The Common Cockroaches in North Carolina

Lifecyle of an American Cockroach

If you live in North Carolina, most likely you have encountered one of the many cockroaches that are common to this area. Most of the cockroaches (or waterbugs, palmetto bugs or just roaches) are considered an occassional nuissance such as the American or Smoky Brown cockroaches, but there are cockroaches that can become a major infestation if left untreated such as German cockroaches.

Let's take a deep dive into the common cockroaches!

American Cockroach:

The American cockroach is the most commonly found pest in North Carolina and throughout the United States. It was not originally found in North America, but was introduced by ships in the early 1600s.

Recognition:

Adults are about 1 3/8 -2 1/8 inch long, reddish brown except for a pale brown to yellowish band around edge of the pronotal shield (body). Nymphs are grayish brown to reddish brown. Egg capsules or oothecas are dark reddish to blackish brown and about 3/8 inch long.

Habits:

Found inside and outside of homes. Prefers large commercial buildings for their large storage areas, basements and steam tunnels. In summer months, can be found outdoors in yards and alleys. Can be brought in or will find their ways into structures.

Control:

Standard general pest control services should control these pests from entering into your home or business.

German Cockroach:

The German Cockroach is the most important and the most common of the cockroaches due to it being a major nuisance and some medical implications.

Recognition:

Adults are about 1/2 to 5/8 inch long. Light brown to tan except for 2 dark, almost parallel stripes/bars/streaks on pronotal shield. The females are darker than the males. The nymphs have a dark brown thorax with essentially a pale circle in the center and pale lateral margins. Later instars of the nymph gives it the 2 dark stripes with central areas pale. Egg capsule or ootheca is yellowing brown but two-tones with the paler end attached to the female. About 1/4 to 3/8 inch long.

Habits:

Found throughout the structure but favors warm and humid places which is why it is commonly found in the kitchens and sometimes in the bathrooms. Infestations can occur in other parts of the structure depending on where the residents eat such as in a bedroom or family room. Prefer to hide out in crack and crevices near food or water sources. Introduced into structures through paper products or paper packaging such as bags or cardboard boxes.

Control:

Initial thorough treatment followed by regular maintenance to control infestation.

Smoky Brown Cockroach:

The Smoky Brown cockroach gets its name from the shining brownish black to dark mahogany color. It is most commonly found outside of the homes, but can find their way inside. It is most common in the southern states, but has been found in some northern states.

Recognition:

Adults are about 1 to 1 1/2 inch long. Color is uniform and knock for the mahogany color. Both females and males have wings and are excellent fliers. Attracted to light. Nymphs are black to dark brown with a whiteish line running horizontal. The egg capsule or ootheca is dark brown to black and usually 1/2 inch long.

Habits:

Most common in the south where the habitat is the most ideal: moist, dark, warm. Commonly found outside in trees, loose mulch, wood piles and soffits/eaves of attics. Enters into homes at night through cracks and crevices due to being attracted to the lights. Since Smoky Brown cockroaches are excellent fliers, it will enter via attic openings as well.

Control:

General exterior treatment should control smoky brown cockroaches from entering the structure. Non chemical methods includes removing wood piles, sealing gaps around home and access to the attic, keeping gutters cleaned, keep mulch or pine straw dry around the foundation, and more.

The American, German and Smoky Brown cockroaches are the most commonly found cockroaches to New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Columbus and Bladen counties. There are more cockroaches that have been making their appearance which will be posted about later.

If you encounter any of these pests in and/or around your structure, contact Pestco Exterminating to schedule an inspection and service.

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