Where Do Cockroaches Come From? (And How To Get Rid Of Them!)

Cockroaches are one of a homeowner's worst nightmare. They’re pesky little creatures that like to camp out in your home and hide in small spaces so they never get caught. But, where do they come from? Cockroaches could already be in your home before you move in without you knowing or they could make their way into your house by hitching a ride on something you’re bringing inside. They’re surprisingly stealth. Even though they can be quite large, they’re great at hiding and tend to be nocturnal.

There are a few different types of cockroaches to keep an eye out for in South Carolina.

• The American cockroach (commonly referred to as a palmetto bug) is a dark, reddish-brown and is the largest species of home-invading roach in America. Adults can grow to around two inches in length.
• German cockroaches are fairly small. They are a light brown color and are the most common type of roach you’ll find in your home or business.
• Oriental cockroaches are dark, shiny, and smooth. Also pretty small, this species grows to about one inch in length and emits a foul-smelling odor.
• Brown-banded cockroaches have a band-like pattern across their bodies and prefer to live in drier locations.
• The Smoky Brown cockroach usually only exists in moist environments since they’re prone to dehydration. So, watch out for these guys if you’re home’s moisture level is particularly high.

How do cockroaches get inside your home?

Paper and cardboard: Cockroaches love paper because the material absorbs the chemical pheromones they secrete, making it easier for them to find one another. They might be inside cardboard boxes or stacks of newspapers sitting around your house. A simple recycling routine could save you from a much-dreaded cockroach infestation.

Cracks and holes: Like other small pests, they can also weasel their way in through small cracks and holes. Make sure you’re sealing any potential points of entry regularly and reinforcing them after harsh weather and storms.

Drains: Roaches can make their way up drains and pipes and appear in your house, apartment building, or office. A drain stopper or metal basket will block off their point of entry, and keeping those drains clean will also help prevent unwanted visitors.

Food: Dirty dishes and open food is like a welcome party for roaches. Make sure you keep food sealed (don’t forget about the pet food!) and don’t leave dirty dishes sitting too long, especially in the sink where they have easy access via the drain.

Firewood: Just like termites, roaches hang out near the firewood. Make sure you check any wood for roaches before bringing it into the house. Don’t bring in too much extra wood and don’t leave piles of wood sitting around for too long or some local cockroaches could make it their home.

Once roaches are inside, they’re not easy to get out. They’re pretty flat insects, giving them access to any hiding spot available in your house. They hide out in the walls, under counters, in cabinets, and beneath sinks.

How to get rid of roaches:

If you think you have a roach issue, the first step is to identify the bug. Beetles, water bugs, and cockroaches can look very similar but bring with them different consequences. One of the distinguishing features of a beetle is its hard exoskeleton and water bugs tend to be larger in size. Look out for a musty scent if you’re not sure whether you have a roach issue. Cockroaches tend to leave one behind, and the more pungent to odor, the bigger the problem.

You can try to remove the food source and clean any entry points if you want to eliminate cockroaches, but the best way to get rid of cockroaches is to call a professional. Getting rid of roaches can be tricky and should be left to pest control specialists. They’re not just a nuisance, they’re also dangerous. Cockroaches can carry diseases, contaminate food, and spread common bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella. Not to mention, some people can have allergic reactions to roaches that result in rashes, watery eyes, a runny nose, or even asthma. Keep your family safe and call pest control services as soon as you spot the issue.

Once the job is done, don’t think it can’t happen again. Remember to continue cleaning your home, checking cracks, recycling your paper, and closing your food to prevent any future infestations.

Call Home Pest if you’re experiencing roach problems in South Carolina and we will help you determine which pest control option is right for you. Exterior pest control for cockroaches is essential for keeping them from invading your home. If you wish to be proactive, we can help you prepare your home to ensure you don’t face cockroach infestation this season.

For more information on pest control services, check out our Pest Prevention Seasonal Calendar to see which other pests you should look out for this season.

Due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19, Home Pest Control will only be providing exterior pest control services at this time. This is to ensure both your safety and the safety of our technicians.

We are following all public health guidelines and the latest guidance from the CDC, including specific requirements that if employees are feeling unwell, they are not to report to work. We also ask that our customers take steps to prevent possible exposure to our staff.

With our current precautions in place, we are still committed to keeping your home pest-free and will continue to provide our services to the community safely and effectively.