What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are hardy pests that can adapt to almost any environment. These invasive and dangerous creatures are found living worldwide. Cockroaches, if not prevented against, have the potential to become a problem in any Raleigh home or business. Cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies, and six legs that are covered in spines. Their long antennae are usually the same length or longer than their bodies.
The common species of cockroaches found in North Carolina are the German, American, Oriental, and Pennsylvania wood cockroach.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches have two black stripes running horizontally down behind their heads. Their bodies are light brown to tan in color. They are capable of flying, but rarely do. German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species found living throughout the world.
American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are the largest house-invading cockroach living in the United States. Their bodies are reddish-brown in color. They have a distinct yellowish figure-eight pattern located behind their heads. American cockroaches are strong fliers.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are large, and they are reddish-brown to shiny-black in color. They are often called “water bugs” because they prefer to live outdoors in areas of high humidity. This species of cockroach is not capable of flight.
Wood Cockroaches
Pennsylvania wood cockroaches grow to between ¾ and 1 inch in length. They have dark brown bodies and tan wings. The male wood roach wings are longer than their bodies, while the female roach wings are small and they are not capable of flight.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches are dangerous. They contaminate food sources, food prep areas, dinnerware, utensils, and other surfaces of homes with the bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites carried on their bodies. Dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli can all be spread by cockroaches. Cockroach feces, saliva, and shed skins can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children or people with weakened immune systems.
Why Do I Have A Cockroach Problem?
Cockroaches are, unfortunately, pests that can find their way into any home. More often than not, cockroaches find their way into homes and other structures while foraging for food. Some are attracted to light and are drawn to a home by its outdoor lighting. Cockroaches get inside through cracks and crevices in a home's foundation, gaps in siding, spaces around windows and doors, and through vents, ducts, or drains. Cockroaches can also be accidentally introduced into homes on used furniture, appliances, cardboard boxes, deliveries, and potted plants.
Recommended Reading: Cockroach Crisis: 10 Disturbing Signs of a Roach Infestation in Your Home
Where Will I Find Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are hardy pests that can be found living in a variety of both indoor and outdoor locations, depending on their exact species.
- German Cockroaches like to live indoors, and are particularly problematic in homes and businesses. German cockroaches nest in warm, humid, dark, secluded places including behind appliances or underneath cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms, in laundry rooms, and in pantry areas.
- American Cockroaches prefer to live outside on trees, in garden areas, underneath mulch, and in sewers and drains. They nest in humid rooms including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Oriental Cockroaches prefer living and nesting in moist, dark environments and are commonly found living in sewers, drains, floor drains, and damp basements.
Wood roaches are usually found living outside underneath roof shingles, in decaying fallen trees, or in wood piles. They aren’t as invasive as other species, but will take up residence inside dark, damp areas found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
How Do I Get Rid Of Cockroaches?
To eliminate dangerous cockroaches, partner with an experienced pest control professional. At Pest & Termite Consultants, we offer the modern services needed to solve your property’s cockroach problem. Our qualified professionals provide accurate identification, cost estimates, and perform effective cockroach treatments. To learn more about our cockroach control services and how they can protect your Raleigh-area home from these invasive pests, reach out to us!
How Can I Prevent Cockroaches In The Future?
To discourage cockroaches from choosing your home to live in, we suggest doing the following:
- Remove water sources.
- Seal openings in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
- Repair holes in door and window screens.
- Place weather stripping around all windows and doors.
- Place garden areas, wood piles, and compost piles a distance away from the exterior of your home.
- Inspect packages, boxes, firewood, and used appliances for cockroaches before bringing them inside.
- Replace white light bulbs in your outdoor lighting fixtures with yellow lights, as they are less attractive to insects.
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