Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

The Pennsylvania Wood cockroach is a common species of cockroach found in Eastern North America, and considered an occasional nuisance pest; in homes throughout Pennsylvania. It is widely distributed in the eastern, southern, and Midwestern states, and northward to Canada.

These unwanted pests pose the greatest risk to homeowners, when infested firewood is transferred indoors, or when the roach travels from wooded areas; that border the property. Feeding primarily on decaying organic matter, both the female (3/4 inch) and male (1 inch) Pennsylvania Wood cockroaches have been discovered by exterminators; under shingles and on the inside of garages.

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The Brown-Banded Cockroach

The Brown-banded cockroach, is a small species of cockroach; measuring approximately 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. It is most often tan to light brown, and has two light-colored bands; running across the wings and abdomen.

Enjoying a wide area of distribution, the Brown-banded cockroach is commonly found in the northeastern, southern and midwest regions of the United States.
Brown-banded cockroaches, can conceal themselves in places that are not accessible to larger species, making structural modifications; an important part of an effective exterminating strategy.

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American Cockroach

The American cockroach, also known as the Palmetto bug or Waterbug, will grow to an average length of 1.6 inches; and approximately 0.28 of an inch tall. This cockroach appears reddish-brown, and have a yellowish margin on the body region; located behind the head. Introduced to the United States from Africa as early as 1625, they have become a common pest; in most inhabited tropical climates.

Due to their large size and slow development, exterminators have advised that large infestations of these insects; are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, the American cockroach may enter a home; seeking warmer temperatures and food.

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German Cockroach

The German cockroach, also called Croton bug or Steam fly, is a small species of the cockroach. This common pest often measures (approximately) 5/8 inch long, however there are some; that have grown slightly bigger. The color of the German cockroach can vary, from tan through dark brown; to nearly black. Characteristically there are two dark parallel streaks, running from the head to the base of the wings.

One of the most common cockroaches in the world, the German cockroach can be found throughout most American cities. These insects have been discovered in restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, and nursing homes. Very successful at establishing themselves in buildings, the German cockroach is very hardy and highly resilient. As such, an invasion will require a focused strategy, performed by a professional exterminator, to effectively eliminate; an unexpected cockroach problem.

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Florida Woods Cockroach

Found most commonly in central to northern Florida, the Florida Woods cockroach is a large species of cockroach; which usually grows to a length of 1.5 to 2 inches. It has a wide, glossy black body, with very short wings; located just beneath its head.

This roach is slower moving than other species and does very well in warm, damp climates. It prefers moist, sheltered outdoor locations, such as under leaf litter, in tree holes, and under lumber/boards; as well as other crevices with ample moisture. An experienced exterminator will advise homeowners, that this cockroach is known to wander indoors, seeking out damp locations; such as bathrooms and kitchens.

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Oriental Roach

The Oriental Roach, also known as a water-bug, is a large species of cockroach; measuring about 1 in (2.5 cm) in length at maturity. It has a dark brown to black colour, and a glossy body.

The Oriental Roach is primarily a nocturnal pest, and as such; can be very elusive. In fact, an exterminator's daylight inspection of an infested dwelling, could show no signs of roach activity.

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Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most acclimatized insects on the planet. Preferring the solace of warm climates and considered intolerant to cold, cockroaches are resilient enough to survive occasional freezing temperatures. This makes it increasingly difficult, for an exterminator to eradicate them; once they have infested an area.

Some species can remain active for an entire month, without food or water. In fact, roaches have been known to survive on very limited resources; such as the glue from a postage stamp, or the oil from a fingerprint.

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