Common Types of Roaches in NorCal
Northern California homes may encounter several cockroach species, including:
American Cockroaches
- Size: Over 2 inches long
- Appearance: Shiny reddish-brown with a yellow band behind the head
- Features: Long antennae, spiny legs, wings for short flights
- Habitat: Damp basements, crawl spaces, sewers, or outdoors near mulch
- Note: One of the largest roach species is capable of short flights
Asian Cockroaches
- Size: Up to ¾ inch long
- Appearance: Tannish-brown bodies with two dark stripes down their backs
- Features: Strong fliers, typically outdoor pests, but may enter homes
- Habitat: Prefer outdoor environments; may enter homes occasionally
- Note: Can be mistaken for German cockroaches due to similar appearance
German Cockroaches
- Size: About ½ inch long
- Appearance: Tannish-brown with two stripes just behind the head
- Features: Fast runners, rarely fly
- Habitat: Kitchens, bathrooms, or areas with easy access to food and water
- Note: German roaches are the hardest to eliminate and breed quickly
Turkestan Cockroaches
- Size: About 1 inch long
- Appearance: Dark reddish-brown to black with cream-colored markings
- Features: Males can fly; females cannot
- Habitat: Typically found near compost piles, mulch, or garages
- Note: Often mistaken for other large roach species, but has distinct markings
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches leave behind clear evidence of their presence. Here’s what to look for:
- Droppings: Tiny, dark pellets like coffee grounds or black pepper. American cockroach droppings are cylindrical. Check under sinks, behind appliances, and in areas prone to moisture.
- Roach sightings: Spotting live roaches during the day often indicates a large, widespread infestation.
- Shed skins: Roaches shed their exoskeleton as they grow. Finding shed skins is a sign of a thriving population.
- Egg cases (oothecae): Small, pill-shaped brown cases hidden in dark corners.
- Musty odor: A strong, unpleasant smell may develop in heavy infestations.
- Smear marks: Roaches may leave brownish streaks along walls or surfaces they frequent.
- Damage: Roaches will chew on food packaging, books, and other organic materials.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
Stopping a cockroach infestation is easier than removing one. Prevent them from entering your home with these steps:
- Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around foundations, windows, and doors
- Reduce moisture outside by fixing leaks and directing water away from the house
- Remove clutter, debris, and overgrown vegetation near your home
- Store garbage bins at least 20 feet away from the house
- Clean up pet waste promptly
- Reduce indoor humidity and repair leaking faucets or pipes
- Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills promptly
- Take out the trash regularly
- Inspect your home routinely, especially areas with moisture
Professional Cockroach Control from Big Time Pest Control
If you notice any signs of cockroaches, don’t wait. Early intervention makes it easier to eradicate the infestation.
Big Time Pest Control offers expert home pest control services that eliminate and prevent cockroach infestations while protecting your home from over 30 other common pests in Northern California. With over 20 years of experience, our trained technicians treat your home with the care and thoroughness we’d expect for our own.
Contact Big Time Pest Control today to protect your home and family from cockroaches and other pests.
