want to contact an exterminator and ask about their services. An exterminator will check your home and find out which species you have. Once they’ve identified the species, they can begin tackling the issue promptly.

They’re going to work with the client every step of the way to find out how to fix the problem swiftly and safely. Pesticides are usually required when eliminating cockroach infestations. Don’t worry though. Our company will work diligently to keep you safe.

When Can Your Extermination Begin?

Call us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced exterminators. We can respond in just 48 hours.

The Safety Of Your Cockroach Treatments

Our company promises that we’re going to help you tackle this problem safely. We try to use non-toxic chemicals when possible. Our company uses pesticides and other products that are registered with the EPA. We know that these products are going to eliminate your cockroaches without exposing you to unnecessary risks. We use minimally toxic products to guarantee your safety. Work with us because we’ll put your health at the top of our priority list.

Stopping Roaches From Entering Your Dwelling

We recommend taking steps to prevent roaches from entering your dwelling. You won’t be able to stop all of them from finding a way inside, but you can minimize the risks. Make sure that your home or apartment remains clean and tidy. Clean up messes quickly and take your trash outside regularly. If you find cockroaches in your home, remember we’re here to help you.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.