Cockroach Facts & Information

Cockroaches are resilient insects known for their ability to survive in various environments. They can be a nuisance and health concern as they contaminate food, trigger allergies, and potentially spread diseases, making effective cockroach control important for maintaining a clean and healthy living space.

Risks of Roaches

Health Risks

Cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens, bacteria, and allergens that can pose health risks to humans. They can contaminate food and surfaces with their saliva, feces, and body parts, potentially spreading diseases such as Salmonellosis, E. coli infections, Dysentery, and Asthma. Cockroach allergens can trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.

Allergies and Asthma

Cockroach allergens, including their saliva, droppings, and shed skin, can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Exposure to cockroach allergens can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, and nasal congestion. In individuals with asthma, cockroach allergens can exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to difficulty breathing and increased asthma attacks.

Property Damage

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that are highly active in dark, warm, and humid environments. They can damage materials such as paper, fabric, leather, and even certain plastics in search of food and hiding places. Cockroaches may also leave behind unpleasant odors in infested areas due to their secretions and excrement.

Problems with Roaches?

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Truly Nolen GUARANTEE

If you’re not completely satisfied, you’ll get a full refund on your most recent service with our 100% money back guarantee.

Common Species of Cockroaches


German Cockroach

American Cockroach

Oriental Cockroach

Brown-banded Cockroach

Smokeybrown Cockroach

How To Identify Roaches

Roaches, or cockroaches, are common household pests that can be found in various environments. They are known for their ability to adapt, reproduce quickly, and pose health risks by contaminating food and triggering allergies, necessitating effective roach control measures for a pest-free home.

Roach Appearance

Cockroaches, belonging to the order Blattodea, are characterized by their flattened body shape and long, segmented antennae. They have a tough exoskeleton, typically brown or black in color, and range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, depending on the species. Their wings, although present, are not always used for flight.

Roach Habitat

Cockroaches are highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats worldwide. They prefer warm and humid environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and areas with access to food, water, and shelter. They are nocturnal insects, seeking dark and secluded areas during the day and becoming active at night to scavenge for food and water sources.

Roach Diet

As omnivorous scavengers, cockroaches have a diverse diet. They feed on organic matter, including decaying food, garbage, grease, plant materials, and even dead animals. Their ability to subsist on a wide range of food sources enables them to survive in different environments and adapt to changing conditions.

Roach Behavior

Cockroaches exhibit social and aggregative behavior, with some species showing hierarchical structures and aggregation in groups. They communicate through chemical signals, leaving trails of pheromones to mark paths, locate food sources, and signal danger. They are known for their remarkable speed, agility, and ability to squeeze through narrow cracks and crevices, allowing them to evade threats and find shelter.

Roach Reproduction

Reproduction in cockroaches is characterized by high fecundity and rapid population growth. Females produce oothecae, egg cases containing multiple eggs. These egg cases are typically deposited in hidden locations and may be carried by the female until they are ready to hatch. The nymphs that emerge from the eggs undergo a series of molts, gradually developing into adults.

Roach Prevention

Prevention of cockroaches involve integrated pest management strategies. It starts with good sanitation practices, including proper food storage, removal of potential food and water sources, and regular cleaning of living spaces. Sealing cracks and openings, installing door sweeps, and repairing plumbing leaks help eliminate entry points.

$50 Off Year Round Pest Control

Truly Nolen is a family-owned company with 85 years of experience providing the best pest control. If you’re not completely satisfied, you’ll get a full refund on your most recent service with our 100% money back guarantee.

The Truly Nolen Approach

Environmentally Conscious

We work to minimize our impact on the environment by using naturally occurring materials whenever possible.

Pet Friendly

Truly Nolen uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach designed with your pets in mind.

100% Money Back Guarantee

If you’re not completely satisfied, you’ll receive a full refund on your most recent service.

How Truly Nolen Gets Rid of Cockroaches

Truly Nolen utilizes a comprehensive approach to eliminate cockroaches from infested areas. Their trained technicians conduct a thorough inspection to identify the extent of the infestation and the specific species involved. Based on the findings, they develop a tailored treatment plan that may include a combination of techniques such as targeted insecticide applications, baiting, trapping, and implementing exclusion measures to seal entry points and prevent future infestations. Truly Nolen’s goal is to not only eliminate existing cockroaches but also address the underlying causes to ensure long-term control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a cockroach infestation?

Signs of a cockroach infestation include the presence of live or dead roaches, their droppings (resembling small black or brown specks), egg casings, a musty odor, and greasy smear marks along walls or surfaces.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches can pose health risks as they can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria, pathogens, and allergens. They have been associated with respiratory issues, allergies, and the spread of diseases such as salmonella. Learn More!

How can I prevent cockroach infestations?

Prevention measures include keeping a clean and sanitary environment, sealing cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes, storing food in sealed containers, promptly fixing any moisture issues or leaks, and regularly disposing of garbage in sealed bins. Learn More!

Can I get rid of cockroaches on my own?

DIY methods can help manage small cockroach infestations, but larger or persistent infestations often require professional assistance. Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and specialized treatments to effectively eliminate roaches.

How long does it take to get rid of a cockroach infestation?

The duration of cockroach control can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the species involved, and the effectiveness of the treatment. It typically takes several weeks to completely eliminate a roach infestation, but ongoing monitoring and preventive measures are important for long-term control.

Other Pests Similar to Roaches