Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches are pests that homeowners fear. Their bad rap is well earned as these pests quickly take over homes and any other structure where food is prepared or stored. Cockroaches are adaptable insects and can live almost anywhere, including with people, which is why these pests remain at the top of the list of common household pests.

The most common cockroaches in our region are American cockroaches, German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and wood roaches. 

American cockroaches are brownish-red in color. Though they are not massive cockroaches, they are pretty large; adults can grow up to two inches in length! These roaches are winged and can fly short distances. People identify them by their size and yellowish figure-eight-like marking behind their heads.

German cockroaches are small, fast-moving roaches adapted to living indoors with people. They are the most common species to find in our homes and businesses. German cockroaches have light brown bodies with two darker horizontal black stripes behind their heads. 

Oriental cockroaches have black bodies that are shiny or greasy appearing. Compared to other cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches are more beetle-like in appearance, move at a slower pace, and have very high moisture needs.

Wood roaches are smaller than American cockroaches but otherwise look very similar. As their name suggests, these roaches prefer to live outside and rarely invade our structures.

No matter the type of cockroach that has found its way into your Knoxville home, they all have in common that quick action to eliminate them is essential! 

There is no easier question to answer than whether or not cockroaches are dangerous. Yes, cockroaches are dangerous. They are disease and allergy-spreading insects that contaminate our home's food and surfaces in the blink of an eye. 

Cockroaches are scavengers and live in places like sewers and garbage piles. They are in constant contact with bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing pathogens. When in your home, cockroaches pose a severe health risk, and you need to take steps to eliminate them without hesitation. 

Any structure can become a home to cockroaches.

Cockroaches have likely become a problem in your Knoxville home because they have either found a way inside on their own or people unintentionally introduce them into their own homes. 

Cockroaches living outside, like Oriental, wood, and American cockroaches, are lured into our homes by moisture, warmth, and food odors. Once inside, they will make themselves comfortable and thrive. 

German cockroaches and other roaches that end up living inside are transported from structure to structure in boxes, secondhand electronics, furniture, and appliances. People regularly bring wood roaches into their homes on firewood or plants that were outside.

A few cockroaches entering your home can quickly lead to a large infestation. Learning about cockroach hot spots is essential so you can regularly inspect those areas. 

Below is a quick list of the places cockroaches like to gather in our Knoxville homes.

• The backs of cabinets and drawers
• Behind sinks and tubs
• In cabinets under sinks
• Boxes and plant pots
• Within areas of clutter
• Under or in furniture and large appliances

If you ever spot live cockroaches, dead cockroaches, their shed skins, or black-pepper-like droppings, call a pest professional for help!

Because cockroaches multiply at such a fast rate, eliminating them as quickly as possible is essential. Get rid of cockroaches with the help of the Knoxville pest control professionals at Pest OPS. 

For over 25 years, we have provided people in Knoxville with quality, trustworthy pest control. We are passionate about pest control, and you can trust us for your pest control needs. Our pest specialists use EPA-approved, child and pet-friendly treatments. 

We offer a variety of year-round pest control plans for customers to choose from to meet your property's and family's unique needs. To learn why Pest OPS is the best choice for guarding your home against cockroaches and the other pests that call Knoxville home, reach out now!

You can do several things to help prevent cockroaches from taking over your Knoxville home. Below are a few of our top cockroach prevention tips:

• Fix leaks and ensure proper ventilation to remove the excess moisture that attracts the attention of cockroaches.
• Store food and trash properly.
• Find and seal all entry points in your home's exterior that could lead inside. 
• Wash dirty dishes daily. 
• Clean and vacuum your home regularly.
• Always inspect secondhand items, plants, and firewood for cockroaches before bringing those items inside. 

For the best cockroach pest control, partner with the Knoxville pest control professionals at Pest OPS.