Pests are bound to be a problem regardless of where you are in the world, and roaches make up most of many people’s pest problems. Unfortunately, enough roaches plague the United States throughout its entirety, and New Hampshire is no exception.
Thankfully, there are only a few species of roach you are likely to experience any issues with. This article will give you all the information you need to identify these roaches and deal with them accordingly.
New Hampshire’s Unique Climate and Environment: Impact on Cockroach Populations
Being located in the northern part of the United States, New Hampshire is typically cooler than most states year-round, featuring a humid continental climate. Cockroaches are relatively comfortable here, but winters can be especially harsh and limit the growth rate of any roach species in the area.
If you are experiencing a roach problem, one of the best times to address the issue would be during the winter because roach numbers will be at their smallest, and you can directly impact the population itself by minimizing food and water options needed for the insects to survival. Later, you can move forward and assault their means of reproduction.
Top 3 Cockroach Species Found in New Hampshire
There are three most common cockroach species in New Hampshire. They are as follows:
- Oriental cockroaches
- German cockroaches
- American cockroaches
Below are some details you require, like what they look like and specific behaviors each roach might have.
1. Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental roach is a shiny, blackish-brown roach that can often be mistaken for a beetle due to its glossy exterior, which earns it one of its nicknames, the “black beetle.” Another such nickname it has comes from its direct affinity for being near moist locations. That name is the “water bug.”
These insects can grow about one inch long and are notorious for carrying many diseases and bacteria on their bodies, making them one of the most dangerous roaches you can encounter.
They also emit a horrible stench which is another unique callsign of theirs, these bugs can cause food poisoning, E. Coli, and even Salmonella, so it’s recommended you treat them with extreme caution and call a pest control professional.
2. German Cockroach
The two dark black streaks behind their heads can quickly identify German cockroaches, complementing their glossy brown bodies. Although males of the species tend to be a tan color, with females often being noted as a darker brown, the roach itself can grow to be over half an inch long. Despite having wings, they are much more prone to skittering on the ground than taking flight.
Another notable quirk amongst German cockroaches is their affinity for dark places. This sometimes means identifying whether you have a German cockroach problem can be difficult as these bugs are highly reclusive and good at hiding.
So rest assured, if you find more than one in your home, you are probably experiencing an infestation. Thankfully removing food sources and open access to water can go a long way towards getting rid of them.
3. American Cockroach
The American cockroach is a monstrous bug that can grow to be 1.6 inches long and has notable splotches or spots on the back of its head that offset the deep reddish-brown of the roach itself.
This color difference means little if you see them in the dead of night, as their shiny carapace will often reflect, creating a strange ripple aesthetic if you see a horde of them moving all at once.
Another unique quality these roaches have is despite their large size, they are swift, making them extremely disturbing to witness firsthand and even worst to encounter if you are attempting to go through your home and happen upon several of them.
These roaches have large wings but are remarkably bad at flying. They are active year-round if conditions are right, so clean your home or business well to avoid them.
Spotlight on New Hampshire’s Largest Cities
Pittsburg
Pittsburg is New Hampshire’s largest city by size and, thus, more likely to experience roach problems due to the raw amount of land it encompasses.
Surprisingly enough, Pittsburg does a phenomenal job of staying on top of ongoing roach infestations with regular inspections and tight regulation on apartments and building rentals being forced to oblige to keeping areas free of roaches before people can inhabit or work in these locations.
Cockroaches in the Neighboring States
Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont border New Hampshire. Because most of these states are positioned against large bodies of water, they will typically have more roach problems than states that are further from hydration-rich areas towards the center of the United States.
Most of New Hampshires’ fellow states also benefit from being far north, with the natural cold providing a small layer of defense against roach populations throughout the winter.
Still, more is needed to stop roach populations entirely. Instead, they will seek refuge inside, calling for strict regulations on property owners to keep the insects from becoming a larger problem than they already are.
Health Risks and Allergies: New Hampshire Residents and Cockroaches
Roaches are disgusting insects that carry many different bacteria and diseases regardless of the species you are referencing. Oriental roaches, in particular, smell horrible and have some of the worst diseases you can contract from direct interaction with them.
Although asthma is an extreme issue, you can also get food poisoning and salmonella, as they are some of the worst things that can happen if you live in an area with an ongoing roach infestation.
People with weaker immune systems are especially at risk when living with roaches as they can experience life-threatening health complications if they catch dysentery or other diseases, which can render a person immobile or incapable of seeking help without the aid of others.
Prevention and Control Measures for New Hampshire Cockroaches
Keeping roaches out of your home, business, or property is reasonably straightforward. Thankfully, removing standing water sources will help prevent roaches from getting the hydration they require to survive, limiting how big a population can get while scavenging around your home.
Another safe bet would be to thoroughly clean your home and your home’s perimeter, seeking to remove leaf litter, garbage, and other food sources a roach can thrive on, again limiting their nutritional intake and thus hitting a roach population directly.
The final nail in the coffin, so to speak, would be to inspect your home for cracks in the foundation or other entry points a roach can utilize to infiltrate your home. Slightly open windows, doors with significant gaps in the entryway and even improperly sealed dryer vents can all allow roaches to get into your home and contribute to the possibility of an infestation.
Local New Hampshire Resources and Pest Control Regulations
As noted above, Ehrlich is a popular pest control service utilized heavily in Pittsburg to keep roach infestations to a minimum. That said, Orkin and Terminex are available statewide in most locations to solve any roach problems you may be suffering from.
New Hampshire also has a specialized curriculum for healthcare providers called “Integrated Pest Management,” primarily focusing on young children’s daycares, schools, and other areas where pest control options can directly impact a child’s well-being. However, IPM can also be used in many other locations, including homes and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is New Hampshire’s Cockroach Season?
Summertime is New Hampshire’s cockroach season when temperatures peak. It provides the most comfortable experience for roaches to move and mate freely, granting them immense time to seek food and hydration.
What Eats Roaches in New Hampshire?
Birds, spiders, insects, and even other roaches eat roaches in New Hampshire throughout all times of the year. However, during the winter months, the effect of these predators is less beneficial as most animals and insects become more reclusive during these months.
Are There Any New Hampshire-Specific Regulations Or Guidelines For Cockroach Control Or Pesticide Use?
Yes, there are New Hampshire-specific regulations or guidelines for cockroach control or pesticide use. Regarding children, the “Integrated Pest Management Curriculum” is designed to keep children safe when dealing with pests in child-friendly areas and utilizing pesticides within safe perimeters of them. Another thing to be wary of would be that landlords are legally obligated to keep dwellings free of pests before permitting people to inhabit them.
