Living in Phoenix, Tucson, or elsewhere in Southern Arizona, there are a few things you can count on - hot summer days, lots of insects, and plenty of things to do. We're going to focus on the first two today. Arizona is home to a wide range of cockroaches; they are common pests inside our homes because they don't like the hot and dry climate. Our homes provide a better place to live. If you'd like to put the no-vacancy sign out for roaches to see, read on. We have some great tips for you.
Cockroach identification & initial insights
In Arizona, we have four common pest cockroaches: German, American, Oriental, and brown-banded cockroaches. These unique species have a few differences that are worth mentioning. Let's take a quick look at how to identify them and then discuss what you need to know about the preferences that influence their behavior patterns.
German Cockroaches
An adult German cockroach is between ½ and ⅝ inches long and is light brown to tan in color. It also has two dark stripes located on its back and what looks like an equal sign on its head.
- German roaches are highly resistant to pest control materials.
- German roaches are highly adapted to indoor living and tolerant of dry conditions.
- German roaches often get into homes by hitchhiking in furniture and other household items.
American Cockroaches
An adult American cockroach is between 1 ¼ and 2 ⅛ inches long, reddish brown, with a yellow figure-eight pattern on the back of its head.
- American roaches are the largest cockroaches found in Arizona homes.
- American roaches prefer dark and humid spaces and may leave a home if more moisture is found outdoors.
- American roaches are typically found underneath organic debris in landscaping that is kept moist.
Oriental Cockroaches
An adult Oriental cockroach is about 1 inch long, shiny black in appearance, and may or may not have wings, depending on the sex of the insect. Males have wings that cover about 75 percent of the body and don't hang past the abdomen, while females only have wing pads.
- Oriental roaches don't typically live indoors because of their need for moisture.
- Oriental roaches are strongly attracted to sewers and organic sludge.
- Oriental roaches are deterred by moisture control and sanitation.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Adult brown-banded roaches are about ½ inch long, brown, and yellow. The color on their backs is predominantly dark brown with yellow trim.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are highly adaptable insects that do well indoors.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are tolerant of dry conditions and prefer warm temperatures.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are often found hiding in high locations, such as kitchen cabinets.
All cockroaches share a few other features. All cockroaches have six spiny legs, two long antennae, two small, angled appendages at the end of the abdomen (called cerci), and three body parts.
How to keep cockroaches in Arizona out
Your first line of defense for keeping cockroaches out is removing attractants around your home. When cockroaches come into your yard, you want them to find it uninviting. Here are a few quick suggestions:
- Clean up any junk piles from the yard. Roaches hide in tight spaces that shield them from the sun.
- Give your plants only the moisture they need and avoid having damp vegetation.
- Remove any organic debris that roaches may hide under.
- Clean trash receptacles and keep covers on and secure.
- Remove trash weekly and avoid allowing garbage to sit.
Once you've addressed attractants, consider the exterior of your home. The goal is to seal any gaps or openings you find, using materials such as expanding foam and caulk.
Once you've sealed structural gaps and cavities, consider the seals around doors and windows. Repair screens, replace weatherstripping, and install door sweeps.
When to get professional cockroach control
If your home (or business) is already infested with cockroaches, it is best to contact a local pest control company that specializes in cockroach control. Here at Northwest Exterminating, we offer ongoing home pest control plans and customized pest management programs for businesses that eliminate existing pests and prevent new infestations from developing. With ongoing pest control, you have the best chance of keeping cockroaches and other nuisance and potentially harmful pests away.
Contact Northwest Exterminating for indoor or outdoor pest control for your Arizona home. We service the Phoenix and Tucson metros as well as many communities in Southern Arizona.
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