There are over 4,000 known species of cockroaches scampering across the face of the Earth. But of those, only 25 or so roach species have been identified as pests. Ironically, when it comes to pest status, the smallest cockroaches cause the biggest headaches.
That’s why an effective pest control strategy begins with proper cockroach identification. For most of North America, the two species you’ll want to identify are Brown Banded cockroaches and the German cockroaches.
The Brown Banded cockroach is one of the smallest varieties of cockroaches. Curiously, it’s named for having two light yellow bands across its back. Brown Banded cockroaches live and breed indoors and can take as long as five to six months to reproduce.
Brown Banded Cockroach Facts:
- Tend to dwell in ceilings, walls, and other high locations
- Prefer warm, dry places
- Are not generally found in kitchens
- Can be found inside appliances, electric motors and other warm areas
- Are often brought inside with furniture and other large items
German cockroaches are distinguished by two longitudinal black stripes on the thoracic shield covering their head. They live and breed both indoors and out. They reproduce much faster than the Brown Banded pest, spawning in as little as 36 days.
German Cockroach Facts:
- Can live up to a year
- Love moist, warm places
- Reproduce quickly, making their propagation rate extremely high
- Are generally only seen during daytime hours because of overcrowding in the nest
- Are most often found in kitchens and bathrooms
The most effective way to control and eradicate German and Brown Banded cockroaches is through proper sanitation, reducing clutter and eliminating sources of food and water by cleaning up spills and keeping food tightly sealed in plastic containers.
You’ll also want to place Combat® baits behind appliances or along the back of cabinets and baseboards inside pantries. Use Combat gel to seal small cracks and crevices that roaches use to gain entry into your home. Combat baits and gels are effective because they eliminate pests at their source, wiping out the cockroach colony from the inside out.
For great tips, advice and information, please explore the Combat® video archive to learn more about the difference between Combat Baits and Gels, and which is the best solution for your pest prevention strategy.
