Cockroaches In South Carolina: What You Need To Know

Common cockroaches in South Carolina

Several types of cockroaches infest homes across South Carolina. While they differ in size and appearance, they all have one thing in common: they’re difficult to eliminate once they get inside without professional help.

American Cockroach (AKA Palmetto Bug)

The American cockroach is the largest cockroach found in homes, growing up to three inches long. Reddish-brown in color, it has a yellowish figure-eight marking behind its head. Many people in the South call this roach a palmetto bug. While the nickname may sound less threatening, this pest is still a roach and one of the most stubborn to deal with indoors.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are smaller than American roaches, measuring about half an inch to an inch long. They are light brown or tan and have two dark stripes behind their heads. German roaches are notorious for spreading quickly and are often linked to kitchens and bathrooms where food and moisture are available.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are shiny black or dark reddish-brown and typically live in damp, cool areas. They’re often found near basements, crawl spaces, and drains, but they can move into kitchens and bathrooms in search of water.

Cockroach vs. Palmetto Bug: What’s the Difference?

In South Carolina, people often wonder if a palmetto bug is different from a cockroach. The short answer is no. The palmetto bug is simply a regional nickname for the American cockroach. Whether you call it a roach or a palmetto bug, the same problems apply; they are dirty, persistent, and capable of causing serious issues if they find a way into your home.

Why Cockroaches Are More Active in Summer

If it feels like you see more roaches in the summer months, you’re not imagining things. South Carolina’s hot, humid summers create the perfect conditions for cockroach activity. Warm weather speeds up their breeding cycle, meaning a small problem can turn into a roach infestation much faster this time of year.  

Roaches are more likely to move indoors during summer to escape extreme heat or find steady food and water. This makes basic home cleaning and sealing entry points even more important during the hottest months.

Do You Have a Roach Infestation?

Spotting one cockroach doesn’t always mean your home is overrun, but it should never be ignored. Roaches are social pests, and if one finds a way inside, others usually follow. Here are some signs you may be dealing with a larger roach infestation:

• Regular sightings of live cockroaches, especially during the day
• Droppings that resemble black pepper or coffee grounds
• Musty odors in certain rooms
• Smear marks on walls or floors near water sources
• Shed skins or egg casings

If you notice these signs, it’s best to take action quickly before the problem grows out of control.

Why Cockroaches Are Considered Dangerous Home-Invaders

Cockroaches aren’t just unsettling to see—they’re considered dangerous home invaders for several reasons:

• Illness: Roaches can carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, contaminating kitchen surfaces, utensils, and food.
• Allergies and asthma: Their droppings and shed skins can trigger allergic reactions and asthma, especially in children.
• Contamination: They don’t just feed on food sources; they’ll also consume glue, books, cardboard, and fabrics, leaving damage behind.
• Unpleasant odors: A large infestation can create a persistent, musty smell that’s difficult to remove.

Where Roaches Hide in South Carolina Homes

Cockroaches are experts at staying out of sight. They prefer dark, warm, and moist environments, which makes certain areas of the home prime hiding spots. Common places to check include:

• Behind and under kitchen appliances
• Inside cabinets and pantries
• Around sinks and plumbing
• In bathrooms and laundry rooms
• In basements and crawl spaces
• Inside cardboard boxes or storage containers

If you see roaches during the day, it may mean overcrowding is forcing them out of hiding, a sure sign of a growing infestation.

What Attracts Cockroaches Indoors?

Roaches only need a few essentials to survive:

• Food sources: Crumbs, spills, dirty dishes, open trash, and pet food can attract roaches. Toothpaste, soap scum, dead skin, hair, book bindings, and other non-food items are also acceptable meals to these pests.
• Water sources: Leaky faucets, damp crawl spaces, condensation, or even standing water in a sink or bathtub can keep these moisture-loving pests thriving.
• Shelter: Clutter, cardboard boxes, and tight crevices give them places to hide and breed.

Even if you think your home is spotless, one overlooked food or water source can keep cockroaches thriving.

How Basic Home Cleaning Helps Prevent Roaches

While removing every potential food or water source is impossible, basic home cleaning goes a long way toward prevention. Some simple habits can make your home less appealing to roaches:

• Wipe counters and sweep floors daily
• Clean up spills immediately
• Wash dishes instead of leaving them overnight
• Store food in sealed containers
• Take out trash regularly and use cans with tight-fitting lids
• Rinse pet bowls and keep pet food sealed
• Declutter storage areas to reduce hiding places

These steps don’t guarantee you’ll never see a roach, but they reduce the odds of a minor problem becoming a full-blown roach infestation.

Why DIY Roach Control Usually Fails

It’s tempting to grab sprays or traps from the store, but DIY treatments rarely solve the root of the problem. Roaches breed quickly, hide in places you can’t reach, and can live weeks without food. Killing the few you see doesn’t eliminate the ones nesting deep inside your walls, crawl space, or attic.

For lasting relief, professional pest control is the most reliable solution.

Professional Cockroach Control in South Carolina

If you’ve noticed signs of a roach infestation in your home, don’t wait until it spreads. Harris Pest Control specializes in protecting homes across Florence, Myrtle Beach, and the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas. Our team identifies problem areas, eliminates roaches at the source, and helps prevent them from coming back.

And when homeowners sign up for an ongoing home pest control control plan, we'll provide regular service to create a protective barrier around your home so you don’t have to deal with these pests year after year.

Take Back Your Home from Cockroaches

Cockroaches may be common in South Carolina, but you don’t have to share your home with them. You can keep these nasty bugs out by combining basic home cleaning, sealing entry points, reducing food and water sources, and partnering with pest control pros.

If you’re worried about cockroaches or already dealing with them, contact Harris Pest Control today. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company will help you stop these vile pests and protect your home year-round.