Common Cockroaches in Wilmington

In North Carolina, the most common Cockroach types are American, brown-banded, German and oriental. Adult American Cockroaches can be up to three inches long, and have wings. They're usually mahogany or reddish brown in color. A yellow band can be found behind their heads. In terms of environment, they prefer to be outside where it's damp and warm. They gravitate to darkness, mulch, flowerbeds, trees, and sewers. If they head inside, it's to find water and food. That said, their favorite spots include kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. They can run very fast.
 
Brown-banded cockroaches are perhaps the smallest of the group, with a maximum length of about ½ inch. Their name comes from having tan and light-brown bands on their bodies. Adults only have bands on their wings. Like their American cousins, they like warmth. They typically make their way inside through furniture, electronics, and groceries they've nested in. They feed on fabrics, wallpaper, pantry items, and trash. They avoid water and may be found crawling along ceilings. 
 
Adult German cockroaches are about ⅔ inch long and have wings. They are tan or light-brown in color with horizontal stripes behind their heads. Their young also have black stripes and black bodies. These creatures prefer the indoors, and they hitchhike inside in bags and boxes. In shared residences such as like apartment homes, they move through pipes and other plumbing. Luggage, furniture, warm electronics, cabinets, sinks, and garbage attract these pests. While they'll eat almost anything, they particularly enjoy book bindings, toothpaste, and soap.
 
Oriental cockroaches vary in look by sex. Adult males reach up to 1 inch long, with three quarter-length wings. Adult females can be even larger and have only wing pads. Both are shiny and black or reddish brown in color. Attracted to heat and moisture, oriental roaches crawl through sewers, drains, and pipes. They also surround plants, gutters, porches, and storm drains.
 
No matter what kind of cockroach you have in your home, you know you have a significant infestation if you see the following:

• Droppings: American cockroach pellets are small, and resemble that of mice. They are ridged on the sides, and have blunt ends. Brown-banded ones look like specks or smears, and are black or brown. They leave them around crown molding and ceiling fixtures. German roaches release their pepper-like feces on counters and door frames as well as in wall cracks, drawers, and corners.

• Eggs: Cockroach eggs range in size and color, based on the species. Color-wise, it can be a mix of red, brown, tan and/or black. Central areas to find them are kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and garages. Also, you may find their droppings in wall crevices and under cabinets, appliances, and stored items. Capsules can hold dozens of individual eggs which is why roaches can reproduce so quickly.

• Odor: Many cockroaches produce a communicating chemical that gives off a "musty" smell. The chemical of some species can change the scent and taste of the food they infest.

Cockroaches are more than just an icky nuisance. Since they carry and spread bacteria, they will cause illnesses in humans by contaminating surfaces and food. Some things they trigger are asthma, food pathogens and viruses.

How You Can Prevent Cockroaches

In spite of your best efforts, you may still experience a cockroach infestation. However, you can exercise some preventative measures to help prevent cockroaches from entering your home.

• Caulk holes in walls, windows, and doors; roaches can enter through openings less than an inch wide.

• Put sweeps on exterior doors.

• Reduce their water source by repairing plumbing leaks and fixture issues.

• Regularly wash dishes and take out the trash.

• Store food in tight containers.

• Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.

• Maintain greenery and keep it a distance from the exterior of your home.

• Control humidity and moisture levels by using a dehumidifier if needed.

• Check used items and packages before bringing them inside.

How  Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators Can Control Cockroaches

Cockroaches will be difficult to eliminate on your own. They have lots of hiding places, breed rapidly, and can become resistant to ordinary pesticides. Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators have the expertise to swiftly find nests, kill cockroaches, and keep them from coming back. We use safe and eco-friendly products like gels, traps, and fogs. Call us today for a free consultation and to learn more about our pest control options.