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Oriental cockroaches.

Oriental cockroaches may seem harmless, but they can carry germs that create health concerns. To understand how to deal with these pesky invaders and prevent your home from turning into their playground, Terminix of the Triad can help you identify Oriental cockroaches before they become a major issue.

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Oriental cockroaches 101.

Cockroaches date back to the dinosaurs. They’re a hardy species that has successfully adapted to varying environments. Nearly 3,500 species of cockroaches exist worldwide. 

Oriental cockroaches, often called water bugs, are a common species of cockroach in North Carolina. They’re a seasonal pest and are often found during the late spring and early summer months when showers and thunderstorms are common.
Adult Oriental cockroaches are typically about one inch long. The insect’s shiny, dark brown or black color provides camouflage in its natural habitat. Around homes, Oriental cockroaches like to hang out in the mulch and shaded garden beds. Inside homes and businesses, they are more likely to take up residence in cooler moist environments like basements and crawlspaces.

Why do Oriental cockroaches come indoors?

Discovering a cockroach inside your home is unpleasant. They venture inside for a variety of reasons:

  • Moisture and humidity: Oriental cockroaches prefer cool, humid spaces. Subfloor areas and basements provide ideal environments for these pests. If water seeps into your crawl space or basement, or collects near your home’s foundation, Oriental cockroaches may pay a visit
  • Food: Cockroaches looking for a good meal often find their way inside to feast on crumbs, garbage and pet food
  • Entry points: Cracks, gaps under doors and space around pipes make it easy for these pests to find their way inside
  • Weather changes: Hot weather may send cockroaches indoors in search of cooler places to hide

Can Oriental cockroaches infest clean homes?

Even a spotless home can have an Oriental cockroach problem. Oriental cockroaches thrive in damp cool environments. Crawlspaces, leaky pipes and areas under sinks may attract these pests, even if your home is clean. Plugging potential access points and remedying water issues is crucial to keeping this type of cockroach at bay.

Potential health issues.

Aside from giving you the creepy crawlies, Oriental cockroaches can be a health hazard. They’re known to carry bacteria and other pathogens that can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to stomach issues. Cockroach droppings, saliva and old shells can trigger allergies and increase the risk of asthma attacks, according to the National Center for Healthy Housing.

Cockroaches are also a nuisance. They produce a strong, musty odor and a large infestation can be smelly.

Top three signs of a cockroach infestation.

A single cockroach is not a major cause for concern. But if you see one, there may be more. They tend to move slowly and are easy to spot if you know where to look. 

Here are the top three signs you may have an infestation:

  1. Dead cockroaches, particularly in areas of your home that are prone to moisture
  2. Evidence of droppings—they look like black specks
  3. Musty odor in cooler places inside

Call the Terminix professionals.

To say goodbye to roaches, eliminate food sources and take steps to reduce moisture. If you still have a problem, it’s time to call the professionals. 

Terminix is your go-to partner for permanently ridding your home of these pesky critters.  DIY treatments often miss hidden breeding grounds and entry points. And they can quickly re-infest your home if the issue isn’t fully addressed.

For long-term control, relying on professional pest management is the most effective strategy.

Terminix has more than 90 years of experience protecting homes and businesses in the Triad region of North Carolina. Our expert knowledge provides lasting prevention you can trust. We’ll come to your home and conduct a thorough inspection to determine a tailored solution.

Protect your home today or call 877-372-9696 to request your free quote for comprehensive cockroach control.

Call now
(877) 372-9696

or request your free quote

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