Long after human civilization ended, cockroaches would still roam the earth. However, this fact doesn't mean that cockroaches have to hang around your house for a long time anyway. Cockroach pests can be handled, but the type found in the house needs to be known first. Many people do not know that there are actually four types of household cockroaches that are categorized as pests. Overcoming the pest problem will be much easier if you know the type of cockroach you are dealing with.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Recognizing a Brown Striped Cockroach
Step 1. Calculate the size of the cockroach
Brown Striped Cockroach can grow to have a body length of approximately 1.5 cm. This type of cockroach belongs to one of the smallest varieties. To illustrate its size, the Brown Striped Cockroach is slightly smaller than a 50 rupee note (not including the antenna, of course).
Step 2. Look for the fawn line on the cockroach
Maybe not what you think, the Brown Striped Cockroach is actually named for the yellow stripes that can be found on its body. Look for two stripes--there should be one that is very thick at the bottom of the stomach, and one that is thinner in the middle.
Step 3. Take into account the climate of your home
Brown Striped Cockroaches generally only live in hotter and drier climates. If you have a cockroach problem but live in a humid climate with moderate or low temperatures, you may be dealing with another type of cockroach.
Step 4. Check all nearby water sources
The Brown Striped Cockroach does not like water--hence it is rarely found in many water sources. If you find a cockroach living around the sink or toilet, it's almost certainly not a Brown Striped Cockroach.
Step 5. Check if the cockroach can fly
The Brown Striped Cockroach will fly away when disturbed, unlike the German Cockroach. If you find a small cockroach flying in the air, it is most likely a Brown Striped Cockroach.
Method 2 of 4: Recognizing German Cockroaches
Step 1. Pay attention to the size of the cockroach
The size of the German Cockroach is slightly larger than the Brown Striped Cockroach. German cockroaches can grow to a length of 1.3 cm, which is about the size of a 50 rupee note (again, no antennae).
Step 2. Look for two dark colored lines
German cockroaches are most easily recognized by the two parallel lines running from the back of their head to their wings. The stripes or stripes on the body of the German Cockroach are dark brown and may appear blackish.
Step 3. Check if cockroaches are around the water
German cockroaches like damp and warm places. German cockroaches can generally be found in the kitchen or bathroom, hiding near the sink as well as the dishwasher. This type of cockroach is also often in the trash, which is the main place to find food.
Step 4. Count the number of cockroaches
German cockroaches are the number one species found in homes in large numbers. If you think there are pests in your home, chances are that you are dealing with a German Cockroach.
Method 3 of 4: Recognizing American Cockroaches
Step 1. Look at the size of the cockroach
This cockroach variety is large and can grow up to 5 cm. A Rp1,000 coin will account for about of a cockroach's body if placed next to it.
Step 2. Pay attention to the color of the cockroach
The American cockroach is unique compared to other types because it has a reddish-brown color with an amber appearance on its body. Other cockroaches are generally mud brown in color. Check to see if the cockroach you find has a reddish streak on its body. Also, look for the two large dark brown circles on the shoulders of the American Cockroach--these circles are the only characteristic of the American Cockroach without the reddish color.
Step 3. Look at the shiny exterior of the cockroach
In addition to its unique color, the American Cockroach is also the shiniest type. The exterior of the American Cockroach, including the body and wings, has such a distinctive luster that many call it shiny but no one would call it glamorous.
Step 4. Observe the type of food the cockroach eats
American cockroaches are known to only eat moist food--such as human and pet food--this is a personal as well as a household problem. If you see a large cockroach eating your dog or food, the insect is most likely an American Cockroach.
Method 4 of 4: Recognizing Oriental Cockroaches
Step 1. Observe the size of the cockroach
Oriental cockroaches generally have a body length of `2.5 cm, which is slightly larger than the Rp50 coin. The Oriental cockroach also has a tube-like body shape, which is not too different from head to toe. The female Oriental cockroach is larger than its male partner.
Step 2. Pay attention to the color of the cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are known for their deep brown color. This cockroach can appear black in certain lighting. The Oriental cockroach has no other distinguishing feature other than its unique coloration.
Step 3. Pay attention to the wings of the Oriental Cockroach
The female Oriental cockroach is actually wingless, while the male has short, round wings that cover of his body. However, the Oriental Cockroach cannot fly despite the fact that it has wings.
Step 4. Observe where you see the cockroach
Oriental cockroaches can survive long periods of time and in cold weather outdoors by hiding under moss or other cover. Indoors, Oriental Cockroaches live in damp and dark places. This type of cockroach can be found mainly in cold, dark pipes and basements.
Step 5. The area inhabited by Oriental Cockroaches usually smells musty and unpleasant, due to the chemical gases that cockroaches release to communicate with each other
Tips
- If you encounter cockroach pests, you must be very careful and thorough in getting rid of them. Cockroaches will breed again, and pests can return if they leave even one spot untouched.
- German cockroaches have a tendency to live in places where food is located, such as the kitchen.
- Brown Striped Cockroaches generally hide in secluded and warm places, such as the top shelf of a closet.
- If you have a cockroach problem, it is highly recommended to store food in airtight containers to prevent disease contamination. You should also store trash in closed containers.
- Oriental cockroaches usually enter homes through drains and pipes, and live in dark and cold places, such as basements.
