According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cockroaches are unhealthy foragers in human settlements. These insects are linked to more than 33 different types of bacteria, which they spread by contaminating food and surface, causing food poisoning. [1]
In addition to carrying bacteria, roaches can spread six parasitic worms like tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
They are also linked to spreading seven human pathogens, one of which causes poliomyelitis. Moreover, roaches can trigger asthma symptoms.
To learn more about roaches in Kansas, including which species can cause problems and how to get rid of them, keep reading this guide.
Common Roach Species Found in Kansas
Roaches are insects that thrive in dark, damp areas where they can find food and shelter. Cockroaches also live in dirty places like sewers, compost piles, and dumpsters.
Since cockroaches can spread pathogens and parasites and trigger asthma, it is crucial to identify the cockroaches in Kansas and how to prevent an infestation.
So, what kinds of cockroaches can you find in Kansas?
5 Common Cockroaches You Can Find in Your Kansas Residence
American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
The American cockroaches are the largest roach species that can invade your home. They are reddish brown and oval-shaped with a distinct yellowish eight pattern on their back.
The American cockroach cannot fly; instead, it uses its wings to glide. In addition, American cockroaches prefer humid areas, so you can find them behind kitchen appliances or under sinks.
Read More: How to Eliminate the American Cockroach
German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
The German cockroach is one of the most common cockroaches found all over the world.
This roach species has two black streaks running horizontally behind its head, three body parts, and six legs.
The German cockroach is also smaller than the American cockroach and is light brown in color.
In addition, the German cockroach is a species that prefers warmer and more moist areas of a home. So look for their presence in bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere with plenty of food and moisture.
Read More: How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches Overnight
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
Oriental cockroaches, also known as water bugs are a cockroach species that prefer dark, humid areas. They are dark brown, slow, poor climbers, and cannot fly.
Read More: I Found an Oriental Cockroach In My House: How to Get Rid of Them
Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella Longipalpa)
The brown-banded cockroaches are the smallest cockroaches in Kansas and have three body parts and six legs, like other insects. These roaches are tan to light brown in color and cannot fly.
Unlike other cockroaches that need adequate moister to thrive, these cockroaches need little moisture. Therefore, you can find them in areas other cockroaches cannot enter.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica)
Another type of cockroach you can find in your Kansas residence or business is the Pennsylvania wood roach. However, these are not as common as other cockroaches you’d see in Kansas.
Wood roaches, in general, do not inhabit homes. Instead, they only enter them when firewood or similar materials are brought into the home.
These insects are dark brown with yellow on the sides of the thorax and front of the wings. Males are about one inch long and have fully developed wings, while females are only 3/4 inch long with only wing pads.
Other Kinds of Roaches
Since cockroaches don’t understand state borders, you’re likely to find the ones common in nearby states in Kansas.
Luckily, Colorado and Missouri roaches are the same types. Cockroaches in Oklahoma are mostly the same types. However, you’re more likely to also see smoky brown roaches.
Where to Find Cockroaches in Your Home
You can see cockroaches in various parts of your home.
The wood cockroaches like to live outdoors in areas that meet their humidity needs, for instance, garden areas, trees, drains, sewers, and under mulch.
In addition, the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) can invade your home while searching for food or shelter, especially when the outdoor weather becomes too dry or hot for them.
On the other hand, the German cockroach prefers to live indoors in houses or restaurants. Therefore, you can find them under kitchen cabinets, behind large appliances, in pantry areas, and in laundry rooms.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in the Kitchen
In these areas, the German cockroach will eat anything from glue to soap as it is not a picky eater.
In addition, the German cockroaches can expand their habitat to other areas, especially if your home is not well-kept. Moreover, German cockroaches are good hitchhikers and can find their way into your home through grocery bags, deliveries, and used appliances.
Conversely, Oriental cockroach prefers living outside in dark and damp locations. However, this cockroach can invade your home.
You can find oriental cockroaches in damp locations of your home, like damp basements, drains, sewers, and crawl spaces.
Read More: Seeing Roaches In Your Basement?
Reason Why You Have a Cockroach Problem
Wood cockroaches can be carried accidentally into your home via firewood. However, American cockroach, German cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, and Oriental cockroach can invade your home while looking for food.
These insect pests will move into your home through cracks and crevices on walls and foundations, spaces around doors, vents and drains, open windows, and air conditioners.
Moreover, cockroaches can get into your home from used furniture, potted plants, deliveries, and used appliances.
Once inside your home, these cockroaches breed quickly and become a problem.
Are Roaches Dangerous?
Yes, roaches are dangerous.
Cockroaches are not violent and seldom bite. However, they are dangerous. They carry a significant number of parasites and bacteria on their legs and bodies.
Moreover, cockroach feces, saliva, and shed body parts can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in people with weak immune systems and children.
Luckily, it is easy to eliminate cockroaches in Kansas.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kansas
To avoid a cockroach infestation, you should consider taking steps to limit any roach activity in your home or business.
Prevent Cockroaches
Make sure there are no leaking pipes or fixtures, and seal all cracks and holes near windows and doors. Also, keep your food preparation areas clean and clean your stoves and countertops.
In addition, all the dishes must be cleaned and put away. Reduce food accessibility by storing food in airtight containers.
Lastly, look for signs of roach infestation like shed skin, eggs, and droppings. This can help put create a control plan before the infestation becomes overwhelming.
Common Control Methods
If roaches have already invaded your home, it is best to take measures to eradicate them. You can kill roaches with borax, boric acid, insecticidal spray, diatomaceous earth, traps, and baits.
However, the best way to get rid of an infestation is to get expert help.
Don’t Let Cockroaches Get Out of Control
Cockroaches are not just disgusting insects; they also carry disease-causing bacteria and can spread parasites and other human pathogens.
Therefore, if you find them in your Kansas home or business, it is advisable to act immediately. If the infestation is mild, you can use natural ways to eliminate them.
However, in case of a serious cockroach infestation, hiring a professional pest control company will be best.
These pest control experts have experience and can help eradicate cockroach infestation in no time. Moreover, they will utilize the safest way possible to get rid of the cockroach invasion. Just be sure to act fast when it comes to cockroaches in your Kansas home!
