Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests. Unfortunately, cockroaches are hard to get rid of once they enter your home. Besides, these pests are everywhere and are a common nuisance in Ohio.
Ohio has a humid continental climate that allows its residents to enjoy all seasons; summers are hot and humid, while the winters are cool or cold.
Unfortunately, the hot and humid summer temperatures also provide an ideal condition for roaches to thrive, breed, and infest homes.
Since roaches are dangerous because they carry disease-causing bacteria and can trigger allergic reactions, it is vital to know how to identify them, why they are in your home, and how to control them.
This post will discuss the common types of cockroaches in Ohio, how to identify each, and how to prevent and eliminate a cockroach infestation.
Types of Cockroaches in Ohio
Cockroaches in Ohio are a widespread problem. This is because this state has almost everything roaches need to thrive, breed and infest.
While Ohio hosts at least 25 cockroach species, only five are a common nuisance that infests homes and businesses.
The five, which are the German cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, American cockroaches, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, and oriental roaches, have different habitats and preferences.
German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
The German cockroaches are one of the most common roaches in Ohio and measure half an inch with two dark stripes on the back of their head.
The German roaches might be small, but they are the most prolific breeders and the filthiest. These species can infest commercial kitchens, single-family homes, and multi-unit apartment buildings.
Read More: How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches Overnight
Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
The brown-banded cockroaches are small, measure half an inch, are tan to light brown, and have two dark stripes running across their backs.
This roach species can be found in homes, hotels, apartments, and office buildings. They feed on pet food, insects, and crumbs and jump when frightened.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Brown-Banded Cockroaches
American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
This is a common species in Ohio. American cockroaches are the biggest species in the area and can grow up to two inches in length.
In addition, this species is the fastest running and will scurry away as soon as the lights are turned on. They can be found in hotels and food preparation areas.
You can identify them with red-brown coloring and a yellow band on their head.
Read More: Eliminate The American Cockroach
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
The Oriental roaches are not very common in Ohio. They have a glossy reddish-brown to blackish-brown color.
The Oriental cockroaches are medium-sized and can grow up to an inch long. They can be found in dark, cool, and damp places and can withstand Ohio’s cold winters.
These roaches also have an offensive smell, so you can follow the smell to find their nest.
Read More: I Found an Oriental Cockroach In My House: How to Get Rid of Them
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica)
Also known as wood roaches, the Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are primarily outdoor species. They only invade homes accidentally through open windows and doors or are brought in with firewood.
They are pretty harmless but can damage wooden structures. You can identify these species by their dark brown bodies and light brown wings.
Additionally, the female roaches have shorter wings than the males, who have longer wings and are capable fliers.
Preventing Cockroaches in Ohio
The last thing you want in your home is a cockroach infestation. Therefore, the best way to prevent one in your home from one is by keeping it clean.
In addition, roaches can infest clean homes if they provide basic needs like water and moisture. So, to keep them at bay:
- Lower the humidity levels in your home by using a dehumidifier and ensuring damp basements are well-ventilated
- Cover bathroom drains when not used
- Fix any leaking pipes
- Seal any opening in electric boards and door gaps
- Cover windows with mesh to keep flying roaches away
- Limit food consumption to a single area
- Use natural roach repellents
- Limit food sources by covering trash bins sitting outside the house
- Keep dishes clean, sanitize food preparation areas, and clean food crumbs
- Don’t use too much light in your patio and yard
- Store food in airtight containers or the fridge
Getting Rid of Cockroaches in Ohio
In most cases, these five cockroach species that infest homes thrive in areas with poor hygiene. So while keeping your house clean will prevent an infestation, it won’t work if there is an infestation.
There are two ways you can eliminate roaches in your home. You can try natural remedies or conventional methods.
Natural Methods
Natural cockroach elimination methods are the best choice if you are looking for a method that is convenient, safe for pets and children, and won’t cause allergic reactions.
Some natural ways you can use to eliminate roaches include:
- Mixing baking soda and sugar and placing the mixture in areas with roach activity
- Using diatomaceous earth: it kills roaches by destroying their exoskeleton. So, place DE where you’ve seen roaches
- Mixing boric acid with flour and placing the mixture where there is high roach traffic. The flour will lure the roaches, and the acid will kill them.
Conventional Methods
- Use glue or other cockroach trap to locate problem areas
- Seal all entry points
- Set bait stations
- Use cockroach bombs
- Hire a pest control expert when all the above tips don’t work
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Be Worried If I Find a Cockroach?
Yes, you should be worried if you find a cockroach.
This is because seeing a single roach in your home usually means more of them are nearby. Remember that roaches are social insects and usually live in groups.
Therefore, a single roach sighting could mean you have more hidden roommates in your house. Look for signs of infestation like roach droppings, egg casings, and dead roaches.
What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home?
Food, water, warmth, and humidity attract cockroaches to your home. Naturally, they are attracted to anything that provides them with these necessities, for example, dirty dishes, excess moisture, pet food on the floor, garbage, and food crumbs.
What to Do If You See a Cockroach?
If you see a cockroach, don’t panic.
While you might be inclined to jump, scream and freak out, all these won’t help you. Instead, it will be best to stay calm.
Next, grab a flashlight and try locating the cockroach colony. You can find them congregating in your house’s dark and concealed corners, like under large appliances, inside cabinets, and under sinks.
After locating them, set up a bait station and call a professional pest control company instantly if the infestation is severe.
Is There a Cockroach Season in Ohio?
No, there is no cockroach season in Ohio. While most cockroach species are attracted to different environments, they are highly resilient and can adapt to any environment quickly.
Therefore, you can find them any time of the year, regardless of the season.
What Roaches Are Found in Neighboring States?
The roaches found in neighboring states include the German, American, brown-banded, Oriental, and Pennsylvania wood cockroaches. Luckily, the roaches found in Pennsylvania and Michigan cockroaches are the same as those that are common in Ohio.
