Wood cockroaches are more of a nuisance than a dangerous pest. They prefer to live outdoors in moist, wooded sections. They do not invade homes or commercial properties, often accidentally wandering in or carried inside. Wood cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter with logs, woodpiles, and leaf litter, creating excellent harborage spots for the pest. Pest exterminators can assist in correctly identifying and treating these “accidental invaders.” Let Absolute Pest Control help with our effective pest control services in Albany.
What Do Wood Cockroaches Look Like?
Most homeowners often confuse the wood roach with other species, such as the American or German cockroaches. Misidentification often leads to using the wrong cockroach control products and wastes time and money.
Here are tips to guide you to a more accurate identification:
- Similar to the American cockroaches, the wood roaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies with long antennae.
- They are typically smaller than most roach species, measuring 3/4 of an inch to an inch and a half.
- Male wood cockroaches are brown with black markings and have wings that allow them to fly; female wood roaches are similar in appearance but lack wings.
- Wood roaches are attracted to light, and using a flashlight in the dark can lure males out of their hiding spots.
Pest control experts can assist you with proper cockroach identification to avoid treating the wrong roach species.
Are Wood Cockroaches Dangerous?
The cockroaches don’t pose any threat to humans or pets. They are not known to carry any pathogens or allergies, nor do they bite or sting. Wood cockroaches will not infest your home, preferring to live outside.
Males will often find their way into your home during mating season in spring and summer. However, the species will not nest in your house. They require moist, wooden spots to survive, and most indoor environments are warmer and drier than they like While they may not invade your home, you do not want the creepy crawlers taking over your yard. Call in a cockroach exterminator to eliminate the infestation before they begin to “accidentally” visit inside your house.
Why Is It So Hard To Get Rid Of Wood Roaches In Homes?
Wood cockroach infestations in your property can be challenging to control. First, the females are prolific breeders. The bugs lay approximately 29 egg cases over their lifetime, containing 16-32 eggs. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which complete the maturation in less than ten months. You can be staring at a full infestation within less than a year.
Additionally, chemical treatment with insecticide may not be effective indoors. The source of the infestation is outside, with most homeowners unable to find the primary cockroach nests. Hiring a pest control company is a more effective way to control the bug population.
Total Cockroach Control For Your Home
The key to preventing a wood cockroach infestation in your home is to keep the bugs out in the first place.
Here are several tips to help you out:
- Seal cracks around doorways and windows.
- Install screen barriers on all entryways.
- Place weather-stripping around exterior doors.
- Check window units for leaks, gaps, or holes and repair them accordingly.
- Remove woodpiles near your foundation, storing them in a dry section.
- Clear yard debris such as leaf litter that will attract the wood cockroaches.
- Call in professional cockroach exterminators.
The resemblance of wood cockroaches to other roach species can make it difficult to get rid of them. At Absolute Pest Control, we have formal training and practice experience that allows us to differentiate the different types of cockroaches infesting your home. We also recommend the right pest control products for the wood roaches present in the yard. Call us today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Albany.
