Where to find Cockroaches in multi-level buildings

Common domestic cockroaches tend to stratify themselves with a building: different species occupying different sites and even different levels. Why? Because each cockroach species has different temperature and moisture preferences. By occupying different sites, they don't have to compete with one another.

Top Floors: The brownbanded cockroach is found in drier areas on upper levels. It's more likely to be found away from kitchens and bathrooms, invading bedrooms, and livng rooms. It can be found behind objects on the walls, inside TV's and other appliances, and in furniture.

Main Floors: The German Cockroach lives on the main floor in warm, dry, protected areas but with direct access to food and water. Sometimes, the brownbanded cockroach can be found in the same sites. The brownbanded cockroach also likes warm, dry areas but has less need for water than the other roaches. The German cockroach is found above basement level and is most common in the kitchen or bathroom of residences, behind cabinets and appliances.

Ground Floors: The American cockroach lives in warm, dark, damp areas on ground floors. The American is found in boiler rooms, vending machine rooms, storage areas, garbage rooms, sewers and near steam pipes. It's also found in warm commercial establishments like bakeries, greenhouses, and restaurants. It's rarely found above the first floor of buildings and is uncommon in residences.

Crawlspaces/Basement level: The oriental cockraoch lives in cool, dark, damp, poorly ventilated areas.It's neighbor, the American cockroach, may visit occasionally. The oriental is found in cellars, crawlspaces, basements, garages, or near floor drains, water pipes, water meter vaults and sewers. In warm weather, it's often found outside around building foundations and enters through basement doors and other openings. It's rarely found above the basement level of a building. Of course, there are always exceptions to these multi-level roach rules. For instance, the German cockroach can ften be found anywhere in a building if conditions are right. But understanding that certain cockroachs are generally found only in certain parts of a building will go a long way to successful control.

(This article was adapted from the Techletter, a biweekly publication from Pinto & Associates, Mechanicsville, Md. Copied fom Pest Control Technical Magazine).