Common Cockroaches

Cockroaches are probably the most universally despised animal that there is -- and for good reason. These filthy insects are capable of causing a wide variety of serious dieases including including Salmonella, food poisoning, E. Coli, dysentery, asthma, and Hepatitis E. Cockroaches also contaminate the areas where we live, work, and eat with their droppings and shed skins.

Common Cockroach Species

There are four primary cockroach species that are common pests in the Cincinatti and Dayton, Ohio areas:

German Cockoaches

Found throughout the world, this cockroach is often incorrectly called a "waterbug" because it locates very close to sources of moisture (especially sinks). German Cockroaches are most commonly found in restaurants, kitchens and food stores.

German cockroaches have two dark stripes down their backs and shy away from light and air currents. Adults have overlapping wings, but do not fly.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Also known as the furniture cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach is recognized by the alternating light and dark bands running across its back. Adult males are able to fly short distances.

Brown-banded cockroaches are roughly the same size as German cockroaches, but prefer a drier habitat. They often are found infesting entire buildings, especially furniture, closets, and electronic equipment such as computers and televisions.

American Cockroaches

Sometimes incorrectly referred to as a waterbug or a Palmetto bug, this is the largest common household cockroach found in Ohio. It has reddish brown wings, a light brown body, and a yellow margin around the shield on its back. It also has some flight capability and is capable of gliding from high places to a safe landing.

American cockroaches are most often found in basements, sewers, utility chaseways, and other dark, damp, secluded areas.

Oriental Cockroaches

This uniformly black cockroach is also called a sewer cockroach, and seeks dark, damp places such as basements, sewers, and utility chaseways. In the summer, they may also nest outside in sheds, garages, or in leaves or other orhanic debris.

Adult male Oriental cockroaches have wings that extend back aout 3/4 over the abdomen, while adult females have only rudimentary wing pads. Neither sex can fly, however.

For help with cockroaches or any other pest extermination problem, please contact Z-Best Pest Control. Serving the Greater Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio Metropolitan areas.