Cockroaches

What types of cockroaches are common in South Carolina?

Cockroaches are a very common pest throughout the United States, including in our area of South Carolina. In fact, there are many different species of cockroaches found living and invading properties throughout Lexington, Columbia, and the Midlands of South Carolina. Some helpful information about the most common cockroach species we deal with as well as some useful prevention tips and professional advice from us at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. on how to deal with these pests is listed below!

American Cockroach

american cockroach resting on the bark of a tree in columbia south carolina

American cockroaches are dark, reddish-brown in color and have a lighter color outlining their body. They are often identified by a yellowish figure-eight pattern found just behind their head. Both females and males are capable of flight and boastfully developed wings which are longer than their body. They are large in size. In fact, they are the largest species of house-invading cockroach found in the United States. Adults typically grow to between 1 ½ and 2 inches in length, but sometimes grow to more than 3 inches in length!

German Cockroach

german cockroach resting on white linen sheets

Adult German cockroaches are a small species of cockroach and grow to between ½ and 5/8th of an inch in length. They have a flat, oval-shaped body and are light brown or tan in color. They have two distinct, black stripes running horizontally down their head.
 
These cockroaches are winged, but are rarely seen flying. They do not fly well, but they are fast runners and can be quite difficult to catch. German Cockroaches eat a varied diet and basically feed on anything, including soap, glue, toothpaste, and any food found in the pantry or kitchen. They are the most common cockroaches found living inside homes and businesses. 

Oriental Cockroach

oriental cockroach resting on a basement floor

Adult Oriental cockroaches live in dark, damp, cool places. Because of these particular traits, these roaches are also often called "water bugs". They are shiny, black in color and their smooth bodies grow to about 1 inch in length. Oriental cockroaches are incapable of flight. They emit a distinct, musty, foul-smelling odor which alerts owners of their presence in a home or business.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

brown banded cockroach resting on a egg carton in a lexigton restaurant

Brown-banded cockroaches are named such because of the unique banding across their wings. Their bodies are light brown in color and may reach up to about ½ an inch in length. Females are shorter and wider than males. Males are strong flyers while females are incapable of flight.
 
Brown-banded cockroaches prefer to live in drier locations and in areas where temperatures stay over 80 degrees. They also like to live in higher areas of homes or buildings, such as in attics or in the tops of cabinets located in kitchens and bathrooms.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches can be dangerous if they infest your home or business. The shed skins and feces of cockroaches may trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people. Young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to these allergens.
 
Cockroaches may introduce and spread viruses, bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens that they picked up on their bodies while traveling through garbage piles, sewers, and drains throughout the homes they invade. These contaminants can cause health concerns like diarrhea, dysentery, and salmonella poisoning.

 Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are attracted to homes and businesses that offer easy access to food, water, and shelter sources. Areas that are often infested by cockroaches include kitchens and pantries, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. 
 
These pests enter your home through cracks in its foundation, openings around entry points, and spaces found around utility entrances or air conditioning units. Cockroaches may also enter homes and other buildings by being carried inside in bags, packages, and boxes.

 How do you prevent cockroaches?

Cockroaches are very common pests and are commonly found invading both homes and businesses. In addition to putting into place a residential pest control plan or a commercial pest control program to protect your property from cockroaches and other common pests, the following tips can help to prevent problems with cockroaches inside of your South Carolina home.

  • Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.

  • Caulk all gaps found around windows and doors, especially those leading into your basement.

  • Eliminate water sources like leaky pipes, faucets, and fixtures.

  • Reduce humidity levels using de-humidifiers and by ensuring that crawl spaces are properly ventilated.

  • Frequently remove trash from your home and store outside in containers with tight-fitting lids until trash pick-up day.

  • Regularly vacuum the floors of your home, and wipe up all crumbs and spills.

  • Inspect packages, used furniture, and appliances for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.

 How do you get rid of cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a difficult pest to control and eliminate. To solve a cockroach problem, you must get to the root of the infestation in order to discover where, how, and why they are entering your home or business.
 
DIY cockroach solutions that you may purchase from big box stores cannot provide a complete solution. To eradicate a cockroach infestation from your home and property, the best option is to contact a trusted pest control expert in South Carolina with experience in cockroach control. A professional can provide accurate identification and inspection services. Treatment solutions will get to the root of the cockroach infestation, completely eliminating them and preventing their return.
 
The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. offers highly-effective pest control services in Lexington, Columbia and throughout the Midlands of South Carolina. Our residential and commercial pest control plans work to solve problems you may be experiencing with cockroaches and other common house-invading pests. To learn more about our cockroach control services or to get started today, call now to schedule an appointment. We're here to help you with all your pest control needs!

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