No, seriously… what’s up with cockroaches? Did you know that they breathe through small holes on each of their body segments? Did you know that these holes make it possible for them to live for a week… without their heads? It’s freaky. Cockroaches are freaky. There are over 4,000 individual species of the freaky things in the world. The ones you’re most likely to face off with are the American, Brown-Banded, and German cockroaches.

Nobody wants cockroaches infesting their business or commercial property. Below we’ve gathered the questions we’re most frequently asked about cockroaches – and answered them! Next time you have a question about your small brown nemesis, consult this page and you’ll find your answer.
 

What are the biggest signs of a cockroach infestation?

Cockroaches leave a lot of physical markers behind that allude to their presence. This includes droppings, dark brown smear marks, and shed skin. Many varieties leave behind a foul, garbage-like odor because they forage in the trash. The biggest sign you have cockroaches will be spotting cockroaches, of course. You’ll probably see them around potential food or water sources like sinks, dishwashers, and trash cans.
 

What attracts cockroaches?

Like any potential pest, they’re drawn to accessible food and water sources. They prefer areas that aren’t tidy, so dirty, forgotten corners and trash piles are their ideal breeding ground. Cockroaches are infamously hardy and stubborn creatures. Unfortunately, that behavior affects where they infest, too. Once cockroaches decided they like your property, it’s tough to convince them otherwise right away. Doing so comes down to old-fashioned cleanliness, moisture maintenance, and vector control.
 

Could cockroaches really survive a nuclear bomb?

We’ve all heard it before: if a nuke goes off, the only life that will survive will be cockroaches. This… is actually reasonably true. The Discovery Channel recently ran an experiment on German cockroaches to find out how much radiation they could handle.

When the roaches were exposed enough radiation to kill a human in ten minutes, more than half survived unharmed. The roaches weren’t “immune” to radiation like the popular myth alleges, but they were highly resistant. If the human race ever messes up too badly, at least roaches might inherit the earth! That’s… not comforting, is it?
 

Can cockroaches fly?

Yes, but they’re not going to be making solo trips across the Atlantic. Most roaches aren’t particularly strong fliers despite possessing wings. Oriental and German roaches don’t fly at all.
 

Do cockroaches bite?

Yes, if they feel threatened. Most types that you’ll find in the city aren’t big or strong enough to break the skin, however. We wouldn’t worry about it too much.
 

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Your best bet is to prevent them from investing your business in the first place. Follow smart anti-pest preventative procedures. Use trash cans with locking lids. Stay on top of any cleaning and mop up food-related spills immediately. Seal cracks and holes around your property.

If it’s too late and they’ve already infested, the ideal option is to contact a professional pest removal company. Cockroaches are infamously difficult to kill (remember the radiation thing?). If you don’t wipe them out completely, they’ll be back, too. It pays off to have someone take care of it right the first time.

Speaking of pest removal companies that can take care of it right the first time, never hesitate to give the pros at Assured Environments a call. We’ve got you covered.