Roaches embody germs and dirt and know how to exploit the opportunities homeowners have unwittingly given them. They have developed life histories and forms of adaptive behavior that make them hard for people to control – before reliable pest control services existed. Our aversion to roaches goes very far back in time. The New Yorker writes that the ancient Egyptians prayed to their gods to banish cockroaches. Ancient Romans wrote about their “disgusting” nature.

Maybe they were always adaptive? They can live without their heads for a full week and don’t need their heads or mouths to breathe because they have an open circulatory system, taking air in through little holes all over their bodies. Roaches can, however, die of thirst, so to help regulate water loss, they hold their breath often. In fact, they can do so for up to an hour and can survive underwater for 30 minutes.

According to the World Health Organization, there are over 3,500 identified species of roaches. Commonly found in West Virginia are:

• American Roaches are brown to reddish and about 35–40mm long. Oh, and they fly. 
• Then there is the Dark Wood Cockroach. This pest is attracted to light and often makes its home in woodpiles. Their coloring can be brown, black, orange, and a deep red. This species has also earned the nickname of the Sexy Legs Cockroach.
• Moist, warm, and dark areas are home to the Oriental or Blatta Orientalis. It is black and just over 20 mm long.
• The Brown-Banded, Supella Longipalpa, is found all over the world. It has brown and yellow bands and is 10–14mm long. 
• The last is the most common species, the German Roach or Blattella Germanica. It is among the smallest domestic pests, light yellowish-brown in color and about 10–15mm long.

German, American, and Brown-Banded Cockroaches carry at least 40 fungi species, and this type of fungi contamination can cause dire outcomes in immune-compromised individuals. Even with a stable immune system, you should be wary of these dangerous pathogens. According to the WHO, they are also carriers of leprosy, cholera and typhoid fever, and can cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis.

These pests are a marvel of evolution and have developed immunities to many store-bought products. Black Knight Pest Services offers different services based on your company or household’s needs. Depending on the scope of the problem, these range from one-time to quarterly interventions. It’s best to have a pest control service visit your premises multiple times to banish the roaches for good.

Black Knight Pest Services also customizes treatments. You don’t need to live in fear of this common household pest – we have many different methods and treatments to help solve your specific problem. Our technicians are licensed by the state of West Virginia and insured. As required by the state, they stay current on the latest products and treatment methods to keep their licenses. We are the top-rated pest control service in Martinsburg and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today for a free estimate.