What Makes Cockroaches in Philadelphia So Bad?

a cockroach on the corner of a tableCockroaches are a pest that all Philadelphia residents want to avoid because they are so disgusting. While most people know that these pests are gross and unsanitary, many aren’t aware of how many germs and diseases they carry. In this post, we share the reasons why cockroaches are so dangerous and how to identify and prevent them.

You likely have some idea of what cockroaches look like. While there are multiple species of cockroaches, here in Philadelphia the four most common species are as follows:

American Cockroaches

This is probably the species you imagine when you think of cockroaches. They are the largest species in the area and are a reddish-brown color and have a yellow figure-eight pattern on the backs of their heads.

German Cockroach

These cockroaches can be tan to dark brown, but they are easiest to tell apart from other species because of the two parallel black stripes they have behind their heads.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

These are a small species that is usually tan or light brown. They are best identified by the light brown transverse bands they have on their wings.

Oriental Cockroaches

This species is often known as black beetles or water bugs because of their shiny, black beetle-like appearance. They also have a greasy sheen.

Cockroaches are one of the most dangerous common pests in the area. This is because they can transmit a wide array of diseases including salmonella and gastroenteritis. They also can contaminate food and food preparation surfaces. Their presence may even cause allergies or asthma attacks in some people.

The reason why cockroaches carry so many pathogens is in large part due to where they hang out when not inside homes and apartments. Cockroaches usually live in damp, dark, warm areas such as sewers, garbage, pipes, public bathrooms, and other similar places.

How Are Cockroaches Able To Spread Disease?

Cockroaches are so disgusting because they spend time in all of the nasty places listed above before they make it inside a home. They also have spines, that look like small spikes, on their legs that are perfectly designed for picking up small pieces of debris that carry germs. Then, once they enter homes and apartments, they crawl around spreading the pathogens they’ve picked up all over surfaces in your home. They often hang out in bathrooms and kitchens and even spread toilet and other bathroom germs to your food and countertops.

What Are The Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation?

As an infestation grows, you’ll likely eventually notice these insects crawling around your home. However, there are early signs of a cockroach problem that you’re more likely to notice first if you know what they are. Here are the common signs of cockroaches to help you stop an invasion before it gets out of hand:

  • A strange, musty odor
  • Extremely tiny, rod-shaped droppings
  • Brownish smear marks that are irregular shaped
  • Egg casings that are usually a brown color
  • Discarded cockroach skins

Effective Cockroach Removal In Philadelphia

Trying to get rid of cockroaches on your own usually just ends up putting you and your family's health at risk for longer periods. Cockroaches are difficult to remove, so the best thing to do is to contact pest control professionals who have the skills and methods to get rid of them for good. At Pestmaster® Services our technicians provide both cockroach prevention and control to keep your home safe from these disease-carrying pests.