Paramount Cockroach Management
Cockroaches are cryptic insects that prefer to live in tight, dark spaces such as gaps, crevices, and sometimes corners.
Cockroaches are great hitchhikers and are typically transported inside homes and businesses on Long Island with deliveries and groceries. Problems typically start with only a few roaches, but a full-blown infestation can develop quickly because roaches reproduce rapidly, so early intervention is very important.
Knowing the species of cockroach helps determine their preferred hiding place. German Cockroaches, the most common cockroach species, are often associated with food spillage and moisture in kitchens and, sometimes, bathrooms. American Cockroaches and Oriental Cockroaches are associated with dark and damp locations such as basements, sewers and drains. The Brown-banded Cockroach can be found in dry locations, and may be located in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and other areas where food crumbs are present. White cockroaches are sometimes seen and are not a unique species, but rather a cockroach that just shed its outer skin to grow. The skin will change to its darker color over the next few hours after shedding.
It all begins with a thorough inspection by one of our highly trained technicians to locate cockroach breeding and resting sites. Active entry points and nesting sites are treated using materials that kill cockroaches on contact while also providing residual control. In many instances, we will also apply gel-based bait discreetly around infested areas. Sticky traps also work well in catching cockroaches and pointing us in the direction of infestations. We will also work with you to identify and correct conditions that attract cockroaches and allow them access to your home or business.
Cockroaches are covered in our comprehensive and affordable annual Home Pest Protection Plan (HPP), which provides year-round pest protection. We also offer 30-day plans to eliminate and control cockroaches. All Paramount Cockroach Management Plans are backed by a re-treatment warranty protecting your home or business against re-infestation.
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German Cockroaches on Long Island
The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is the most common cockroach species found in homes and commercial buildings on Long Island, New York. Known for their small size and light brown color, German cockroaches are particularly problematic because of their rapid reproduction rate. They thrive in areas where food, water, and shelter are readily available, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal habitats.
German Cockroach Quick Facts
Adult Size: 13-16 mm long.
Color: Light brown with two dark parallel stripes running down the back.
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on food scraps, grease, and organic matter.
Behavior: Primarily nocturnal; hides during the day and emerges at night to forage.
Lifespan: About 3-6 months, depending on environmental conditions.
German Cockroach Habits & Habitat
German cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where food and moisture are available. Their small size allows them to hide in tight spaces, including cracks, crevices, and behind appliances. They are often found near food preparation areas, making them a significant nuisance in both homes and commercial kitchens.
German cockroaches are prolific breeders, with females capable of producing dozens of offspring in a short period of time. This rapid reproduction rate makes them particularly difficult to control once they have established an infestation. They are primarily nocturnal and will scatter if exposed to light, which makes them difficult to detect during the day.
German cockroaches are easily spread with food items, including packaging or shipping materials made of cardboard or paper. Electronics, such as computers, cable boxes, modems and routers are attractive to cockroaches based on the heat generated. Used electronics, including those from major retailers and cable companies, can be a source of cockroaches when they are swapped from one account to another. Finally, German cockroaches can be transported on personal items from homes, where populations are high, to a place of work or school where they might hitchhike to another person’s belongings.
German Cockroach Threats
German cockroaches are known to spread bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. They can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma, particularly in children. Cockroach droppings, shed skins, and secretions can contaminate surfaces and food, posing health risks to occupants of infested homes and businesses.
Due to the rapid reproduction rate of German cockroaches and their tendency to infest food preparation areas, their presence can cause significant stress and anxiety for people, and professional pest control is often required to eliminate an infestation effectively.
German Cockroach Prevention
- Keep your home clean by promptly cleaning up spills, crumbs, and food residues, especially in the kitchen.
- Store food in sealed containers to prevent access by cockroaches.
- Fix any leaks or excess moisture sources, as German cockroaches are attracted to water.
- Seal any cracks, crevices, or gaps around doors, windows, and walls to prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places for cockroaches.
American Cockroaches on Long Island
The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is one of the largest species of cockroaches commonly found in homes and commercial buildings on Long Island, New York. Known for their reddish-brown color and impressive size, American cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and can be found in basements, sewers, and crawl spaces. They are highly adaptable and capable of infesting a wide range of environments.
American Cockroach Quick Facts
Adult Size: Up to 50mm long.
Color: Reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern behind the head.
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on food scraps, garbage, and organic matter.
Behavior: Primarily nocturnal; hides during the day and emerges at night to forage.
Lifespan: Typically, 6-12 months, depending on environmental conditions.
American Cockroach Habits & Habitat
American cockroaches thrive in areas with high humidity and access to food and water. They are commonly found in warm, damp environments such as basements, sewers, and crawl spaces. American cockroaches are very mobile and can move between structures through plumbing and sewer systems.
American cockroaches are capable of flying short distances, which can make them particularly alarming when they invade homes. They prefer to hide in dark, moist areas during the day and emerge at night to forage for food. American cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and will consume almost anything, including food scraps, glue, and paper products.
American Cockroach Threats
American cockroaches are known vectors for various pathogens and can spread bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. They can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma, particularly in children. Their droppings, shed skins, and secretions can contaminate surfaces and food, posing health risks to occupants of infested buildings.
American cockroach infestations can also cause significant stress and anxiety for homeowners and business owners/staff. Their large size and ability to fly make them particularly unsettling, and their rapid reproduction can lead to large infestations if not addressed promptly.
American Cockroach Prevention
- Promptly clean up spills, crumbs, and food residues, especially in the kitchen.
- Store food in sealed containers to keep cockroaches out.
- Fix any leaks or excess moisture sources, as American cockroaches are attracted to water.
- Seal any cracks, crevices, or gaps around doors, windows, and walls to prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places for cockroaches.
