A Guide to Sewer Roaches in Arizona: Identifying and Getting Rid of Them

Are you tired of unwelcome guests scuttling around your Arizona home or business? Among the plethora of roach varieties and look-alike bugs in the Grand Canyon State, sewer roaches in Arizona are particularly notorious. In this post, we’ll shine a light on these pesky critters, guiding you through recognizing them, understanding their habits, and, most importantly, keeping them at bay. If you need roach control in the Phoenix area, we can help you. We have offices in Gilbert and Phoenix while also serving the entire area including Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe. 

What are Sewer Roaches? 

The name ‘sewer roach’ is one colloquial name for the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). These roaches are well known for their preference of damp, dark environments, making sewers and drainage systems ideal habitats. They are one of the largest species of cockroaches found in homes, with adults typically growing well over an inch in length. 

Despite their name, sewer roaches are not confined to sewers. They can be found in various environments, including residential and commercial buildings. They are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a wide range of organic matter, which contributes to their adaptability and survival in diverse settings. 

When roaches show up, it’s easy for folks to think it’s all about cleanliness. While keeping things tidy can help, it’s not always the root of the problem. Being attracted to moisture or seeking shelter, sometimes roaches find their way into buildings regardless of cleanliness. So, while cleanliness is important, it’s not the whole story when it comes to dealing with these pesky invaders. 

How to Identify Sewer Roaches 

Here are some key characteristics that help in identifying sewer roaches from other similar pests: 

• Size: Sewer roaches are the largest cockroaches found in homes, with adults typically measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in length. 
• Color: They have a reddish-brown or mahogany color, which can help distinguish them from other cockroach species. 
• Wings: Both male and female sewer roaches have wings that extend beyond their bodies and can fly for short distances.
• Speed: These roaches are known for their speed and agility, often scurrying away quickly when disturbed. 
• Head Markings: One of the most distinctive features of sewer roaches is the yellowish figure-eight pattern on the pronotum behind their head.
• Habitat: While they are called “sewer” roaches, they can be found in various environments, including basements, crawl spaces, and near sources of water and food. 

How to Identify Turkistan Roaches 

Sometimes, people get mixed up between sewer roaches and Turkestan cockroaches. It’s understandable, as they both can be found in similar environments and have some overlapping features. However, knowing the differences can help you tell them apart and tackle any pest problems more effectively. 

• Size: Adult Turkistan roaches typically measure between 1/2 inch to 1.25 inches in length. 
• Color: The females are dark brown to black with cream-colored markings along the edges of their “shoulders”. Males are lighter in color, with a reddish-brown or yellowish-tan hue and more defined cream-colored markings. 
• Wings: Male Turkestan roaches have long wings that extend beyond their abdomen, while females have only very short wing buds.
• Body Shape: Females have a broader and more rounded abdomen compared to males, which have a more slender and elongated shape. 
• Habitat: These roaches are often found outdoors in warm climates, near sources of moisture and organic matter. They can be found under debris, in landscaping areas, and around buildings. 
• Behavior: Turkistan roaches are nocturnal and are more likely to be seen at night. The males are strong fliers while the females lack wings so can’t fly at all. 

Are Sewer Roaches Dangerous?

Sewer roaches aren’t inherently dangerous in the sense that they don’t bite or sting humans. However, they can pose several health risks and create unsanitary conditions in the environments they infest. One of the primary concerns with sewer roaches is their potential to spread disease. They’re known to crawl through sewage and other contaminated areas, picking up bacteria and pathogens on their bodies and legs. When they enter homes or businesses, they can contaminate food, cooking surfaces, and utensils, potentially leading to food poisoning or the spread of disease-causing organisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, and parasitic infections. In addition to disease transmission, sewer roaches can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in some individuals. Their shed skin and feces contain allergens that can become airborne and exacerbate respiratory conditions, particularly in sensitive individuals or those with preexisting respiratory issues. 

How to Get Rid of Sewer Roaches 

Here are some steps you can take to eliminate sewer roaches from your home or business: 

1. Sanitation: Keep your environment clean and free of food debris. Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills and crumbs promptly, and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Regularly take out the trash and keep garbage bins tightly sealed. 
2. Eliminate Moisture: Fix any leaks and eliminate standing water in and around your property. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces to reduce humidity levels. Don’t let seldom-used drains go dry. Routinely run water down these sinks and flush toilets so that drain traps remain full of water to help block sewer roach entry. In Arizona, sewer roaches typically die from dehydration inside a home unless they can find a water source.
3. Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations to prevent roaches from entering. Install weather stripping around doors and windows and repair any torn screens. 
4. Bait Stations and Traps: Use bait stations and sticky traps to reduce the roach population. Place them in areas where roaches are commonly seen, such as under sinks, behind appliances, and in corners. 
5. Insecticidal Dusts: Apply insecticidal dusts like boric acid or diatomaceous earth in areas where roaches are likely to hide or travel. These dusts can be effective in controlling roaches over time.
6. Insecticide Sprays: Use residual insecticide sprays in cracks, crevices, and other hiding places. Be sure to follow the product instructions and take necessary precautions to avoid exposure to pets and humans. 
7. Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe or persistent, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional pest control service. They can provide a comprehensive treatment plan and use specialized products to effectively eliminate roaches. 

Consistency is key when it comes to getting rid of sewer roaches. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to prevent re-infestation and keep these pests at bay. 

How to Prevent Sewer Roaches 

Preventing sewer roaches often involves the same steps you’d take to get rid of them. Keeping your home clean and dry is a great start. Regularly wiping down surfaces, fixing leaks, and sealing up any cracks can make your space less inviting to these pests. By staying proactive with these simple habits, you can keep sewer roaches from making themselves at home in your space. 

Sewer Roaches in Arizona Conclusion 

Getting to know the difference between sewer roaches and Turkistan roaches can be a game changer when it comes to keeping them in check. Each type has its own quirks and habits, so knowing what you’re up against helps a lot. If you’re in Arizona, chances are you’ll run into some kind of pest problem sooner or later. But don’t sweat it – we’ve got your back at Blue Sky Pest Control. Whether you’re dealing with sewer roaches or any other unwelcome critters, our seasoned team is here to sort it out for you.

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