Cockroach Identification & Prevention

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a type of insect with a wide distribution across the United States. Cockroaches have been around forever and have come to rely on us for some of their food and shelter. Cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs covered in spines and two long antennae; some species may have wings.

Listed below are the most common species of cockroaches living in North Carolina and South Carolina:

American cockroach
They are the largest property-invading cockroaches in the United States. They prefer to live outside but regularly move indoors while foraging for food.

Brown-banded cockroach
Unlike most cockroaches with high moisture needs, these cockroaches prefer to live in warm, dry locations.

Brown-hooded cockroach
These cockroaches are also called wood roaches. They prefer to live outside in wooded areas.

German cockroach
These small, fast-moving cockroaches scatter when exposed to light or disturbed. They prefer to live indoors and are significant pests in homes and restaurants.

Oriental cockroach
These cockroaches are often referred to as waterbugs because they prefer to live in and around moist locations. These shiny, black cockroaches often live in sewers and drains.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Yes, cockroaches are dangerous pests. They carry disease-causing pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and parasites on their bodies and legs that make people sick. Their excrement and shed skins trigger allergies and asthma attacks in young children and others. In conjunction with the health risks cockroaches impose, they also damage personal property. Cockroaches are scavengers and feed on a variety of food and non-food items. Additionally, they stain things with their excrement and chew through personal items like clothing, upholstered furniture, and paper items.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are prolific breeders and live together in large groups. Just a couple of cockroaches hitchhiking their way into your home or finding their way inside while foraging for food can lead to a large-scale infestation. Cockroaches hitchhike into homes inside boxes, grocery bags, used appliances, or furniture. Common entry points for foraging cockroaches include drains, vents, spaces around windows and doors, and cracks in the foundation and exterior walls. 

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches' outdoor nesting locations include mulch, behind tree bark, in woodpiles, around garbage cans, compost bins, and in sewers and drains. Brown-hooded cockroaches are most likely to be living in wooded areas, nesting and feeding on decaying logs. Inside structures, cockroaches prefer damp, dark areas near food sources like kitchens, bathrooms, crawlspaces, and basements. Brown-banded cockroaches are the exception; they prefer warm, dry locations and gravitate to the upper cabinets in a kitchen. There are signs of cockroaches you can look for in your Charlotte home to know if you are dealing with them.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

If you are looking for pest control in the Charlotte area, turn to the local and experienced pest professionals at Aruza Pest Control. We offer home and business owners the benefits of comprehensive pest control, superior customer service, and the peace of mind that comes with our guaranteed services. Our eco-friendly solutions solve current pest problems and keep them from returning. For home and business owners who want to protect their property from cockroaches, contact Aruza Pest Control today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent cockroaches on your property:

• Before bringing them into your home, inspect packages, boxes, firewood, or potted plants for cockroaches.

• Store any leftover food, including pet food, in airtight containers or the refrigerator.

• Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have locking lids.

• Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

• Wash dishes and remove trash daily. 

• Place mesh covers over vents and drains.

• Place weatherstripping around all windows and doors.

• Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.

• Fix leaky pipes and fixtures, and use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home.

• Replace white outdoor lightbulbs with yellow or LED lights, which are less attractive to cockroaches and other insects.