Cockroaches in California: A Complete Guide
Coming across cockroaches in your home is never something you want to experience, but like many things in life, it happens. They have the potential to carry diseases, and create an undesirable living environment. Getting informed on the different types of cockroaches in California, and what to do about them, will aid in getting rid of them for good.
Types of Cockroaches in California
Cockroaches in California are extremely prevalent, and it’s important to know which kinds to look out for. Knowing what they look like and what they’re capable of will help you decide on the best course of action. This will help you prepare for the removal process by a professional exterminator.
The types of cockroaches found in California include:
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are shiny, black, about one inch long, and have six legs. Their body is oval-shaped, and thankfully, they don’t have the ability to fly. Both male and female cockroaches are larger in size, however, they have qualities that differ from one another. Males carry short wings, and females don’t have wings at all. You might find this species in dark, moist spaces.
Brownbanded Cockroach
Brownbanded cockroaches are not only invasive, but they live most of their life indoors. They’re very small in size, but they cause a lot of destruction. The males are approximately half an inch long, light brown in color, with fully developed wings. Females are shorter and stouter than males. Both are very active and have two brown bands across their body, which is where they get their name.
This species is often found near warm and dry locations, including pantries, closets, dressers, and under tables and chairs. The brownbanded cockroach feeds on non-food items, such as nylon stockings, as well as materials such as glue or paste.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is one of the largest, however, they rarely bite. They have a reddish-brown body, accompanied by a yellow “figure 8” pattern on their head. Their oval-shaped bodies can be anywhere from one and one-fourth of an inch, to two and one-eighth of an inch long. Males and females have the ability to fly, but mainly just short distances.
To announce their presence, they’ll sometimes leave droppings. These droppings are often confused with those of other pests, so it’s always best to contact a pest control company to be sure.
German Cockroach
This species reproduces quickly and tends to be resistant to several common pesticides. German cockroach infestations usually occur in human-occupied spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms. You’ll be made aware of their presence by their droppings, which are small and dark.
German cockroaches have tan, oval-shaped bodies, and are known for the dark, parallel stripes on their backs. Females are usually a bit darker in color than males. They have six legs, antennae, and are half an inch to five-eighths of an inch long. Even though they have wings, they tend to run instead of fly.
Turkestan Cockroach
This species is known as the rusty red cockroach and dwells outdoors most of the time. However, this doesn’t mean you will never find them indoors. They are mostly found near water, concrete cracks, and plants.
Female Turkestan cockroaches are dark brown to black in color, with cream-colored details all around. They have short, round wings, while the males have yellowish wings. Males are smaller than females and are brown to red in color.
How do you know if you have cockroaches in your home?
A cockroach infestation is never a good problem to have, but you can still get ahead of it by looking out for the signs. It’s not always obvious, and it extends beyond just seeing one scurry across your floor. Make sure to check areas around your home, such as under sinks and refrigerators, dark drawers and cabinets, and in any small crevices.
Signs of cockroaches include:
- Fecal droppings or smear marks.
- Cockroach eggs, which can appear tan, brown or black, and be shaped like a small pill.
- Unusual odors, which can smell musty or sweet.
- Shedding skin.
- Chew marks on food packaging, or leather.
How to get rid of cockroaches in California
You may be dealing with pests, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require the same necessities to survive. Just like us, cockroaches need food, shelter, and water.
The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to:
- Deprive them of their food supply, so that they are no longer able to contaminate your food. Do this by frequently washing your dishes, clean the cabinet under your sink, clean up after yourself following a meal, and make a note to store your food in air-tight containers.
- Eliminate the source of moisture. This can mean drying the inside and surrounding areas of your sink, and making sure you have no leaks coming from your refrigerator.
- Eliminate shelter. Don’t make it easy for them by giving them somewhere to sleep at night. Roaches need shelter to survive, so get rid of the clutter. While you’re at it, make sure door frames and window frames are sealed, and close the gap.
Be Pest-free with Zap Pest
Getting rid of cockroaches in California is never easy, but your worries can be lifted with the help of Zap Termite & Pest Control. We will tailor your pest control services to your specific needs, and do so while providing top-quality customer service. Being family-owned and operated means that we think of you like family, and we strive to keep you and yours safe from pests.
Learn More About the Cockroach Apartment Law in California
A cockroach infestation can be troubling for both landlord and tenant. Fortunately for you, your landlord must ensure your apartment is kept within acceptable living standards. They are responsible for pest removal when it is not the fault of the tenant. If you find yourself in the middle of a pest infestation while renting, a local pest control company can guide you through the situation.