Identifying The Most Common Cockroaches In Georgia

Cockroaches are one of those pests no one likes to encounter. Roach infestations aren’t just gross; they are also bad for your overall health. They can cause complications for children and adults with asthma, and some even increase other allergens within your home. Additionally, they can contaminate food and increase the level of harmful bacteria in your house. Cockroaches make their way into houses searching for the four things they need to survive: food, water, shelter, and heat. With that being said, there are five common types of cockroaches that you’re likely to find in the state of Georgia. Here Lookout Pest Control, formerly Any Pest Inc., details the different types of cockroaches and ways to prevent them from entering your home.

Types Of Cockroaches In Georgia

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is the largest and most common cockroach found in Georgia. They are a chestnut to light brown color with light yellow bands around the shield behind their heads. Adults usually range in about two inches in size. Male and female American cockroaches have wings and are capable of flying short distances. Their lifespan is roughly two years. They are active at night and are often found around water sources like pipes, sewers, and basements. Many have been found in kitchens and bathrooms. They often cohabitate with smokybrown and Oriental cockroaches.

Asian Cockroaches In Georgia

The Asian cockroach is tan with double parallel strips on their backs. They are often mistaken for German cockroaches. They are a smaller species with adults measuring 1/2″ to 5/8″. These roaches are also found outdoors usually under mulch, leaf litter, or high grass. They usually only come indoors when their outdoor habitat is disturbed. Watch out because this type of cockroach is attracted to light and can fly short distances as well.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is glossy with cherry to black coloring. They are large with adults measuring 1 – 1.25 inches in length. Males have short wings but females are wingless. Their lifespan are shorter at around six months. The American cockroach is normally not found indoors. Instead, they are found outdoors where they feed primarily on decaying matter. They are active at night and have habits similar to the smokybrown cockroaches in Georgia.

German Cockroaches In Georgia

The German cockroach is another easily recognizable type of roach in Georgia. These roaches are tan with dark brown parallel stripes on the back of their upper thorax. They are smaller than their American counterparts with adults measuring about 1/2″ to 5/8″. Their lifespans are roughly twelve months. This species is also active at night and is often found in kitchens near food and heat coming from appliances.

Smokybrown Cockroach

The smokybrown cockroach is dark cherry or red in color. Adults are fairly large, around 1.5 inches in length. They prefer habitats in Southern neighborhoods with mature hardwood trees because they require high humidity and protection from the wind in their shelter. Mostly active at night, these pests can often be found in tree holes, attics, crawlspaces, and sheds.

Cockroach Prevention

• Dispose of Unwanted Clutter – Make sure that unused boxes, paper bags, piles of clutter, old newspapers and magazines are all disposed of.
• Clean Dishes – Do not let dirty dishes sit out.
• Eliminate Water Source – Roaches need water just like they need food. Fix any leaky pipes and never leave standing water in your sink or tub.
• Seal Your House – Roaches can find their way inside through the smallest of cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps, cracks, openings around pipes and any other areas of entry.
• Vacuum Regularly – Make sure to vacuum to eliminate potential sources of food.
• Store Pet Food – Roaches can feed off open pet food in your garage or on your porch. Be sure everything is sealed after use.
• Clean Around Appliances – Be sure to clean those hard to reach areas behind your fridge and stove. Also, consider cleaning inside of microwave and toaster ovens as well.

Cockroach Control

If you think you may have a roach infestation, you should contact a pest control company right away. At Lookout Pest Control we have the skills, experience, and equipment necessary to help you eliminate roaches from your home. We are committed to providing excellent pest control service to all of our clients. A roach infestation is unsanitary, and it can make your home a very unpleasant living space. If you are experiencing problems with roaches in your home, call us today. As pest control professionals in the metro Atlanta area, we can help to ensure that your home becomes a roach-free zone. If you need cockroach control service, call Lookout Pest Control at 678-888-0035 or contact us online here.