Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches are scavenging insects; their habit of living in less than sanitary areas means they are often riddled with diseases and bacteria, making them unwanted pests in our homes and businesses.

Most species of cockroaches have wings but are unable to fly at all or not for long distances. Cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies and a pair of long antennae. They are typically dark in color with a shiny, greasy appearance.

The most common cockroaches to find a way into the homes and businesses in Durham, NC and surrounding areas include:

• American cockroaches
• German cockroaches
• Oriental cockroaches
• Smoky brown cockroaches

Cockroaches fill people with dread because they are dangerous pests to have in our homes or businesses. On their bodies and in their saliva and excrement, cockroaches spread bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites that cause gastrointestinal problems and other illnesses. When cockroaches find a way into your home, they contaminate food and surfaces, stain walls and furniture, and leave behind unpleasant odors.

Cockroaches thrive in North Carolina homes because they provide ample hiding spots and access to food and water to meet their high moisture needs.

The lure of food and moisture is what attracts cockroaches to our homes. American, oriental, and smoky brown cockroaches often enter homes and other buildings by moving through cracks in the foundation, gaps under doors, or through vents or drains.

The German cockroach has adapted to mainly living indoors with people. Therefore their primary mode of transportation is hitchhiking. German cockroaches move from place to place in things like boxes, deliveries, and grocery bags. They also move throughout homes and other buildings through walls, floors, and utility lines. Cockroaches bring dangers into your Durham home and it's important to get rid of them.

Cockroaches are nocturnal pests; they spend their nights foraging for food and their days hiding in dark cracks and crevices. Cockroaches like the feeling of solid surfaces on each side of their body, which is why the tighter the space they can squeeze their body into, the happier they are.

The humid, warm areas in a house are most likely to house cockroaches such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, basements, and attics.

Some of their favorite hiding spots in our homes include cracks in walls, behind cabinets, door trim, and large appliances. They also hide in wooden or upholstered furniture or cluttered areas.

Cockroaches that spend time outside in our yards are found in garden areas, on trees, in flowerbeds, and under damp mulch. They also like to hang out around drains, sewers, and trash cans.

With over 25 years in the pest control industry, Eco Man Pest Solutions professionals have the experience necessary to eliminate cockroaches and other pests from your Durham, NC property. Utilizing innovative and eco-friendly products, we eradicate dangerous and destructive pests, protecting people and property. We are committed to our customers and provide comprehensive pest control services that ensure your Durham property becomes pest-free and stays pest-free. To learn more about our commercial pest control, and our one-time, bi-monthly, monthly, or quarterly pest control options, give us a call today!

The following five easy steps will help you prevent problems with cockroaches in your home:

1. Focus on keeping your kitchen clean and free of food debris. 
2. Regularly vacuum floors, spaces under furniture, pantries, cabinets, and the area behind appliances to remove stray crumbs.
3. Limit eating in your home to kitchen and dining areas to reduce the number of crumbs strewn throughout your home.
4. Reduce excess moisture by repairing leaking pipes or faucets and using dehumidifiers.
5. Keep wandering cockroaches out of your house by inspecting its exterior and sealing openings you discover in the foundation, roofline, exterior walls, and around doors or windows.