Cockroaches 101: Everything You Need to Know About Cockroaches in Idaho

Cockroach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are natural recyclers, helping to break down decaying plants and animals. There are about 70 species of cockroaches living in the United States, but only a handful are considered pests and are problematic for people. They hide during the day, quickly scattering if they sense danger. Cockroaches have a narrow, oval-shaped body and six legs covered in spines. Their size and appearance vary by species. Listed below are the most common species of cockroaches living in the Boise area.

American cockroach - Adults can grow to more than 2 inches in length, making them the largest species of roach to invade homes in the United States. Their bodies are reddish-brown with a yellowish pattern on their back that many liken to a figure-8.

Australian cockroach - These roaches look like American cockroaches, but are a bit smaller. Adults grow to between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 of an inch long. Another difference between the two is the light yellow bands found on the forewings of the Australian cockroach.

Smoky brown cockroach - The body of the smoky brown cockroach is a shiny dark mahogany color. They can fly short distances and are very attracted to outdoor lighting.

Oriental cockroach – The Oriental cockroach, often called a “water bug,” lives in very moist areas like drains and sewers. They have smooth, shiny, dark bodies.

German cockroach - This is the most common cockroach to invade homes and businesses. Small and fast-moving, the German cockroach has a light brown or tan-colored body with two horizontal black stripes behind their heads.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches pose significant dangers to people. Outside they live and feed in areas of filth and then move into our homes, carrying a variety of bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites on their legs and bodies. Once in your home, they contaminate food and surfaces with their saliva and excrement. Also, they fill your home with piles of shed skins and feces, which aggravate allergies and asthma—especially in young children. 

Cockroaches also secrete a substance that stains surfaces and creates a bad odor. They chew on and destroy fabrics and paper products. If you startle cockroaches, they scatter, but (in the case of a large infestation) when you are sleeping, they may bite you while trying to feed on your dead skin cells. 

Where will I find cockroaches?

When it comes to cockroaches, whether they live indoors or out depends on the species. Both American and Australian cockroaches prefer to live outdoors but close to houses and other buildings, making it easy to move indoors when they have to. Outside cockroaches live in wooded areas, gardens, piles of garbage, and near sewers and drains.

Other species like the German roach prefer an indoor life and are common pests in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and food storage facilities. Cockroaches living inside usually choose to hide in damp, dark locations. Common indoor nesting spots include under sinks, in kitchen drawers and cabinets, in wall voids near pipes, in bathrooms, and basements.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are prolific breeders, so just a few finding their way onto your property can quickly lead to a large-scale infestation. Cockroaches become a problem around your home or business if they discover suitable nesting spots and food sources. Once living on your property, they will soon find their way inside through openings around windows and doors, gaps in the roofline, and cracks in the foundation. These insects can also be introduced into homes and other buildings inside packages, used appliances, used furniture, potted plants, and grocery bags.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Locally owned and family-operated, Averse Pest Control is the best choice to get rid of cockroaches from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced pest professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate cockroaches from Boise properties. Discover why your neighbors choose Averse Pest Control for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Prevent problems with cockroaches by partnering with Averse Pest Control, and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED lights. They are less attractive to cockroaches and other insects.
• Keep outdoor lights off as much as possible.
• Seal up gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
• Put a stone or crushed rock barrier between any mulch or soil and your foundation.
• Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Place weatherstripping around windows and doors and replace any torn window or door screens.
• Use dehumidifiers to reduce excess moisture in your home.
• Make sure gutters are clear of debris and direct water from the outside of your home.
• Put tightly sealed lids on outdoor trash cans and compost bins.
• Keep outdoor eating areas clean.
• Inside of your home store all food, including pet food, in the refrigerator or airtight containers.