A few Albuquerque residents may enjoy the company of a large Madagascar hissing cockroach as a pet or companion, but for the most part, roaches are seen as disease-carrying nuisances. Here are two of the most common species of cockroaches in Albuquerque and how to control them:
The German Cockroach
German cockroaches are often found living within apartments and homes in Albuquerque. Since each German cockroach egg sac can contain up to 40 eggs, this prolific insect, which is brown in color with two vertical black bands on its head, can quickly incite a full-blown infestation.
The German cockroach can travel from an infested home to yours on clothing, luggage or even a purse. Once deposited inside your living space, they hide in dark, closed places and begin to breed. Changes in the weather or external temperatures do not generally affect these pests, because they are indoor dwellers.
How do you know that you have an infestation?
To determine whether or not you have German cockroaches, look for droppings that resemble black pepper behind and beneath your appliances, such as your refrigerator. Also, there may be empty egg casings left behind in the corners of your cupboards. Additionally, if your infestation is unusually heavy, you may notice a musty smell from the insects.
How can they be eliminated?
German cockroach elimination usually requires multiple types of professional insecticidal treatments, such as gel baits and sprays. Bait, which should be placed in dark areas where you have noticed droppings or other signs of the bugs, allows the insects to feed and go back to their nest to die, where young roaches can feed on the corpses to be poisoned as well. Insecticide sprays can be applied along baseboards, but they should not be added to the same areas as the bait. Bait contamination will cause the roaches to avoid it. Population control substances that affect the breeding cycle of the bugs should also be considered to help eliminate the chance of further generations being produced.
The Turkestan Cockroach
The Turkestan cockroach is relatively new to the Albuquerque area. In fact, it first migrated from Asia to the United States about 30 years ago. Nevertheless, it is now the most common cockroach in the Southwest. Although generally an outdoor bug, It can be found in apartments, homes and even in barns.
Turkestan cockroaches prefer damp, dark areas but have become well accustomed to the hot, dry Albuquerque climate. Still, they often seek shelter beneath pieces of wood, broken pavement or mulch.
How do you know that you have an infestation?
If Turkestan cockroaches enter your home, you will probably notice the large bugs flying around your light sources at night, when they are most active. The roaches are brown to black in color, with females being darker and larger than their male counterparts. Some may mistake them for oriental cockroaches, but unlike the oriental roaches, Turkestan cockroaches have full sets of wings that make flight easy.
Outdoor infestations are easily seen by looking beneath yard debris and around external lights at night.
How can they be eliminated?
Turkestan cockroaches can be controlled by removing as many hiding areas as possible, such as potted plants and outside debris. Also, you should have your property professionally treated regularly with effective insecticides.
Preventive Pest Control offers top-quality Albuquerque cockroach control. Call (505) 792-8380 today to schedule an appointment.