Cockroaches

 The American cockroach, also known as the waterbug, is the largest species of common cockroach living in Tennessee. They are generally an outdoor species, living in wood piles, decaying trees, palm trees and in sewer systems. 

Size:  ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches in length  

Color:  They are reddish-brown or mahogany in color. 

Characteristics: 

 Females may lay anywhere from 15 to 90 egg cases in a lifetime  Flight Capability: Unlike some other cockroach species, American cockroaches are strong fliers and can cover significant distances, especially when searching for food or mates.   These roaches are often found outdoors in warm and moist environments, such as mulch beds, leaf litter, sewers, and tree hollows. However, they can also infest indoor areas.   American cockroaches are scavengers and can feed on a wide range of materials, including decaying organic matter, food scraps, and even book bindings and clothing.

Habitat and Behavior:   American cockroaches are often found damp, dank areas--basements, near water pipes, boiler rooms, etc. One may also find them inhabiting landscaping around a residence. Although they primarily stay outdoors, they may invade a home if the climate changes or food runs low. Inside homes, they may be found lurking in food preparation areas. Unlike some other species, the American cockroach is capable of flight. In addition, whereas other roaches tend to hide in nooks and crannies, American cockroaches tend to congregate out in the open. 

 Controlling American cockroach infestations may require a combination of measures, including improving sanitation, sealing entry points, using cockroach baits, and applying insecticides as needed. Since they can fly, it's essential to take comprehensive steps to address the infestation and prevent reinfestation. Professional pest control services may be necessary in severe cases. 

 The brown-banded cockroach is commonly found in the northeastern, southern, and mid west regions of the United States. They can often be found in homes and apartments, but are less common in restaurants. You may need a cockroach extermination service to drive the brown-banded cockroach out of your home. They tend not to be found in the daytime since they avoid light. The brown-banded cockroach eats a wide variety of items, almost anything organic, including decaying matter. 

Size:  ranging from 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length 

Color:  Males are brown and females are brown-black; both sexes have a light-colored band running across their wings. 

Characteristics:  Females carry an egg capsule, holding up to 18 eggs, for 2-3 days and then deposit the capsule under a protective surface near food. Eggs can hatch anywhere from 30-100 days after being laid. Nymphs take anywhere from 3 to 9 months to develop into adults. The typical lifespan of a brown-banded cockroach is approximately 1 year.  

Habitat and Behavior:   Brown-banded roaches are omnivorous scavengers and will eat anything from plant to animal material. They are largely nocturnal and prefer warm, dry locations as opposed to moist habitats. Brown-banded roaches in Mt Juliet, often are found lurking around furniture, in cabinets or in closets. In fact, furnishings are a favorite place for females to deposit egg capsules.