Cockroaches Identification & Prevention | Conquistador Pest & Termite

Cockroaches In Tucson, AZ

The cockroach is considered to be one of the worst household pests. They are found virtually everywhere. They are unsightly, contaminate food with their excrement and secrete an unpleasant odor which can permeate the indoor environment.

Pests though they may seem, like all creatures, cockroaches have an ecological purpose of consuming and reducing the volume of decaying organic material. That having been said, we all want to keep roaches in the great outdoors and not in our homes.

Use this guide to learn about cockroaches and how to partner with Conquistador Pest & Termite to maintain a household free of these unwelcome guests.

Facts About Cockroaches

The three most common species of cockroaches found in Tucson, Arizona are the American cockroach (Sewer Roach), German cockroach and Oriental cockroach. The American cockroach is the largest, most common roach in Arizona, growing up to two inches long. Most people in Tucson know them as sewer roaches and are commonly referred to as “waterbugs”. Although roaches have wings, some species such as the Oriental cockroach do not fly.

Cockroaches range in color from light brown to an oily black and can vary in size from ¼ inch to 2 inches long depending on the species. Roaches are nocturnal and generally like to hide in dark, moist, undisturbed places close to food and water, which is why they are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They infest homes and buildings that provide suitable conditions for breeding and feed mainly at night. They will dash for shelter when the lights are switched on.

Many roaches are most active at 84 degrees or higher. If temperatures rise in the spring and remain elevated through early fall, roach activity remains high. Heavy monsoon rains can often scour insects such as cockroaches from the sewer system.

What are cockroaches?

The reason cockroaches are so successful and so difficult to control is that they are adaptable. They have adapted to living in almost any climate, including Tucson's desert climate. Many types of cockroaches thrive in homes and businesses across Tucson as our properties provide them with their basic needs.

The most common species of cockroach found in our area is the German cockroach. These are small roaches typically measuring about 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length with light-brown or tan coloration. Like other roaches, they have an elongated and flattened oval-shaped body, but they can be distinguished by the pair of dark parallel stripes that run down their backs. German cockroaches use their antennae to navigate their environment and their six agile legs to quickly cover ground. The hairs on these legs allow them to stick to walls and ceilings, meaning that there’s almost nowhere that’s inaccessible to them. Unfortunately, the hairs also pick up bacteria and pathogens the roaches come into contact with, which can be substantial when considering the types of unsanitary places where roaches commonly spend their time. When German roaches get into human dwellings, disease and allergic reactions tend to follow.

Cockroaches are oval-shaped insects. Their bodies are flattened from top to bottom, which allows them to shimmy through tight cracks and crevices. They are typically dark in color and have six legs they use to move quickly from place to place. Most cockroaches have wings, but most prefer not to use them. Another common physical feature is their long antennae that extend past their body.

Cockroaches are scavenging omnivores and can and will feed on almost anything.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

There is no way to get around it; cockroaches are dangerous. They should never be allowed to share our spaces. The diseases, bacteria, and parasites they spread contaminate our food sources and make people ill. In addition, cockroach infestations produce many allergens, which cause people to develop allergy symptoms and skin rashes and trigger asthma attacks in some people.

There is no good news when it comes to cockroaches in our homes. You should never ignore a cockroach infestation, and reaching out to an experienced Tucson pest control professional is always the best way to eliminate them!

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are attracted to warm, damp locations making our homes and businesses places where these pests thrive. Since they are scavengers, any place food is stored or prepared is where cockroaches want to be.

Cockroaches have the potential to find their way into any of our homes or businesses. They can enter on their own, squeezing their bodies through tiny cracks, crevices, vents, and drains. They are also avid hitchhikers; people can move them from structure to structure in boxes, deliveries, and secondhand electronics, appliances, and furniture.

Once inside, cockroaches quickly find a hiding spot, make themselves at home, and become a serious problem for you and your family.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches prefer to stay hidden, so if you spot cockroaches scurrying around your home, understand that a large infestation has likely developed inside your home.

Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, but when their numbers become too great, they will become active during the day to ensure they can secure food and water sources.

Knowing cockroaches' preferred hideouts is vital so you can regularly inspect those areas of your home and stop an infestation before it has the chance to take over your house. Areas of homes where cockroaches tend to thrive are warm, humid places like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Some of their preferred hideouts are cardboard boxes, the backs of cabinets and drawers, behind wood trim and molding, cracks in walls, and areas of clutter.

How do I get rid of roaches?

Get rid of cockroaches with the help of the Tucson pest professionals at Conquistador Pest & Termite. Cockroaches are tricky to prevent and difficult to remove from your home once they find a way inside.

An ounce of prevention goes a long way in avoiding problems with these dangerous pests. Let us provide you with the year-round pest control services necessary to keep cockroaches and other household pests out of your Tuscon home.

Cockroaches are very adaptable and cannot be totally eradicated. However, the best way to prevent roaches is to make sure all entry points on the house are sealed, food is locked and stored away, and to treat it directly by locating the nesting areas. Place screens over vents and pipes that lead inside the house, and check the house on a regular basis for any signs of an infestation.

To exterminate roaches it is important to use a professional pest control company that can properly identify the cockroach species, knows how they work, where they hide and how to eliminate them from your home or business. Exterminators are licensed to use stronger chemicals and to apply chemicals more widely, and they can do so while keeping your family safe.

To begin, our professionals will perform a thorough inspection and an initial treatment. Then we will return regularly to perform the ongoing services necessary to provide a long-term solution against these unappealing pests. Call today for more information about residential pest control or commercial pest control in Tucson.

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Use this prevention guide to learn how to deter cockroaches and keep them out of your Tucson home.

Keep boxes and other large storage items up off the floor.
Reduce the clutter in your home, especially in drawers, cabinets, and other storage areas.
Repair things like leaky faucets and dripping pipes and ensure your home has good ventilation to prevent issues with excess moisture.
Remove trash from your home daily, and place it outside in trash containers with tight-fitting lids. Have trash removed from your property every week.
Take away their easy access into your home by identifying and repairing entry points like gaps under doors, cracks in the foundation, spaces around light fixtures, and worn weatherstripping.
Place screens over vents and drains entering your home.
Inspect deliveries, luggage, and secondhand items for cockroaches before bringing the items into your home.

For professional cockroach control in Tucson, call Conquistador Pest & Termite today!

Tucson Cockroach Removal

Don’t let cockroaches bug you anymore! Contact Conquistador Pest to help you with roach control and extermination. Our licensed and insured exterminators will identify problem areas and work with you to determine the best possible ways to solve issues. Read about the other Tucson pest control services we offer. We also provide termite control and weed control. Contact Conquistador Pest to help you with cockroach and other Tucson pest control services.