What This Blog Covers
- Differences between German and American cockroaches
- What roaches eat (both food and non-food items)
- How to protect your home from infestations
- Tips for Phoenix-area homeowners to prevent roaches year-round
Two Common Roaches in Phoenix Homes
German Cockroaches
- Size: About half an inch long
- Color: Light brown with two dark stripes on its back
- Favorite spots: Kitchens, bathrooms, under sinks, inside cabinets
American Cockroaches
- Size: Up to 2 inches long
- Color: Dark reddish-brown with a yellowish margin on the thorax
- Favorite spots: Garages, sheds, basements, storm drains, mulch, outside around houses
Telling Them Apart:
- German roaches are small, fast, and prefer kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with moisture present.
- American roaches are larger, quick-moving, and often hang out in mulch and other damp outdoor areas. They also move into garages and may wander inside.
What Do Roaches Eat?
Roaches are omnivores, which means they’ll eat almost anything organic. Their diet includes both food and non-food items.
Cockroaches’ Favorite Foods
- Sweets: soda spills, sugary crumbs
- Grease and Protein: Leftover cooking grease, fats, and meat scraps
- Starches: bread, cereals, pet food
Other Things Roaches Will Munch On
- Book bindings, cardboard boxes, paper towels, and other paper products
- Toothpaste
- Soap scum
- Wallpaper glue
- Trash, dead insects, and decaying plant matter
- Hair, skin flakes, fingernails
How Phoenix Homeowners Can Protect Their Home
Roaches are resilient scavengers, but there are practical steps you can take to make your home less inviting.
1. Keep Surfaces Spotless
- Wipe counters, tables, and floors after meals.
- Clean up grease, crumbs, and spills promptly.
- Wash dishes and wipe the sink daily.
2. Store Food Properly
- Use airtight containers for cereals, pet food, and pantry staples.
- Wipe down pantry shelves regularly.
3. Manage Trash Carefully
- Use bins with tight-fitting lids and empty them frequently.
- Line bins with sturdy bags and clean them to remove residue.
- Keep outdoor garbage bins sealed and away from the house.
4. Take Care of Pet Food
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Store unused pet food in sealed containers.
- Clean bowls after meals.
5. Declutter
- Cluttered spaces hide crumbs and food debris.
- Store your belongings in plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
- Clean cabinets, closets, and under furniture on a regular basis.
6. Clean Appliances
- Pull out stoves, refrigerators, and toasters to clean behind and underneath.
- Wipe the top and sides to remove crumbs and grease.
- Remove grease buildup and other remnants on grills, outdoor kitchen appliances, and surfaces.
7. Reduce Outdoor Attractants
- Clean up fallen fruit, leaves, or birdseed.
- Trim plants and reduce moisture around your yard.
- Seal entry points, such as gaps, cracks, and vents, to prevent roaches from entering your home.
When to Call Termio Pest Control
Even with a spotless kitchen and proper storage, roaches can still find their way in. Termio Pest Control helps homeowners in Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and throughout the Phoenix metro by providing professional solutions to eliminate German and American cockroaches, keeping them from returning.
Roaches aren’t just gross; they can carry bacteria, trigger allergies, and contaminate food. By understanding what they eat and taking preventive steps, you can protect your home and family.
Ready to get rid of roaches for good? Contact Termio Pest Control for expert home pest control services that effectively eliminate cockroaches and other household-infesting pests.
