Cockroaches

Which Cockroaches Are Found In Charlotte?

Around the world, researchers have identified thousands of cockroach species. In total, there are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches. Nevertheless, only 30 of those species have been known to invade residential dwellings. Roughly five of those species have become frequently pests in North Carolina and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to remedy this problem until you’ve found out which species you’ve identified. There are numerous species in our area. All of them are different based on their appearances and behaviors.

Once you’ve identified the species, you’ll have a better chance of dealing with the problem. Our Charlotte pest control experts understand cockroaches better than anyone else. We can help you find out which species you’re dealing with and how to get rid of them. When you’re ready to begin, contact us. Below, you’ll find out more about the common species of cockroaches in our area.

Common Species Impacting Charlotte

It is vital to figure out which species you’re dealing with. Although there are many more, the most common are the American cockroach and the German cockroach. They’ll be explored in greater depth below.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are one of the most common species in our area. These cockroaches often grow over half an inch with some reaching 5/8ths of an inch. They have a unique appearance because they have racing stripes on the back of their heads. These racing stripes are dark and easy to spot. Unfortunately, German cockroaches and other cockroaches are prolific breeders. Females commonly produce 40 eggs at once. They can create 5 capsules during their life.

Once they’ve invaded your home, German cockroaches will be found under hot appliances. They have wings but do not fly.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are massive when compared to other cockroach species. In general, these cockroaches reach over two inches in length. At the minimum, adults will reach 1 3/8 inches. They’re reddish-brown and have a dark spot on the back of their heads. The species is unique because it is the largest cockroach that can fly. These cockroaches live for many, many years. It takes them a couple of years to mature and they can live a bit longer after that. They won’t infest a structure overnight. These cockroaches usually stay out of dwellings and infest steam tunnels and sewer systems.

If you’ve found American cockroaches on your property, you need to begin searching for a broken sewer pipe. There is a risk that one of your plumbing traps has dried. You will need to fix the underlying problem before you can deal with the problem and remove the cockroaches from your property.

The aforementioned species are the most common, but you’ll encounter others. You’re also going to run into Mediterranean Spotted Cockroaches, Brown-Banded Cockroaches, Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches, and Oriental Cockroaches. Below, you’ll find out more about the other cockroach species you’ll encounter in Charlotte.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

Since Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are primarily found in the Eastern United States, you’re going to encounter them in Charlotte. Although they belong to the same species, female and male Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are remarkably different. Females grow up to three-quarters of an inch while males reach an inch. These cockroaches are rarely pests but they can enter residential dwellings from time to time. Another thing to note is that they will not reproduce inside.

Nevertheless, they gather in large numbers in certain places. For instance, they tend to approach properties that have blocked gutters and woodpiles outside. Again, you’ll have to address the problem to ensure that these cockroaches do not return.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches are smaller than most other cockroaches in Charlotte since they only reach a third of an inch. They have dark speckles but their bodies are light tan. Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches are native to Europe. However, they’ve been in the United States for many years. They arrive in the mid-1900s and they’ve been spreading across the country rapidly since then. In some areas, they are commonly found in foliage.

Still, you don’t have to worry about these cockroaches invading and reproducing in your home. They will enter dwellings from time to time though. Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches can fly. Since they’re attracted to lights, they may fly into your home while approaching lights outside.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are an inch and a quarter at the maximum. They’re either black or dark brown and females do not develop wings. Male oriental cockroaches develop wings that cover most of their bodies. Oriental cockroaches are similar to American cockroaches in terms of behavior. As you’ll find, both of these cockroaches like infesting sewer systems and old structures. The primary difference is that oriental cockroaches can handle the cold weather much better.

Therefore, they may stay outside and live around your trashcans. They often feed on feces, garbage, and decaying materials.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

These cockroaches grow up to an inch and a half in length. They have a deep shiny hue that is reddish-brown. Smokeybrown Cockroaches tend to stick to the southern portion of the United States so they’re often found in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They usually do not travel too far north. However, they sometimes travel north by hiding in shipping packages. They’re different than similar cockroaches for one reason or another. For instance, adult Smokeybrown cockroaches have full wings so this makes them different than oriental cockroaches. Furthermore, they’re one color so they’re different than American cockroaches.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are three-quarters of an inch and they have a dark plate on their heads. These roaches prefer staying in warm locations. They try to avoid cold areas so they don’t travel north often. If they are found north, they’re going to be discovered in greenhouses and similar buildings. These cockroaches are unique because there are no male members. All of these cockroaches are female. The female cockroaches hold eggs and give live births. Surinam cockroaches usually invade buildings that have many potted plants. They can be found in your atrium or greenhouse.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are half an inch at the maximum. They are similar to German cockroaches since they’re tan or light brown. However, they do not have racing stripes on their heads. Instead, they have a solid dark band. One thing to know about brown-banded cockroaches is that they’re not common. They may infest buildings from time to time, but they’re rare in our area.

Why Cockroaches Are In Your Home

Are you curious as to why cockroaches have invaded your home? Unfortunately, there is no precise answer. In some cases, cockroaches are going to invade your property and home because you didn’t clean your home well enough. These pests are entering your home so they can find food. In other cases, they’re searching for busted sewer pipes. You have to identify the species so you can find out why they’re on your property. If you’re having difficulty achieving this goal, contact us. Our technicians can quickly identify the cockroach species in your home so they can be taken care of faster.

Cockroaches are attracted to dirty homes, but they also like woodpiles, sewer pipes, and more. Therefore, it may not have anything to do with your housekeeping behaviors.

Primary Health Hazards

How dangerous are cockroaches? Should you fear for your health when dealing with a cockroach infestation? On one hand, cockroaches aren’t physically dangerous. They’re not going to bite you or your loved ones. On the other hand, they’re very dangerous. The problem with cockroaches is that they’re going to transport and transfer serious illnesses. These pests tend to crawl through urine, feces, and trash. Then, they’re going to crawl through your food. As a result, there is a good chance that you’re going to eat the food they’ve contaminated. As the infestation grows in size, the risks are going to be significantly higher. Once you’ve found out that you have cockroaches, it is pertinent to find a way to eliminate them.

Cockroaches need to be removed from residential dwellings promptly. Otherwise, the infestation is going to worsen and the health risks will climb higher.

Eliminating Cockroach Infestations

Deal with a cockroach infestation quickly. Otherwise, the problem is going to worsen. If you don’t deal with the issue, the cockroaches may run you out of your home. Remember that there are numerous cockroach species and all of them are different. You need to identify and study the cockroach species. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a better idea of how to deal with the infestation. Although you may be tempted to experiment with do-it-yourself methods, we cannot recommend taking this path. The problem is that these techniques aren’t always reliable. They can help, but they might not eliminate all of the cockroaches in your home. Plus, some of these products will expose you to dangerous chemicals.

We suggest working with a qualified exterminator. We’re here to help so you should pick up the phone and call us. Do-it-yourself techniques may help, but they likely won’t fix the problem. Therefore, it is best to hire a professional exterminator. If you are going to use DIY methods, it is pertinent to do so cautiously. You’ll want to follow the directions carefully to avoid potential health hazards.

When Can You Get Started?

Don’t hesitate to contact our office as soon as possible. We’ll get back to you within 48 hours. When you call us quicker, we can get rid of the cockroaches sooner. Don’t delay because the problem is only going to worsen in the days and weeks to come.

Safe Cockroach Treatments

Our technicians are eager to eliminate the pests for you. During the treatment process, our experts are going to work diligently to protect you every step of the way. We aim to use non-toxic products to eliminate the pests, but we may have to use conventional products and pesticides. Although this might concern you, it shouldn’t. Our technicians know how to use these products safely. Plus, we only use products that have been tested by the EPA. Our EPA-registered products are effective, safe, and precise.

When we work with Charlotte residents, we always put the client’s safety first. If you have any questions, contact us. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Preventing Future Cockroach Infestations

Do what you can to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. Seal all gaps and holes on exterior walls to keep them out. Finally, properly clean your home several times each week to prevent them from finding food in your home. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep cockroaches and other pests out of your home, but it is wise to put up a fight. Otherwise, they’re going to walk in without deterrence. Our technicians can give you advice for keeping these pests out of your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.