Louisiana is home to many cockroach pest species, nearly all of which were introduced into the state from other countries. The most common cockroach pest species that can be found in Louisiana include German, American, Brown-banded, smokybrown, Asian, Surinam and Oriental cockroaches. The state is also home to recently introduced species, including Cuban, large brown, Australian and Florida woods cockroaches. The Pennsylvania woods cockroach has been found in Louisiana numerous times, but they are not as common as the above named species. The state is also home to several rural cockroach species that can become problematic in country homes on rare occasions.

Cockroaches are considered by some experts to be the most commonly reviled and problematic indoor insect pests, as roaches spread numerous disease-causing microorganisms on human food sources and indoor surfaces. Roaches also play a significant role in the development of allergic conditions, and they can exacerbate existing allergy symptoms, especially asthma. Unfortunately, cockroaches are also one of the most difficult types of insect pests control, and control methods differ tremendously depending on the species.

American cockroaches are said to be the largest roach pests in the US, as both males and females of this species grow to be around 2 inches in length. These roaches congregate in sewers, and they tend to infest the ground and below-ground levels of homes and buildings, particularly damp and musty basements. Pest control professionals usually resort to gel or granular baits to eliminate American cockroach infestations, but unfortunately, fully grown adult cockroaches cannot always fit into bait station entrances due to their large body size.

Unlike American and Oriential roaches, smokybrown cockroaches are rarely found in sewers, and their need for high-humidity conditions limits their habitat to the southern states. Despite their need for humidity, these roaches can be found anywhere in a house, including basements, crawlspaces and even attics. Smokybrown cockroaches are also large-bodied at around an inch and a half in length, and they are usually controlled with gel or granular baits.

German cockroaches are the most common cockroach pests, and just like the brown-banded species, German roaches dwell primarily indoors. Eliminating German cockroach pests from infested homes is difficult and requires a combination of methods. For example, sticky traps must be strategically placed around a home so that pest control professionals can determine the location of their harborages. These insect pests are only attracted to pheromone-based sticky traps, and many bait stations must be strategically placed throughout a household in order to successfully eliminate infestations. Professionals also spray minimal amounts of insecticide into small cracks and crevices where the roaches are known to hide.

Have you ever attempted to eliminate a cockroach infestation on your own and without professional assistance?