german cockroach

The Hudson Valley is our home. It’s designated as a National Heritage Area, steeped in history, natural beauty, and culture. But it has a dark side, something creeping along just out of sight or in the dark while we sleep.

Cockroaches can be found everywhere. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your property might be; there are bound to be cockroaches there. American, brown-banded, German, and Oriental cockroaches infest the United States from one coast to the other.

What Are The Types Of Cockroaches Here In Hudson Valley?

The first type of roaches we are going to look at are American cockroaches. These are the largest roaches found infesting homes and businesses, measuring 1½ to 2 inches in length. These pests have wings and can fly, but thankfully they rarely take to the air. They are reddish-brown and have a small section of brown or yellow behind their head.

Brown-banded cockroaches are known for the tan bands formed across their wings, with the males growing to be about ½ an inch in length and females being a bit shorter with a stockier body shape. The males have wings and can fly, while the females are not fully developed for flight, though they also have wings.

The German cockroach is another of the most common roach species in the United States. They grow to be about ½ to 5/8 inch in length and are light brown with dark parallel lines running from the back of their head to their wings. These pests have wings like the rest, but they are flightless. It’s good to know that though they might not fly, they are adept at climbing and can find their way onto tables, counters, and even into pantries.

Rounding out our list of the most common cockroaches here in the Hudson Valley is the Oriental cockroach, otherwise known as the water bug. These roaches are larger than the rest, and they will invade homes and businesses looking for food and water. They grow up to an inch in size, are dark brown, and have wings but don’t fly.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

There aren’t many people out in the world who find cockroaches cute. Sure, there might be a few, but most of us get squeamish at just the sight of these critters. This is a great reaction to have because roaches are more dangerous than you might think.

One of the reasons it’s crucial to contact Pestmaster® Services to rid yourself of any cockroaches is in part due to the fact that these pests are known to pick up and spread bacteria. When they crawl through sewers, garbage disposals, bathrooms, and dumpsters, they pick up all sorts of harmful materials. These materials spread to areas in your business or home and can cause vomiting, fevers, and even other serious illness.

One of the other reasons is that many people find their allergies worsen when they have a cockroach infestation. This is caused by the cockroach excrement and the skin they shed. For some, this can even be life-threatening if the person has bad asthma.

How Do I Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Hudson Valley?

First, we have to look at what attracts these pests and how they get inside. If you have cracks in your foundation or cracks within the exterior of your home, a cockroach will take advantage of these openings. If you have gaps under your doors or windows, these are excellent places for these pests to find a way in. They can even get in as a hitchhiker, being carried in bags, boxes, or laundry baskets.

So, what are cockroaches attracted to once they get in? When cockroaches enter your home, they’re looking for food, water, and shelter, all of which your home will provide. Some cockroaches, like the brown-banded cockroach, prefer dry, warm environments, while others, like the American cockroach, prefer damp or moist areas. Cockroaches aren’t choosy about their diets; some will even eat wallpaper, book bindings, and glue. Once cockroaches have escaped extreme outdoor temperatures by making their way indoors, they’ll find a place to make a nest and breed.

Unfortunately, cockroaches are tough to eliminate. One of the last things you want to do is try to treat a cockroach problem yourself. So, how will a professional such as Pestmaster® Services get rid of these pests?

Facilitate habitat modifications.
Initiate the reduction of food, water, and harborage sources.
Utilize plant-based materials.
Utilize reduced-risk pesticides per EPA regulations.
Install interior monitors to catch inside offenders and accurately identify them.
Practice transparency concerning all company practices.

Pestmaster® Services has decades of experience keeping homes across America cockroach-free. If you’re looking for a professional cockroach control solution to the problem, contact us today for more information about how we can help.