Cockroaches Information & Identification Guide

Physical Features

• Distinctive flattened, oval body designed for hiding in cracks
• Long, thread-like antennae longer than half their body length
• Six spiny legs adapted for rapid movement on various surfaces
• Leathery forewings (tegmina) that may or may not cover functional hind wings
• Prominent compound eyes and chewing mouthparts
• Cerci (tail-like appendages) at rear of abdomen
• German cockroaches have two dark parallel stripes behind the head
• American cockroaches are the largest and can actually fly short distances

Sounds & Signs

• Distinctive clicking or chirping sounds during mating
• Rustling noise when disturbed from hiding spots
• Scratching sounds in wall voids during heavy infestations

Droppings: Small, dark cylindrical pellets resembling ground coffee or black pepper, sticky brown smear marks on surfaces

Tracks: Greasy brown smear marks along walls, egg cases (oothecae) resembling small brown purses, shed skins near harboring areas

Common Hiding Spots

• Behind and under refrigerators and other appliances
• Inside electrical appliances (microwaves, toasters, coffee machines)
• Under sinks and around plumbing penetrations
• Inside cracks and crevices in walls, especially near heat sources
• Behind cookers and ovens where grease accumulates
• Electrical junction boxes and switch plates
• Inside cardboard boxes and packaging materials
• Void spaces behind tiles and under flooring
• Inside furniture joints and upholstered seams

❌ Myth

Cockroaches only infest dirty homes

While poor sanitation attracts cockroaches, they can infest any property with access to food, water, and shelter. Even clean homes can have cockroach problems if conditions are right.

✅ Fact

Cleanliness does help prevention

Good sanitation removes food sources and makes detection easier. Regular cleaning, proper food storage, and eliminating water sources significantly reduce cockroach attraction.

❌ Myth

Cockroaches can survive a nuclear explosion

While cockroaches are radiation-resistant (10x more than humans), they cannot survive direct nuclear explosions. This myth exaggerates their resilience, though they are indeed very hardy insects.

✅ Fact

Cockroaches are extremely resilient

Cockroaches can survive 1 month without food, 2 weeks without water, and up to 40 minutes underwater. They can live for a week without their head and survive -5°C temperatures.

❌ Myth

You only have a problem if you see cockroaches during the day

Partially true but misleading. While daytime sightings indicate severe overcrowding, you can have a significant infestation even if you only see cockroaches at night.

✅ Fact

Daytime sightings mean large infestation

Cockroaches are nocturnal. If you see them during the day, the population has likely exceeded available hiding spaces. This indicates an urgent need for professional treatment.

❌ Myth

Store-bought sprays will eliminate cockroaches

DIY sprays only kill visible cockroaches. They don't reach hidden populations, egg cases, or nymphs. Cockroaches also develop resistance to commonly available insecticides.

✅ Fact

Professional treatment is most effective

Professional gel baits, residual sprays, and dusts target hidden harborages, breeding sites, and entire colonies. Multiple treatments ensure elimination of eggs and nymphs.

❌ Myth

Cockroaches don't bite humans

Actually false - cockroaches CAN bite humans in severe infestations when food is scarce. Bites are rare but have been documented, especially on fingernails, eyelashes, and soft skin.

✅ Fact

Cockroaches spread serious diseases

Cockroaches transmit 33+ bacterial species including Salmonella, E. coli, and parasitic worms. Their droppings trigger asthma and allergies, especially in children.