Cockroaches are definitely one pest you do not want hanging around in or around your home. With the insight from Scott’s Turf and Pest Services, a top-rated pest control company in Hillsborough, NC, we will look into the different types of cockroaches you may find around your home, and how to eliminate them from your house.
What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are small brown-winged insects that can be found all over the world. Cockroaches can reach up to 50mm in length and have large wings, with the capability to produce hundreds of eggs in a lifetime.
What Types Of Cockroaches Are In NC?
Cockroaches have existed for millions of years, and there are thousands of species throughout the world today. Some of the more common species in North Carolina include German cockroaches, American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches.
German Cockroach
- German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are one the most common species.
- They measure 13 to 16 mm long and are pale brown in color, with two dark-brown stripes behind the head.
- These insects typically live up to 12 months and produce more eggs than other species.
American Cockroach
- American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest cockroaches commonly found in homes. Adults can grow up to 53 mm in length.
- American cockroaches are reddish-brown to brown in color, with light yellow bands around the shield behind the head.
- Both males and females of this species have wings and are capable of flying short distances.
- American cockroaches can live up to two years and are commonly found in households where food is stored.
Brown-banded Cockroach
- Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) grow up to 13 mm.
- Females have reddish-brown to dark-brown wings. The wings of male brown-banded cockroaches are dark brown toward the base and lighten as the wings extend to the tip.
- Only males are capable of flight.
- Both males and females have two light yellow bands across their bodies.
- This species jumps when disturbed.
- They live an average of three to 11 months.
Oriental Cockroach
- Oriental Cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) have glossy, dark-brown or black bodies.
- Females can grow up to 32 mm in length, while males typically measure less than 25 mm long.
- Their life span is up to six months.
- Oriental cockroaches feed primarily on decaying organic matter.
How Do I Prevent Cockroaches?
- Seal Entry Points: Cockroaches will jump at the chance to get in your home. Their large wings make flying through a window or door easy. To keep the pests out, keep all entryways close. Be sure that your windows and doors fit tightly in frames. If you enjoy having the windows open, make sure they have a screen to keep these pests out.
- Get Rid of Potential Habitats: Cockroaches are not naturally indoor pests, but they will try to get in when seeking warmth. Outdoors, they will typically live in moist, dark places, including tall grasses, foliage, and piles of debris. You can decrease the chances of them entering your home by keeping any of these habitats at least 10 feet away from your house.
- Clean Food Debris in Your House: A dirty or wet kitchen is a magnet for these bugs, they will always seek moisture and food. Since the pests are nocturnal, you might not even know you have an invasion until you walk into the kitchen at night for a glass of water only to hear that crunch under your foot. To prevent this unwanted scenario, keep food areas clean and dry. Seal perishables in containers and remove any wet cleaning materials immediately after using them. Roaches are not picky scavengers. Exposed dog food and water bowls, and standing plant water increase this infestation risk as well.
Have A Roach Problem?
Has your home been invaded by roaches? At Scott's Turf and Pest Services, our technicians are trained in the most effective cockroach control and removal methods to help. you regain control of your home.