Cockroach Differentiation Being an Important Step in Preventative Approach

Young, immature cockroaches resemble adults but are smaller and wingless. If there is any doubt about whether an insect is a cockroach, submit a sample to an insect specialist or a pest management expert.

Depending on the species, an egg case contains between 16 - 50 eggs. Eggs hatch into young cockroaches called nymphs. In a normal cockroach population, nymphs are more numerous than adults.

Cockroaches are nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night. The number of cockroaches people see is usually a small percentage of a much larger population. Cockroaches prefer different habitats depending on the species. German cockroaches prefer dark, warm, humid areas near sources of food and water. American and Oriental cockroaches prefer coolers areas, such as basements and crawl spaces. Brownbanded cockroaches prefer drier areas, such as pantries and closets. All cockroaches are scavengers and will survive on almost any food as well as backing glue, leather, bookbindings, bar soap. They may even sample electronics and wiring in television and microwave (though infestation have to be large when this type of damage occurs). They spend most of their time in narrow, tight cracks and spaces where surfaces touch them on both sides. Cockroaches tend to congregate in corners and generally travel along the edges of walls or other surfaces.

The German cockroach is the most common indoor cockroach species in Minnesota. It favors warm, humid atmospheres, especially areas where temperatures are around 70° to 75° F. It generally inhabits kitchens and bathrooms where they are found near plumbing fixtures, in cracks or crevices in cupboards, under drawers and kitchen sinks, and similar locations. These cockroaches often cluster together in favorable hiding areas. When severe infestations occur, they may be found in other sections of buildings. German cockroaches can disperse in large numbers from areas of high population densities to infest other locations.

The brownbanded cockroach may also be common in Minnesota homes. Individuals can be widely distributed throughout a building, particularly in high areas, hiding behind pictures and clocks, beneath furniture, among books and in other drier areas not normally infested by German cockroaches. They seek areas that are warm most of the time including appliances such as radios, televisions and refrigerators.

The Oriental cockroach prefers dark, damp places. Often called a water bug, it is commonly found in damp basements, cellars, crawl spaces, and sewers. It may also be found near drains, leaky water pipes and under refrigerators, sinks, washing machines, and floors. It prefers temperatures under 84° F. The Oriental cockroach can tolerate cool environments and people have even found it surviving freezing outdoor weather. An Oriental cockroach forages mostly on the first floors of buildings. Occasionally, this pest will thrive in the landscape immediately adjacent to structures and may enter if a disturbance occurs, such as a change in the seasons, excess rainfall, or lawn mowing. It can be found occasionally outdoors under sewer covers. It feeds on all types of garbage and other organic material. An Oriental cockroach produces a strong smell and is considered one of the dirtiest of all the cockroaches.

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