Cockroaches -- Good or Bad, They're All Ugly

There are "good" cockroaches.  Many common insects have a purpose.  Some insects reduce other nuisance insect populations (ie spiders catching flying insects), and some insects help to aerate and compose soil-- and some of those are roaches.  In Riverside county, we commonly have outdoor dwelling "beneficial" roaches.  The most common, in my experience, are the Turkestan Cockroach and the Oriental Cockroach.  Both of these roaches live primarily outdoors, but sometimes find their way inside, which often triggers a quick call to The Pest Man.  

There are also several types of Roaches that are much more invasive and can create health concerns.  The most common types that live in kitchens, bathrooms, or cluttered areas in the house are the German Cockroach, Brown Banded Cockroach and American Cockroach.  These indoor dwelling pests have been well documented to pose health risks by contaminating food, cupboards, and countertops.  If left unchecked, these types of roaches can quickly infest kitchens, creating unsanitary conditions.  Although these indoor type of roaches require more intensive work to be controlled, The Pest Man has had great success in eradicating them.  

Identifying which type of Cockroach is the first job for the Pest Professional.  While the goal is to get rid of every kind, each species of roach requires different strategies to solve the issue.  The indoor type of roaches always require follow ups, growth regulating additives, and baits.  The outdoor type, while easier to kill, require more attention to cracks and crevices in the garage and patio areas.  The Pest Man is always ready to help identify and exterminate every type of roach, and calling to ask questions is always a helpful first step.

For more in depth info on types of cockroaches in California, this is a great article on the types, habits, and solutions for each kind.