Cockroaches are troublesome pests because they carry disease pathogens such as Salmonella, hepatitis B, and Streptococcus. These disease-carrying pests are also known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Although there are more than 4,000 different species of cockroaches, only a small handful of species that enter structures are prevalent in Upstate New York. Cockroaches are oval shaped with a flattened body. They have long antennae as well as front wings.