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The 4 Types Of Cockroaches in Ohio

4 Types Of Cockroaches In Ohio

Cockroaches are an enduring pest that is difficult to eradicate, and they can be found in various human-made structures in Ohio, including homes, apartments, and restaurants at all times of the year. Given their long history of over 300 million years, it is unsurprising that cockroaches in Ohio are tenacious survivors. These common pests are able to infest buildings at all times of the year, however, in Ohio they are especially common in the summer. This article will examine the types of cockroaches in Ohio, their flight capabilities, prevalence, and activity patterns. Additionally, it will provide various methods for eliminating cockroach infestations in residential or commercial settings.

1. American Cockroach

cockroaches in ohio
roaches in ohio

American Cockroaches are the most common cockroach species in ohio. This species on average measures about 4 cm in length, making them the largest peridomestic (common) Ohio cockroach. They commonly infest homes and commercial buildings located in metropolitan areas. However, in some cases they can be found in suburban areas. The American Cockroach is commonly mistaken for a waterbug, even though it is not aquatic. Despite being named the “American Cockroach,” these insects are thought to be from Africa and the Middle East, and were first introduced to America around the 17th century.

What You Should Know About American Cockroaches in Ohio

One of the first things you will notice about the American Cockroach is that they are most active in the dark. Often they will go into hiding when the lights come on or if you enter the room. We have found that American Cockroaches in Ohio prefer to hide in kitchen cabinets, between the floor trims, under appliances, and inside plumbing access points. To combat a small American cockroach problem we recommend wiping down and cleaning all countertops every day and making sure food is sealed away in containers. If the issue isn’t solved with these tactics, treatment by a professional will be sure to eliminate the problem.

Related: Spotted Lanternflies In Ohio

2. German Cockroach

german cockroach in ohio
roaches in ohio

The German Cockroach is on the smaller side compared to the other types of cockroaches in Ohio, and it is also the most common cockroach in the world. They are identified by tan colors, however in some cases they can be black. There are two dark colored, slightly parallel streaks or lines on the pronotum going from behind the head to the base of the wings. The German Cockroach can be found in commercial buildings and residential homes alike. These roaches, like many others, are attracted to food and garbage that was left out. Despite having wings, German Cockroaches can hardly fly and their wings merely provide them the ability to glide through the air when threatened. 

German Cockroaches are considered to be the most dreadful cockroach infestation to have, however they are not as common as the American Cockroach in Ohio. These cockroaches become very destructive of the places they choose to infest, often significantly lowering the value of the home within a short amount of time. German cockroaches have a very short reproductive cycle which gives them the ability to rebound from treatments if done improperly.

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3. Brown Banded Cockroach

brown-banded cockroaches in ohio
brown banded cockroach in ohio

The Brown-Banded Cockroach is distinctly different from other cockroaches in Ohio due to its unique banding pattern. Smaller than some of its cockroach cousins, it stands out with light brown bands across its wings and abdomen. Its coloration ranges from a tawny hue to a deeper brown, and the distinctive bands are a clear identifier for this species. Brown-Banded Cockroaches can be found across various habitats in Ohio, from commercial establishments to residential homes.

Like the German Cockroach, the Brown-Banded Cockroach is drawn to unattended food and garbage, but they also have a proclivity to inhabit higher locations in homes, such as upper cabinets or even ceilings. While they possess wings, these cockroaches are not adept fliers and prefer to scuttle about on surfaces.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches, though less notorious than the German Cockroach, are equally troublesome when they establish an infestation. Their ability to hide in a variety of locations and breed rapidly can make them a persistent problem. In Ohio, while they might not be as prevalent as the American Cockroach, their presence should be addressed promptly. A thriving Brown-Banded Cockroach infestation can quickly diminish the value and comfort of a living space, and their rapid reproduction means that any treatment needs to be thorough to prevent resurgence.

Similar Post: Hornets in Ohio

4. Oriental Cockroach

oriental cockroach
oriental cockroach nymph

The Oriental Cockroach is the second largest species of roaches in Ohio, typically measuring between 18mm and 19mm. Oriental Cockroaches have a darker body than other roaches in Ohio, typically brown or black in color. Male Oriental Cockroaches are identified by having long wings, unlike the female oriental cockroach which has smaller wings located just below the head. Oriental Cockroaches in Ohio can inhabit any place with sufficient hiding, although they do require locations with relatively high humidity. 

Related: 3 Common Ticks In Ohio

What You Need To Know

Ohio Cockroaches find their way into homes where there’s a food source present. While this may be great for the ants, it is not so good for you and your home. Taking preventative measures and talking to The Pest Detective’s experienced specialists in Cockroach control is critical to controlling and eliminating roaches from your home, because once they have infested the home, it becomes more difficult to treat. In addition, the more common areas you will see cockroaches is in and around your foods, which can cause health issues as direct result of their waste contaminating the food as roaches are drawn into the homes looking for food. We recommend taking all the necessary measures to protect yourself from a roach infestation at all costs. In addition to cockroach control services, The Pest Detective’s pest control experts also offer spider control service, rodent removal, bee control, bed bug treatments and more.

People around the world have been dealing with cockroaches for millions of years. The Ohio Cockroach, or the German Cockroach and American Cockroach, have become a part of daily life in some areas of Ohio. Although roaches are three hundred and twenty million years old, they have not evolved very much and are considered to be a primitive form of insect. The most common areas roaches can be found in Ohio are inner-city apartments, houses, and multi-family homes. However, Ohio Cockroaches are extremely adaptable and can live in almost any environment as long as there’s a food source.

Best Places To look For Cockroaches In Ohio

Ohio Cockroaches can be found inside the air ducts, cracks in the floor trims, between the cabinet hinges, cracks in the walls, outlets, utility crevices, etc. Homeowners may notice that cockroaches in Ohio like to cluster under the fridge, microwave or stove. Homeowners with a roach infestation will notice that they come out in the dark and go into hiding when a light is turned on. Since cockroaches in Ohio prefer areas with high humidity they can be found in sewers, basements, under cabinets and in other moist areas.

What Do Cockroaches Eat?

What do cockroaches in Ohio eat? Well, they are not picky eaters. These scavengers commonly forage through the home for any form of organic matter that they can call lunch. When inspecting the cockroach infestation you may notice that all open foods, dirty pots, pans, silverware are stricken with cockroaches. Ohio Cockroaches can live up to one month without any food, and up to two weeks without water. The common cockroaches in Ohio, mainly the American and German Roach, are known as social insects. Social insects prefer to cluster together rather than go off by themselves, another example of a social insect would be a wasp or ant. However, cockroaches do not form nests or have any established ranks. The way cockroaches socialize would be better described as a pack animal, they forage, rest, and make decisions together in groups and their rank is essentially determined by their size. American Cockroaches prefer areas with high-humidity, however they still infest homes in Cleveland and other metropolitan areas throughout the winter.

Cockroaches in Nature

In Nature, they are considered to be a valued contributor in waste recycling as they will eat nearly anything. One thing to consider about their adaptivity –In nature, Cockroaches in Ohio will eat nearly anything that is readily available. When found in the woods, they can be seen eating the decaying trees and fallen branches, however, in the city they eat sewage, garbage, and food, grease, books, etc. Infested homes and buildings may run into a hard time getting rid of cockroaches in Ohio without a professional. This is because without proper treatment, the roaches will flee the infested area temporarily, and then return days later.

People Also Ask

Cockroaches are one of the most common pest infestations that can be found in metropolitan buildings and homes of Ohio, as well as the outlying suburbs. They are considered rare in rural areas, however, their populations significantly increase the closer you are to large cities in Ohio such as Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Cockroaches make their way into buildings and homes through a variety of means, such as through the cracks and crevices in the foundation, exterior walls, floors, and even through the sewer pipes connecting your home to the streets. Cockroaches can also catch a ride inside your friends suitcase, furniture, clothing, boxes, etc. They do this in search of food, water, and the warmth your home provides.

The American cockroach is by far the most common type cockroach in Ohio, and they are active year-round. German and Oriental roach infestations are less common and typically isolated to the summer months when temperatures are suitable. 

Additional Info On The Types Of Cockroaches in Ohio

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in Ohio. The German cockroach is the most common and reproduces quickly, while the American cockroach is the largest and often found in restaurants and food preparation areas. Brown-banded cockroaches have a short lifespan and jump when startled, while Oriental cockroaches are cold-tolerant and have a strong smell. Cockroaches are active at night and prefer warmth and darkness. Although it is difficult to completely eliminate a cockroach infestation without the use os pesticides, there are methods to control and reduce their presence which include: keeping a clean living space, sealing cracks and crevices, using bait stations, and contacting a pest control professional to inspect and treat the infestation chemically.

Related: Rats in Ohio

We Eliminate Cockroaches in Ohio Quickly & Safely

The Pest Detective has become a local favorite when it comes to exterminating cockroaches in Ohio. Our thorough process begins with an inspection of the home, and after treatment we place pheromone traps so that when we return for the follow up we can finish the job for good.  Often times we are able to completely eradicate cockroaches in the home on the first visit. 

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