Identify & Learn More About Cockroaches
High Risk
Resilient nocturnal pests that contaminate food, trigger allergies, and multiply rapidly in warm, moist environments
Call Athena Pest Control Immediately if:
You see cockroaches during daylight hours (indicates heavy infestation)
You detect a strong, musty, oily odor in your property
You find egg cases (oothecae) in cabinets or storage areas
You discover dark spots or staining along baseboards and corners
Identification Guide
Size
1/2 to 2 inches long
Key Features
Oval-shaped, flattened body with long thread-like antennae, six spiny legs, wings (though not all fly well), glossy appearance
Common Species
American Cockroaches
Large, reddish-brown, also called "palmetto bugs"
Smokey Brown Cockroaches
Shiny dark brown/black to mahogany, with strong wings that extend past their body
German Cockroaches
Light brown with two dark stripes, prefer warm, humid areas
Brown Banded Cockroaches
Light brown with distinctive banding across wings
Oriental Cockroaches
Dark brown/black, prefer cool, damp areas
Where You'll Find Cockroaches
Behind appliances, under sinks, in cabinets, around dishwashers, near garbage disposals
Around toilets, behind bathtubs, in drain areas, under vanities, in medicine cabinets
Dark droppings, musty odor, egg cases, shed skins, grease marks along walls, dead insects
Cracks and crevices, behind picture frames, inside electronics, cardboard boxes, paper bags
Cockroach Prevention Tips
Use dehumidifiers, fix water leaks promptly, ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
Clean dirty dishes immediately, wipe down counters nightly, vacuum regularly, store food in sealed containers
Declutter storage areas, seal cracks with caulk, remove cardboard boxes from damp areas
Install door sweeps, seal gaps around pipes and utilities, repair torn window screens
Health & Property Risks
Disease Transmission
Spread bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus
Allergic Reactions
Shed skins and droppings trigger asthma and allergic responses
Food Contamination
Contaminate food prep surfaces and stored food items
Reputation Damage
Particularly devastating for restaurants and food service businesses
Electronic Damage
Can damage electronics by nesting inside warm equipment
Seasonal Activity
Cockroaches are active year-round indoors, with peak reproduction during warmer months:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season
March through October when reproduction accelerates and outdoor populations seek indoor shelter
Treatment Difficulty
DIY Effectiveness: ⭐ (Very Low) – Over-the-counter sprays often scatter populations and create resistance
Why Professional Treatment is Essential: Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eliminate due to their rapid reproduction, resistance to many chemicals, and ability to hide in inaccessible areas. Professional treatment uses specialized baits, growth regulators, and targeted applications that address the entire population lifecycle.
Expected Timeline: 4-8 weeks for complete elimination, depending on infestation severity
Myth Busters
Myth: Cockroaches only infest dirty homes
Truth: Clean homes can have cockroaches if moisture and entry points exist
Myth: Cockroaches can survive nuclear radiation
Truth: While resilient, this is greatly exaggerated – they’re just harder to kill than many insects
Myth: Seeing one cockroach means you only have one
Truth: For every cockroach you see, there are typically 10-50 hiding nearby
