cockroach looking for food outside tulsa home

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What do cockroaches look like?

While cockroaches all look similar, they vary in appearance depending on their type. In Oklahoma, the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach are the ones most often encountered.german cockroach on a white background

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are a dark-reddish brown in color; the edges of their thorax are faded yellow in color. These roaches are very large in size; adults can grow to more than 3 inches in length, but they typically grow to around 2 inches in length. Both female and male American roaches have fully developed wings and are capable of flight, but they aren’t known for actually flying. The wings of the male extend out past their abdomen, while the female’s wings are about the same length as their abdomen.

German Cockroaches (pictured above)

These small roaches (adults grow to between ½ and 5/8th of an inch in length) are light brown or tan in color, and although mature German cockroaches don’t have stripes, you may identify them by the two dark parallel lines that run from the back of their head to their wings. Like American roaches, these pests have fully developed wings but do not fly.

Oriental Cockroaches

Growing to about an inch in length, Oriental cockroaches have smooth bodies that have a “greasy” sheen to them.  Females of this species have wide bodies and do not have fully developed wings. Males have narrower bodies and have wings that cover ¾ of their abdomens. Neither are capable of flight. Though not a physical description, it should be noted that Oriental roaches emit a very powerful, musty, foul smelling odor. They are typically an outdoor roach associated with moisture.  Don’t usually set up inside houses.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are dangerous, yes. They carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites on their bodies, legs and in their feces which can cause diarrhea, dysentery and other serious health concerns. It is important to remember that before infesting homes and businesses, roaches have likely traveled through some very unsanitary places, such as:

  • Sewers

  • Trash piles

  • Animal excrement

  • Drains

Also, their shed skins and feces often trigger asthma attacks in people; this is especially a concern for young children; this is mostly associated with the German roach.


Why do I have a cockroach problem?

There are many reasons you could have a cockroach problem in your home or business. It’s possible they simply snuck in through a crack or gap along the exterior of the structure. They may have been introduced in bags, boxes, packages, and inside of used furniture or appliances. It’s also possible, if you live in a multi-unit housing complex, that your neighbor had an infestation that spread to your space.


How do I get rid of cockroaches?

For effective home cockroach control, contact Montgomery Exterminating. Our residential and commercial pest control technicians have the knowledge and experience to identify what type of roach is infesting your space and will implement a treatment plan that results in cockroach elimination. Reach out today to learn more about our Tulsa, OK cockroach exterminating services or view our recommended service below.

Helpful Cockroach Articles

Minimizing The Negative Impact Cockroaches Can Have On Your Restaurant

Dangers Cockroaches Bring To Homes In The Greater-Tulsa Area

How Did Cockroahces Get Inside My Kitchen?

 

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Montgomery Exterminating Blog

Read the latest blog posts for more information about pests in Oklahoma.