When is a roach not an infestation threat? When it’s a wood cockroach! These hardy insects, native to North America, can certainly become a nuisance, but are not equipped to take up long term residence inside your home or business.
Wood roaches prefer outdoor environments, nesting and feeding where organic material such as leaves and decaying timber abound. They simply aren’t able to exist for a long time in structures where their native foods and conditions don’t exist.
What’s more, unlike harmful German, American, and Oriental roaches, they are attracted to light. Most roach species are nocturnal and will scatter when a light is turned on inside a darkened room. Wood roaches don’t. They simply stand their ground, unafraid to be seen.
Other distinguishing features include their size and coloration. Male wood roaches are typically large…ranging from 7/8 to 1 1/4 inches in size. Females are much smaller, from 1/2 to 3/4 inches in size. Both sexes are dark brown with a distinctive pale cream-colored stripe that runs along the edge of their wings and prothorax. According to a report by Michigan State University, although males and females are both equipped with wings, only males are known to fly.
Males of the species are often attracted to lights at night and may accidentally enter homes through open doors, windows, or gaps when people or pets travel in and out. Males are especially troublesome during mating season (typically May and June) when they travel in large groups. Chances of them entering at a well-lighted door opening increase significantly during this period.
Although accidental entry usually explains why a wood roach has gotten indoors, sudden weather changes can encourage them to seek shelter.
Are Wood Roaches Dangerous?
In contrast to other roach species, wood roaches are not particularly dangerous. They are not known to carry dangerous diseases, rarely reproduce indoors, and do not establish infestations in homes. Because they thrive on decaying organic matter, they’ll actually starve to death if trapped inside for an extended period.
That said, a few people have inadvertently ingested a wood roach (yuk!) and some have experienced allergic reactions, itchy eyes, sore throats, or asthma flare-ups. You should definitely take action to remove roaches that come inside your place and work proactively to keep them outdoors.
How to Prevent Wood Roaches
Structures located near forests, greenbelts, parks are more likely to see wood roach activity. That’s also true for properties featuring heavy landscaping. It pays to take preventative action if this describes your setting.
The best way to manage these insects is to reduce conditions that attract them and block access to your home.
Reduce Moisture –
– Repair leaky faucets and pipes
– Improve drainage around the foundation
– Avoid overwatering landscaping
Eliminate Outdoor Harborage –
– Move firewood away from houses and businesses
– Remove piles of leaves and debris
– Apply only thin layers of mulch
– Trim vegetation away from exterior walls
Seal Entry Points –
– Install door sweeps
– Repair damaged screens
– Seal cracks around windows, doors, and utility access
Adjust Outdoor Lighting –
Switch to yellow “bug lights” or reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting to minimize attraction.
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
You shouldn’t be alarmed if an occasional wood roach comes inside. This is not usually a reason to worry. However, repeated sightings might indicate presence of a large outdoor population or reveal that hidden entry points need to be closed.
A professional pest inspection can identify problem areas. We can identify the species, locate contributing factors, and create a customized treatment plan to protect your home year-round.
Contact KC Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and learn more about effective roach control solutions, or to discuss your other pest control needs.
