The term “waterbug” is frequently used in reference to roaches but the question is …. which roach is the speaker referring to? The term has been used in reference to german roaches which are frequently found around the sink or dishwasher. The term has also been used in reference to American roaches which require a high level of moisture in their environment.
American, Oriental and Smoky Brown roaches nest outside because they require a higher moisture content in their environment than is typically found indoors. Unless there is a significant water leak inside, these roaches generally do not reproduce in a house and therefore won’t have large populations indoors.
German and Brown Banded roaches require the same environmental conditions we do. Yard sale “finds” or other “second hand” store purchases can frequently be the source of an infestation of German or Brown Banded roaches. Both of these roaches are nocturnal, which may enable an infestation to become severe before we know our purchases had hitch-hikers.
In an effort to reduce indoor sightings of American, Smoky Brown and Oriental roaches, minimize their access to moisture. Keeping vegetation trimmed back away from the house, reducing mulch levels to two inches or less, and watering the lawn only in the mornings are all beneficial steps in moisture reduction.
Carefully inspect any second hand goods before purchase to reduce your risk of a German Roach or Brown Banded Roach infestation. Materials such as paper bags, newspapers and cardboard boxes provide harborage opportunities for roaches, therefore dispose of these materials as quickly as possible to help prevent an infestation.
If you should be experiencing a problem with roaches, or any other pest, contact Mr. Bugg’s Pest Patrol today for an evaluation and solution.
