Cockroaches have been around for hundreds of millions of years, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. They’ve certainly earned their reputation as indestructible pests, so if you flick on the kitchen light to see a small, dark shape scurry across the floor, it’s likely to inspire a feeling of dread – but their longevity on our planet doesn't mean you’re stuck with roaches in your home. Here’s what you should know about cockroaches in Massachusetts, and how to get rid of them.

What kind of roach is it?

We’re willing to bet that if you spot a cockroach in your house, you don’t particularly care what kind of roach it is - we don't blame you. Unfortunately, effective cockroach elimination depends on knowing which species you're dealing with.

There are about 4,000 species of cockroach in the world and around 70 species in the United States; of these, 4 are most likely to invade Massachusetts homes. These are the German, American, Oriental, and wood roach.

German cockroaches are oval-shaped, 1/2”-5/8” in length, ranging from light to dark brown in color with two dark stripes behind the head. This roach species has two sets of wings, although they rarely fly.

The American cockroach is the largest species found in homes, measuring in at an intimidating 2” in length. They are reddish-brown in color with a yellowish figure-8-shaped marking behind the head. These roaches have wings but are also adept at scaling walls and ceilings.

Oriental cockroaches are about 1” in length, dark brown- or black-bodied and glossy in appearance, often causing them to be confused with a beetle or cricket. The Oriental cockroach is unable to fly and tends to move much more slowly than other species.

Wood roaches are about 3/4”-1.25” in length, with flat brown bodies and long antennae. Unlike many other types of cockroach, wood roaches prefer to live outdoors. While they may look similar to the German cockroach, they are not as skittish and, if they find themselves indoors, are likely to simply wander until they find a way out.

Are they dangerous?

Although cockroaches by nature are extremely wary of humans, they can pose health risks. Roaches generally prefer unsanitary, damp conditions, and they really enjoy food. Because of the types of areas they tend to frequent, cockroaches can spread viral and bacterial pathogens when they come in contact with food items, food preparation spaces, and utensils or dishes. A roach infestation can result in food poisoning, dysentery, and gastroenteritis, among many other illnesses; it can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma.

How do I get rid of them?

Cockroaches didn’t get their formidable reputation by being taken out easily, but there are some things you can do to prevent a problem:

• Be on the lookout: When bringing items like grocery bags or packages inside, inspect them for evidence of pests and discard the bags or boxes as soon as possible after unpacking.
• Reduce food sources: Keep counters, floors, tables, and cabinets clear of crumbs, regularly take garbage outside, and store food in sealed containers.
• Declutter your home: Lots of cardboard boxes or other storage items kept on the floor provide dark places for roaches to hide and make it more difficult to detect evidence of an infestation.
• Reduce moisture: Don’t leave water in sinks, especially overnight. Clear blocked drains and repair any plumbing leaks immediately. Avoid leaving pet dishes on the floor for long periods of time.

While these measures can help to prevent a cockroach infestation, it's difficult to convince them to leave once they've taken up residence. You may be (understandably) ready to try getting rid of them on your own, but a cockroach problem is best handled by a professional.

Call Burgess Pest for a free inspection and consultation—our team will have these unwelcome guests scattering like.... well... roaches.

Want more information and tips for DIY pest control? Get your free copy of our Winter Pest Guidebook here!