Types Of Cockroaches In South Carolina

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches, growing to over two inches long, are the biggest cockroach species in South Carolina. They have flat, reddish-brown, oval-shaped bodies, two long antennae, and six legs. They also have wings, but they are not strong flyers and rarely use them for flight.

American cockroaches often get indoors through small cracks and gaps and are carried inside in packages or boxes. Once indoors, they’ll look for a warm, dark, damp area to spend their days. As mainly nocturnal creatures, most American cockroach movement takes place at night as they search for food.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches are quite small, especially compared to American cockroaches, growing to only about half an inch long. They are oval-shaped and brown, with distinctive bands running horizontally across their bodies. Like American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches have wings. However, only males have the ability to fly.

Brown-banded cockroaches are different from other cockroach species in their preferred environment. They like warm and dry areas instead of warm and moist ones. You will most likely find them in furniture, near hot water tanks, bedrooms, and near electronics.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are similar in size to brown-banded cockroaches, growing up to half an inch long. They also have brown bodies, but instead of horizontal bands, they have two parallel dark brown stripes that are vertical behind their heads. German cockroaches have wings, but rarely fly.

Typically brought into homes in boxes and bags, German cockroaches will infest any home they find themselves in. They like warm, dark, humid areas and will seek shelter in spaces that offer these features.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are fairly distinct in appearance from other cockroach species. They fall in between German and American cockroaches in size, growing to about an inch in length. Although relatively the same shape as other cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches have shiny, black bodies. They have short wings, but do not fly.

Also known as water bugs, Oriental cockroaches prefer damp areas. They are most often found outdoors, but if conditions become too dry, they may move inside in search of a dark, moist area to nest. They are often found in landscape beds, crawl spaces, and basements.

What Time of Year are Cockroaches in South Carolina Most Active?

Unfortunately, cockroaches don’t really take a season off in South Carolina. German cockroaches remain at about the same activity level all year long, primarily because they are indoor pests that don’t experience the changes in weather.

American, brown-banded, and Oriental cockroaches are most active from spring through fall. Since these pests spend time outdoors, they are at their peak in the summer months when the weather is favorable to them. However, once they get inside your house, they can and will remain active all year long. 

How to Prevent Cockroach Infestations

Avoiding a cockroach infestation is important because these pests are dirty insects that spread diseases. To prevent a cockroach infestation, you have to be proactive. The following tips will help:

• Seal openings around your foundation, siding, windows, and doors, including cracks, gaps, and holes.
• Cut back vegetation around your house’s perimeter and ensure good drainage there.
• Check packages, bags, and boxes for roaches before bringing them inside.
• Seal all food in airtight containers.
• Wipe down counters and wash dishes after each meal.
• Take out the trash regularly.
• Vacuum and sweep routinely.
• Address moisture issues in your house immediately.
• Reduce humidity in all rooms.

How the Harris Team Eliminates Roaches and Other Pests

If you have reason to believe that cockroaches have gotten into your house, you shouldn’t wait to do something about them. The longer an infestation is left, the bigger it will grow. This makes it harder to get rid of and puts your family at a greater risk of getting sick from a cockroach-spread illness.

Do-it-yourself treatments are rarely effective against cockroaches. Even if you see some success, you likely haven’t eliminated every cockroach in your house. That’s why choosing professional cockroach control is the best choice to safely, quickly, and thoroughly eliminate your cockroach problem.

Harris Pest Control offers home pest control services that eliminate and prevent cockroaches year-round. With three plans available, you get to choose the service that’s right for you. All include an initial inspection and treatment, year-round service, coverage for over 20 pests, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Our Intelligent Choice Service Program includes everything in our introductory plan, plus termite control and monitoring, and our Intelligent Choice Service Program Plus adds in mosquito control as well. If moisture is an issue in your home, we also offer moisture control services to deter roaches, termites, and other moisture-loving pests.

Learn more about our plans and pricing below or contact us to discuss your pest problem!