Cockroaches

Identifying Cockroaches

Today, scientists have identified more than 4,000 species of cockroaches. Despite the large number, only 30 species will inhabit human dwellings. Furthermore, five of these species are located in our service area. With so many species to worry about, you’ll need to learn more about the species you’re dealing with before putting together a plan to eliminate them. You’ll find that different species have different appearances, habits, and reproduction methods.

Many species are not pests because they won’t reproduce or live in your home. The others are problematic, and they can reproduce in your home rapidly. Once you’ve found cockroaches in your house, getting them out as quickly as possible is recommended.

Species Of Cockroaches In Charlotte

When it comes to Charlotte, there are two primary species of cockroaches. If you live here, you’ll likely encounter American cockroaches or German cockroaches.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are light-brown or tan cockroaches that can grow up to 5/8ths of an inch in length, and they have dark racing stripes on the backside of their heads. One of the biggest issues with German roaches is that they’re prolific breeders. Once a female German cockroach has entered your home, the problem is going to compound rapidly. A female can produce as many as 5 egg capsules during her lifetime and release up to 40 eggs each time. When found in homes, you will discover them near your appliances. Although they have wings, German cockroaches cannot fly.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are reddish-brown with some reaching up to 2 inches in length. If you look at the plate behind the cockroach’s head, you will find a dark marking. In Charlotte, American cockroaches are the largest and the most common. Even worse is the fact that they can fly. American cockroaches are one of the longest-living roaches on the planet. It can take up to 2 years for this roach to mature. After that, it may survive for another year or longer.

With that being said, an infestation isn’t going to happen quickly. They are usually found near broken sewer pipes. If you’ve found a lot of American cockroaches in your home, a sewer pipe nearby has likely broken.

Since you live in Charlotte, there is a risk that you’re going to encounter Pennsylvania Wood cockroaches, Mediterranean Spotted cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, Smokey brown cockroaches, Brown-banded cockroaches, and Surinam cockroaches too.

Pennsylvania Wood Roaches

With this species, male and female roaches look remarkably different. Male roaches tend to be much bigger than females. Furthermore, female Pennsylvania wood cockroaches have shorter wings. These roaches are native to the Eastern United States, but it usually isn’t a pest, and it won’t reproduce inside. They are attracted to lights, so they may approach your porch and enter your home. They may be found near woodpiles, blocked gutters, and wooden siding and shingles.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

This small cockroach rarely gets larger than a third of an inch. They are light tan with a few dark specks. Spotted Mediterranean cockroaches entered the United States from Europe, and they haven’t been around for too long. However, their population in the United States has climbed significantly in recent years. This cockroach doesn’t reproduce inside often.

Oriental Cockroaches

Adult Oriental Cockroaches can grow up to 1 and ¼ inches. They’re black or dark brown, and females will not develop wings. As for male Oriental cockroaches, their wings will cover three-quarters of their bodies. These roaches are often compared to American cockroaches because both like living near broken sewer pipes. The only difference is that Oriental roaches can survive the cold weather much better. You may find them near your garbage cans.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

These roaches are large with adults reaching an inch and a half in length. They’re shiny and reddish-brown. Smokey brown roaches are frequently found in the Southern portion of the United States. As a resident of Charlotte, there is a chance that you’re going to encounter these cockroaches at some point.

Surinam Cockroaches

These roaches are smaller than the others with most reaching ¾ of an inch. These roaches prefer being in warmer areas and will not be able to survive the cold, harsh winter months in the North. In Charlotte, you likely won’t encounter Surinam cockroaches because they’re not common. There are no male Surinam Cockroaches. Instead, all of these roaches are female.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Finally, you have brown-banded cockroaches. They’re one of the smallest cockroaches in our area with most never growing longer than half an inch. They are similar to German cockroaches in terms of appearance.

Why Are Cockroaches In My Home?

Ultimately, you need to find out which species you’re dealing with before you can find out why they’re in your home. Some species will try to enter your home for warmth and food. However, others are attracted to broken sewer pipes. If you’ve found one roach nearby, it might not be a big issue. However, a few cockroaches in your home confirms you have a problem.

Do Cockroaches Pose Dangers?

Cockroaches can be dangerous because they will contaminate your foods. The danger depends on the type of species and the size of the infestation. Cockroaches aren’t dangerous since they won’t bite humans or pets. Nevertheless, they can carry dangerous diseases, including salmonella. Furthermore, cockroaches can inflame allergy problems. If cockroaches contaminate your food, dispose of the food immediately.

Getting Rid Of Cockroaches

Some cockroaches are attracted to dirty homes. Therefore, you might be able to remedy the problem by properly cleaning your home and picking up crumbs as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, cockroaches are not going to leave easily. If you have them in your home, you’ll need to take steps to remove them. You can try using do-it-yourself chemicals and techniques, but they’re usually not effective. With that being said, we recommend hiring a professional.

Our company employs the leading pest control experts in Charlotte, so we’ll be able to tackle the problem swiftly. Don’t expose yourself to dangerous pesticides. Let us fix the problem for you.

When Can You Begin?

Contact us to schedule an appointment now. We can reach your home in 24 to 48 hours.

Are Your Treatments Safe?

We’ve worked hard to provide our clients with safe cockroach treatments. Our exterminators follow strict protocols to ensure that they’ll fix your problem without exposing you to dangers. Furthermore, we use EPA-registered products to protect you during each step of the process.

Preventing Cockroach Infestations

Ultimately, it is hard to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. If they’re attracted to filthy homes, keep your home cleaner. Keep your home clean, and the roaches will have to go elsewhere to search for food. Contact us as soon as you identify cockroaches in and around your home.

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