Cockroaches | Des Moines, IA
German Cockroach
German Cockroach Appearance
The German Cockroach is brown, can grow to 5/8" in length and is one of the most common roaches found in Iowa. There are two black stripes just behind their head which make them easy to identify.
German Cockroach Behavior and Diet
German Cockroaches are mainly indoor species, though they are known to thrive in tropical environments. Because of their preference for moisture, German Cockroaches are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms. It is during the evening hours that these pests are most active and begin their hunt for food and water. German cockroaches tend to feed on almost any food source they have available. This could consist of toothpaste and soap to basic crumbs missed when cleaning.
German Cockroach Reproduction
German cockroaches can reproduce extremely fast. Under normal conditions, the female German cockroach can produce approximately 4 to 6 egg cases with each case containing about 30 to 40 eggs. Adult German cockroaches can survive from 100 to 200 days.
Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation
There are various signs that you have a German cockroach infestation. The most common signs include:
- Droppings
- Egg capsules
- Odor
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental Cockroach Appearance
Oriental Cockroaches are large, very dark, shiny cockroaches that can grow to a size of 1 inch when fully mature.
Oriental Cockroach Behavior and Diet
The oriental cockroach is primarily an outdoor species of cockroach. This particular cockroach is known to live beneath leaf litter, under stones or rocks, debris, etc. When found in metropolitan areas, the oriental cockroach can even be found in sewers and storm drains. As for diet, the oriental cockroach prefers to feed on garbage or various decaying materials.
Oriental Cockroach Reproduction
The average adult female oriental cockroach can live from 35 to 180 days whereas the male oriental cockroach tends to live between 110 and 160 days. During the lifespan of a female oriental cockroach, they can produce approximately eight egg cases containing about 16 eggs per case. The development of an oriental cockroach greatly depends on the season. If it is during the warmer season, they may take only about 200 days to develop from egg to an adult. However, if the weather is cooler, it could take as long as 800 days for the eggs to develop into adults.
Signs of a Oriental Cockroach Infestation
Oriental cockroaches tend to enter your home from the exterior by crawling under the siding door, through holes in the foundation, or other entry points around your foundation. The easiest way to detect an infestation is through:
- Sightings
- Egg capsules
- Odor
American Cockroach
American Cockroach Appearance
The American Cockroach is one of the largest cockroaches in Iowa, reaching 1.5 to 2 inches in length and are reddish-brown in color.
American Cockroach Behavior and Diet
The American cockroach is generally an outdoor species that tends to live in wood piles, decaying trees and in sewer systems. They are most active at night and hide in cracks and crevices during the day; preferring dark, moist sites in attics and basements. This particular species will enter homes in search of food or water. When outdoors the American cockroach will eat leaves, fungi, algae, small insects, etc. While indoors, they will eat scraps or food, crumbs and even pet food.
American Cockroach Reproduction
The female American cockroach will only reproduce during the warmer months and are known to produce about 16 eggs in each egg capsule. American cockroaches can develop in as short as 5.5 months.
Signs of a American Cockroach Infestation
American cockroaches are known for being fast. Therefore, the easiest way for homeowners to spot these pesky critters is from sightings, droppings, odor or egg capsules.
Des Moines Pest Control
As the leading Des Moines exterminator, our pest professionals at Preferred Pest will put your mind at ease by taking care of your cockroach infestation safely and efficiently. Feel free to schedule an appointment with us online, or give us a call at (515) 276-7277!