Of all the unwelcome guests in our homes, few pests can match the tenacity of roaches. These critters have adapted to various environments, including the diverse landscapes of Colorado, meaning you can find them in just about any corner of the state!
From the bustling urban neighborhoods of Denver to the mountain towns nestled in the Rockies, cockroaches have made themselves at home. Let’s delve into the world of these creepy crawlers and discover the types of roaches in Colorado!
Types of Roaches in Colorado
So, what types of roaches rule the roost in the Centennial State? Colorado is home to many pest roaches, some more infamous than others. Keep reading to learn more about the creepy crawlers you may spot in or around your house!
American Cockroach
Of all the roaches in Colorado, few are as imposing as the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Despite its name, the American cockroach is not a native species. Instead, this pest likely originated in Africa, introduced to the Americas by ships in the early 1600s. Since their landing, they’ve spread throughout the country and other regions worldwide, including Colorado.
This reddish-brown behemoth is the largest species of common cockroach in the United States, measuring up to 1.6 inches in length. Besides their size, American cockroaches are also known for their flying ability, albeit clumsily. While they’re not free-flying wonders like the Asian cockroach, these pests can take to the air when threatened– even if it means crash landing after catching some wind.
Their wings may not take them far, but their fast, skittering pace typically leads them indoors. While found almost everywhere, American cockroaches prefer to shack up in urban areas, flocking to sewers, basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp environments. Many homeowners typically spot these pests in bathrooms or anywhere with leaky pipes.
In terms of diet, American cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on organic matter outdoors, decaying plant materials, food scraps, and smaller insects. These roaches aren’t picky eaters, making them tough survivors and challenging pests to eliminate.
Oriental Cockroach
Known colloquially as the “black beetle” or “waterbug,” oriental cockroaches prefer moisture-rich environments, frequenting the same haunts as American roaches.
Unlike their reddish-brown American counterparts, oriental cockroaches have shiny black and stout bodies with a more sluggish demeanor. But don’t let their personality fool you– these pests are skilled sprinters who can dart across a room at lightning speed once they sense a threat.
While most other roach species prefer to hang around warmer areas, oriental cockroaches enjoy cooler temperatures. Their strong cold tolerance helps them thrive year-round in Colorado’s frigid conditions in areas above freezing.
Like other roaches, oriental cockroaches aren’t snobbish when it comes to a meal. Besides organic matter, you may also see these pests rifling through garbage cans or other outdoor food sources.
German Cockroach
German cockroaches. Few species elicit as much dread and frustration as these pests. These small, light brown roaches are notorious for infesting homes and businesses alike, earning them a reputation as one of the most challenging pests to eradicate.
The German cockroach is a master of survival, adapting to almost any situation. You can spot German roaches in urban areas, rural communities, and everything in between, thriving in warm, humid conditions.
As regular indoor occupants, German roaches always find a place to live and raise their young. These pests are prolific breeders, with a single female producing up to six egg cases in her lifetime, each containing up to 50 eggs!
Their slight size gives them many hiding and breeding spots, often finding homes within cracks, crevices, and other tight spaces. Without proper pest control intervention, an infestation can grow significantly without notice.
Brown-banded cockroach
Unlike their German and American cousins, brown-banded cockroaches are named for the distinctive brown bands that adorn their wings and abdomen, distinguishing them from other species of roaches in Colorado.
Like German roaches, brown-banded cockroaches are experts at hiding and prefer to reside in tight cracks and gaps in your wall and flooring. But, while other species prefer moist environments, brown-banded cockroaches tend to gravitate towards drier areas, like bedrooms, living rooms, and even attics.
In fact, brown-banded roaches are often called “unseen intruders,” only sneaking out of their inconspicuous hiding spots at night to forage for food and water. These nocturnal behaviors make them difficult to spot during the day, unfortunately leading to infestations that go unnoticed until they become severe.
Eliminate Roaches in Colorado with proof.!
Roaches aren’t a houseguest you’d want to overstay their welcome. Because of their proximity to our kitchens, cockroaches often contaminate food and surfaces in your home, spreading harmful bacteria onto clean surfaces.
As known carriers of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including salmonella and E. coli, cockroaches can turn a simple infestation into a severe health risk. Plus, their discarded skin and feces can also trigger allergies in those with sensitive sinuses and even cause asthma attacks for sensitive individuals.
So, what’s your best course of action? proof. Pest Control!
No matter the type of roaches you’re dealing with in Colorado, we have your back. Our team knows the ins and outs of roach behavior, helping us develop an ironclad treatment plan that will send these pests packing.
Don’t let roaches in Colorado take over your home– contact proof. Pest Control today!