Cockroaches In South Carolina: What You Need To Know

Cockroaches might not be the most pleasant topic to discuss, but they're common in South Carolina homes, especially during the summer. These resilient insects can be quite a nuisance and potentially harmful, so it's good to know what you're dealing with and how to keep them away. With that in mind, let’s talk about the most common types of cockroaches in the Palmetto state, how to identify them, and what you can do to prevent cockroach infestations in your home. While we’re at it, we’ll answer a few commonly asked questions about these pests.  

Identifying common cockroaches in South Carolina

American Cockroaches

The American cockroach is the largest house-infesting cockroach in our region, often reaching up to 3 inches in length. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern behind their heads.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are smaller than American roaches, measuring about half an inch to an inch long. They have light brown or tan bodies with two dark stripes on their backs.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are shiny black to reddish-brown. Besides their shininess, they don’t have other unique identifiers like American and German roaches.

Is there a difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug?

Despite the different names, cockroaches and palmetto bugs are the same insect. This colloquial term is often used in the South to refer to American cockroaches and while it sounds more benign, it is simply a nickname.

Is one roach a problem?

One roach sighting might not mean you're facing a full-blown infestation, but it's definitely a red flag. Where there's one, there's usually more. A lot more. Cockroaches are social insects that can multiply quickly, so it's best to nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of hand.

How serious can a cockroach infestation be?

A cockroach infestation can be a serious health concern. These vile creatures are known to spread bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, which can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces. Unfortunately, they also produce allergens that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in children and sensitive individuals.

In addition to health risks, a severe roach problem can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to books, fabrics, and other household items.

As you can see, cockroaches scurrying about is not just an annoyance—it's a situation that requires prompt attention.

Where do cockroaches hide?

Cockroaches are masters of hide-and-seek. They prefer warm, dark, and moist environments, which makes kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces prime real estate.

• Common hiding spots include:
• Behind refrigerators, stoves, and other kitchen appliances
• Under or near the washer and dryer
• Inside cabinets and pantries
• Under sinks and around plumbing
• In cracks and crevices in walls and floors
• In cardboard boxes and food packages
• In drains and pipes

What time of day are cockroaches most active?

They’re not very active during the day at all. Of course, we say that, but we should mention there’s a caveat. In severe infestations, overcrowding, and other unusual circumstances, roaches may show themselves during the daytime.

That said, these pesky creatures are nocturnal, which means they're most active at night. If you flip on a light and see roaches scurrying for cover, it's a sure sign they're making themselves at home.

Can cockroaches climb?

Yes, cockroaches can climb, and they're pretty adept at it. The tiny claws on their legs allow them to scale a variety of surfaces, including walls, furniture, and, yes, even beds. This means they can and sometimes do crawl into places where people are sleeping, which is an unsettling thought, to say the least.

However, not all surfaces are climbable for these pests. Slick surfaces, like glass and some metals, are challenging for roaches to scale because they need a better grip.

How to keep cockroaches away

Keeping cockroaches out of your home is all about cleanliness and blocking their entry points. Here are some practical prevention tips to help you stay one step ahead of roaches and other house-infesting pests:

• Seal cracks, gaps, and openings
  Cockroaches can squeeze through the tiniest openings. Seal cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, and other potential entry points from the foundation to the roof.
• Please keep it clean inside
  Regularly clean your kitchen, including under appliances and inside cabinets. Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
• Store food properly
  Keep food in sealed containers, and transfer pet food from its original packaging into a more durable container that roaches cannot access.
• Take out the trash
  Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Fix leaky faucets and other plumbing problems
  Repair any leaky pipes or faucets to eliminate moisture, which attracts roaches.
• Address the moisture in the crawl space
  Damp crawl spaces attract roaches and other pests and promote the growth of mold and fungi. Talk to a moisture control specialist if your crawl space invites pests.

Have you ever heard the expression, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”? In 1736, Benjamin Franklin famously encouraged Philadelphians to be aware of and prevent fires using this expression. While this maxim isn’t specific to cockroaches, the sentiment holds. By staying vigilant and keeping your home clean and sealed, you can reduce the chances of a cockroach infestation.

If you see signs of a roach problem, contact a pest control company immediately for help tackling the issue. 

Contact Harris Pest Control for help exterminating cockroaches

Exterminating cockroaches isn’t as simple as you might think. Even if you’ve locked down your pantry and sanitized your kitchen, they’ll find something to eat, such as hair, toothpaste, dead skin, and other insects. For relief from cockroaches, contact Harris Pest Control at the first sign of an infestation.

Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers home pest control services in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas. When you reach out for help, we’ll inspect your property, address existing cockroach activity, take care of any other bugs (or rodents) we find, and then return every quarter to treat your home so that pests don’t have the chance to settle in.

While all our plans treat cockroach infestations, you may want additional protection for your home. Compare our residential plans and pricing below or call us!