Cockroaches In North Carolina: A Complete Guide

North Carolina is becoming one of the top places to live in the United States. Unfortunately, cockroaches think so too.  With our hot and humid summers here, this is the ideal environment for cockroaches to thrive. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about cockroaches in North Carolina - how to identify them, how to keep them out of your home, and what to do if you already have an infestation.

Types of Cockroaches Found in North Carolina 

Cockroaches are one of the most common pests here in North Carolina. There are several different species that can be found in our homes, but the German cockroach and American cockroach are by far the most common.

German Cockroach 

The German cockroach is the most common type of cockroach found in North Carolina homes. These pests are small, only about ½ an inch long, and are brown with two dark stripes running down their backs. German cockroaches are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they can find food and water.

American Cockroach 

The American cockroach is the second most common type of cockroach found in our state. These roaches are much larger than German cockroaches, measuring up to three inches long. American cockroaches are reddish-brown with a yellow band around their heads. Like German cockroaches, they're often found in kitchen and bathroom areas.

How Dangerous Are Cockroaches?

One characteristic of cockroaches that is crucial to know is that when they invade our homes, they can cause various health problems for our families. Cockroaches travel through the most disgusting places, like dumps, sewage, and decay, picking up all kinds of pathogens. Then they enter our homes and contaminate every surface they touch.

Cockroaches can spread 33 kinds of bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli; they also carry parasitic worms. Both American and German cockroaches can aggravate allergies and asthma through their shed skins, saliva, and droppings. We often see this in children, but it can happen to all age groups.

If you notice any signs of a cockroach infestation, be sure to get in touch with a company familiar with roach pest control as soon as possible. Cockroaches breed incredibly fast and can become massive infestations in no time.

Can Cockroaches In My House Really Make Me Sick?

Yes! Cockroaches are some of the most concerning pests regarding health and safety. These pests have strong immune systems, which allow them to live in filthy places where they can pick up bacteria, parasites, and diseases. The diseases spread by cockroaches include, but aren't limited to, cholera, dysentery, gastroenteritis, giardia, listeriosis, salmonellosis, and typhoid fever. 

And not only do cockroaches spread diseases and bacteria, but they also create allergens, which can affect people with allergies and asthma and cause contamination. 

What Attracts Cockroaches To Your Home

Like most pests, cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so kitchens and bathrooms are typically their go-to spots in homes. The most common things that attract them to your home include: 

• Crumbs on the counter or floor -  Even the smallest crumbs can attract cockroaches to your home.
• Dirty dishes in the sink - Cockroaches are attracted to dirty dishes because they're looking for food.
• Water - Cockroaches are attracted to water, so leaky pipes and damp areas in your home will make them want to stay.

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In North Carolina 

There are some DIY treatments that people use to get rid of cockroaches in their homes. Some treatments include:

• Boric acid - Boric acid is a common household item that can be used to kill cockroaches.
• Cockroach traps - Cockroach traps are available at most hardware stores and can be used to trap and kill cockroaches.
• Pesticides - Another option for getting rid of cockroaches is to use pesticides. When using pesticides, be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.

DIY home pest control isn't always effective, which is where B&T Pest Control comes in. Our exterminators have the training and expertise to get rid of your infestation fast and give you back your peace of mind. Contact us today to get started on cockroach control in Jacksonville, NC!