About Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most resilient and troublesome household pests in North America. Common species like the German, American, and Oriental cockroach thrive in warm, moist areas—often invading kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
While not truly social, cockroaches often cluster near food and water. Female cockroaches lay egg cases containing dozens of offspring, leading to rapid infestations. The nymphs (young) resemble smaller, wingless adults and mature through several molts. Adult males are usually more mobile and involved in mating.
Cockroaches are nocturnal scavengers that feed on almost anything, including crumbs, grease, paper, and even glue. They can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and contaminate food.
Because they reproduce quickly and hide well, early detection and professional pest control are key to effective treatment.
What do cockroaches look like?
Cockroaches are typically reddish-brown, tan, or dark brown, depending on the species. They range in size from about ½ inch to over 2 inches in length. Their bodies are flat and oval-shaped, allowing them to squeeze into tight cracks and crevices. All cockroaches have six legs, long antennae, and a pronotum (a shield-like covering) behind the head that often hides the head from above.
Some adult cockroaches have wings, though not all species fly. The American cockroach, for example, can glide short distances, while the German cockroach rarely flies. Nymphs (young cockroaches) are wingless and smaller but resemble adults in shape and color.
Cockroaches don't have ears but detect vibrations and changes in air movement through sensory hairs and their antennae. Like ants, they breathe through spiracles—small openings along the sides of their bodies.
Cockroaches undergo gradual metamorphosis, developing from egg to nymph to adult without a pupal stage. Females produce egg cases (oothecae) that hold multiple eggs, allowing populations to grow quickly. Adult cockroaches can live from a few months to over a year, depending on the species and environment.
What are the unique characteristics of cockroaches?
Cockroaches are highly adaptable scavengers known for their resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. They are omnivores, feeding on virtually anything—crumbs, grease, paper, glue, food scraps, and even soap. This flexibility allows them to survive in both clean and dirty conditions.
Unlike ants, cockroaches are not social insects, but they often gather in large numbers in areas with food, moisture, and shelter. They are primarily nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night.
Cockroaches use their long antennae to sense movement, food, and changes in their environment. They detect chemical cues in their surroundings but don’t use pheromone trails like ants. Their flattened bodies and fast movements help them escape threats quickly and slip into narrow hiding places.
One of their most well-known traits is their resilience—they can live for weeks without food, survive without their heads for several days, and tolerate high levels of radiation compared to humans. These characteristics make cockroaches especially difficult to control once they've infested a space.
DIY Methods of Cockroach Control
While professional pest control is the most reliable way to eliminate a cockroach infestation, there are a few do-it-yourself strategies that can help reduce their presence and prevent future problems:
- Use natural repellents such as bay leaves, cucumber slices, or essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. These can deter cockroaches from entering certain areas, though they won’t eliminate an infestation on their own.
- Keep your home clean and dry. Cockroaches are attracted to food residue and moisture. Wipe down surfaces, sweep up crumbs, avoid leaving dirty dishes out, and fix leaks under sinks or appliances.
- Set out bait stations or gel baits. Available at most hardware stores, cockroach baits contain slow-acting poison that roaches carry back to their hiding places, helping to kill others in the nest. These are more effective than sprays, which only kill visible bugs.
- Seal entry points. Close off cracks, gaps, and crevices around walls, plumbing, and windows to block cockroaches from entering your home.