Last Updated on March 26, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Cockroaches are a common pest in North Carolina. They can be found in both residential and commercial areas. Cockroaches can cause problems for homeowners and business owners, as they can contaminate food, spread disease, and damage property.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cockroaches that are found in North Carolina, as well as how to identify them and remove them from your home or business.
Are roaches common in North Carolina?
There are several types of roaches that are common in North Carolina. The German cockroach is the most common type of cockroach in the state. These roaches are small, dark brown, and have two stripes on their back.
They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, and can be a nuisance because they reproduce quickly. Other types of roaches that are common in North Carolina include the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the Brown-banded cockroach.
Why does North Carolina have so many cockroaches?
There are a few reasons why North Carolina has such a high population of cockroaches. One reason is that the state has a humid climate, which is ideal for cockroaches to live in.
Another reason is that there are many food sources available for cockroaches to eat. Additionally, North Carolina has a large number of trees and other vegetation, which provides shelter for cockroaches.
Related: 12 Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches (But Aren’t)
Are roaches bad in North Carolina?
There is no easy answer to this question. Roaches are not necessarily bad, but they can be a nuisance. If you have roaches in your home, it is important to take steps to control them. Otherwise, they can become a serious problem.
Types of cockroaches in North Carolina
There are several types of cockroaches in North Carolina, but the most common ones include the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the brown-banded cockroach. Each type has its own unique characteristics and can be found in different parts of the state.
Cockroaches in other states:
- 6 Types of Cockroaches in Virginia: Identification, Removal, and Prevention
- 6 Types of Cockroaches in Texas (and How to Get Rid of Them)
- 9 Types of Cockroaches in California: Identification and Prevention Tips
- 8 Types of Cockroaches in Georgia: How to Identify and Get Rid of Them
- 10 Types of Cockroaches in Florida: Identification and Removal Tips
- 6 Types of Cockroaches in Arizona: How to Identify and Get Rid of Them
- Cockroaches in Tennessee: Types, Identification, and Prevention
- 5 Types of Cockroaches in Michigan: Identification and Removal
- 5 Types of Cockroaches in Ohio: Identification and Removal Tips
- Cockroaches in Indiana: 6 Types, Identification, and Removal
- 6 Different Types of Cockroaches in Hawaii: How to Avoid These Pests
- 5 Types of Cockroaches In Colorado: Identification, and Removal
- 4 Types Of Cockroaches in Washington: Identification and Removal
- Cockroaches in Oregon: 4 Types and How to Get Rid of Them
1. German cockroach
German cockroaches are the most common type of cockroach in North Carolina. These cockroaches are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs. German cockroaches are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they feed on food scraps and moisture.
Habitat: German cockroaches are found throughout North Carolina, in both urban and rural areas.
Diet: German cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plant and animal material. In the wild, German cockroaches feed on decaying vegetation and dead insects. However, these cockroaches are also attracted to human food sources, such as garbage cans and pet food.
Reproduction: German cockroaches reproduce quickly, with a female capable of producing up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are deposited in an egg case, which the female carries around until they hatch. German cockroaches typically live for about one year.
Nymphs: Nymphs are juvenile cockroaches that have not yet reached adulthood. Nymphs of the German cockroach are small, brown, and have two dark stripes on their backs.
Adults: Adult German cockroaches are about one-half to five-eighths of an inch long. They are brown in color with two dark stripes on their backs. German cockroaches are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they feed on food scraps and moisture.
Behavior: German cockroaches are nocturnal insects that are active at night. During the day, these cockroaches hide in cracks and crevices to avoid light. German cockroaches are also attracted to warmth and moisture, which is why they are often found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Predators: German cockroaches have many predators, including birds, rodents, and other insects.
Control: German cockroaches can be controlled with a variety of methods, including traps, baits, and insecticides. If you have a German cockroach infestation, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
Prevention: The best way to prevent German cockroaches is to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean and free of food scraps and moisture. You should also seal any cracks or crevices where these cockroaches could enter your home.
2. American cockroach
American cockroaches are the largest cockroaches found in North Carolina. They are reddish-brown to dark brown, and they have a yellow band around their body just behind their head.
They can grow up to three inches long. These cockroaches are not native to North America; they were brought over from Africa on ships hundreds of years ago. American cockroaches are often found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other commercial buildings. They can also be found in homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Habitat: American cockroaches prefer warm, moist environments. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and sewers.
Diet: American cockroaches eat a variety of food, including crumbs, grease, and garbage.
Behavior: American cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices. They can run very fast, and they can fly short distances.
Reproduction: Females can lay up to 16 egg capsules in their lifetime. Each capsule contains about 20 eggs.
Nymphs: Nymphs are baby cockroaches. They look like adults, but they are smaller and do not have wings.
Adult: Adults have wings and can fly. They are about three inches long.
Predators: Birds, bats, and lizards eat cockroaches.
Control: The best way to control American cockroaches is to remove food and water sources, seal cracks and crevices, and use baits and traps.
Prevention: American cockroaches can enter homes through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. They can also come inside on boxes, furniture, or other items that are brought into the home.
To prevent American cockroaches from entering your home, seal cracks and crevices in the foundation and around doors and windows. Keep food stored in sealed containers, and keep garbage in a sealed container or outside in a covered garbage can.
3. Brown-banded cockroach
Brown-banded cockroaches are small. They are light brown to dark brown in color with two lighter bands running across their body just behind the head. These cockroaches are good flyers and are often found in upper cabinets and high on walls.
They prefer warm, dry locations and are commonly found in homes, apartments, hotels, and office buildings. Brown-banded cockroaches are not as common in North Carolina as some of the other species, but they can be found in all 100 counties.
Habitat:
Brown-banded cockroaches are found in warm, dry locations. They prefer to live in upper cabinets and high on walls. These cockroaches are often found in homes, apartments, hotels, and office buildings.
Diet:
Brown-banded cockroaches eat a variety of foods. They are known to eat starchy foods, sweet foods, and even glue.
Behavior:
Brown-banded cockroaches are known to be good flyers. They are also known to be active at night when they come out in search of food.
Reproduction:
Brown-banded cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can lay up to 20 egg capsules in her lifetime. Each egg capsule contains about 18 eggs. The eggs hatch in about 45 days. Brown-banded cockroaches can live for about 200 days.
Nymphs:
Nymphs are immature cockroaches. They look like adults, but they are smaller and do not have wings. Nymphs go through several molts before they become adults.
Adults:
Adult brown-banded cockroaches are about 12 to 15 mm long. They are light brown to dark brown in color with two lighter bands running across their body just behind the head.
Control and Prevention:
The best way to control brown-banded cockroaches is to eliminate their food and water sources. Cockroaches are attracted to food that is left out, so be sure to clean up after meals.
Store food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen clean. Fix any leaks in your plumbing so cockroaches don’t have access to water.
You can also use traps and insecticides to control brown-banded cockroaches. If you have a problem with cockroaches, contact a pest management professional.
4. Oriental cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are one of the most common cockroach species in North Carolina. They are also one of the largest, with adults reaching up to an inch and a half in length. Oriental cockroaches are dark brown or black in color, and have shiny bodies.
Habitat:
Oriental cockroaches are often found in damp, dark places. They are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, and around sewer systems.
Diet:
Oriental cockroaches are scavengers and will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of decaying organic matter, such as leaves and dead insects.
Behavior:
Oriental cockroaches are nocturnal creatures and are often seen at night. They are not strong flyers, but they can climb walls and ceilings.
Problems Caused:
Oriental cockroaches are not known to transmit diseases to humans, but their presence is often considered a sign of poor sanitation. They can also be a nuisance because they produce a strong, musty odor.
Reproduction:
Female oriental cockroaches can lay up to 20 egg capsules in their lifetime. Each capsule contains about 16 eggs. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which resemble small adults. Nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
Control Methods:
There are several methods that can be used to control oriental cockroaches. These include baits, traps, and insecticides. It is important to note that oriental cockroaches are very resistant to many common insecticides. As a result, it is often necessary to use multiple control methods in order to achieve long-term results.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent oriental cockroaches is to eliminate their food sources and breeding sites. This can be done by practicing good sanitation and keeping your home free of clutter. Additionally, it is important to seal any cracks or openings that could provide entry for these pests.
5. Cuban cockroach
Cuban cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in North Carolina. They are dark brown or black, and about an inch long. These cockroaches are often found near stoves, heaters, and other warm places.
Habitat: Cuban cockroaches live in warm, moist areas. They are often found near stoves, heaters, and other warm places.
Diet: Cuban cockroaches eat a variety of food, including plants, animals, and garbage.
Behavior: Cuban cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices. Cuban cockroaches can fly, but only for short distances.
Reproduction: Female Cuban cockroaches lay their eggs in small clusters. Each cluster contains about 30 eggs.
Nymphs: Nymphs are small, wingless versions of adults. They are dark brown or black, and about an inch long.
Adults: Adults are dark brown or black, and about an inch long. They have wings, but they cannot fly. Cuban cockroaches often live for about a year.
Control: Cuban cockroaches can be controlled with a variety of methods, including baits, traps, and insecticides.
Prevention: The best way to prevent cockroaches is to keep your home clean and free of food sources. Cockroaches are also less likely to enter homes that are well-sealed and free of cracks and crevices.
6. Brown-hooded Cockroach
Brown-hooded Cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in North Carolina. They are brown with a light-colored stripe running down their backs. Brown-hooded Cockroaches can live up to one year and produce up to 50 eggs at a time.
Habitat: Brown-hooded Cockroaches are found in homes, apartments, and businesses.
Appearance: Brown with a light-colored stripe running down their backs. These cockroaches are about ½ inch long.
Diet: Brown-hooded Cockroaches are attracted to food and moisture. They can be found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Behavior: Brown-hooded Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. They hide during the day and come out at night to feed.
Reproduction: Brown-hooded Cockroaches can live up to one year and produce up to 50 eggs at a time.
Nymphs: Nymphs are baby cockroaches that look like adults, but are smaller.
Adults: Adults are about ½ inch long.
Predators: Brown-hooded Cockroaches are preyed upon by lizards, frogs, toads, and birds.
Control and Prevention: The best way to control cockroaches is to remove their food and water sources. Cockroaches are also attracted to clutter, so it is important to keep your home clean and free of clutter. You can also use traps and insecticides to control cockroaches.
If you have Brown-hooded Cockroaches in your home, contact a pest control professional to help you get rid of them.
7. Western Wood Cockroaches
Western Wood Cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in North Carolina. They are also known as Palmetto bugs and can be found in wooded areas, around houses, and in gardens.
Western Wood Cockroaches are dark brown or black and have a wingspan of about three inches. They are not known to bite or sting humans but can be a nuisance if they invade your home.
Habitat:
Western Wood Cockroaches are found in wooded areas, around houses, and in gardens. They prefer dark, moist places and are often seen near sources of water.
Diet:
Western Wood Cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of decaying organic matter and can often be found near garbage cans or in compost piles.
Behavior:
Western Wood Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures and are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and ceilings. They are not known to bite or sting humans but can be a nuisance if they invade your home.
Reproduction:
Female Western Wood Cockroaches lay their eggs in small capsules called oothecae. Each ootheca contains about 30-40 eggs and is attached to a surface near a food source. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and the nymphs go through six molts before reaching adulthood.
Nymphs:
Nymphs are small, wingless versions of adults. They are dark brown or black and have a striped pattern on their backs. Nymphs go through six molts before reaching adulthood.
Adults:
Adult Western Wood Cockroaches are dark brown or black and have a wingspan of about three inches. They are not known to bite or sting humans but can be a nuisance if they invade your home.
Control:
If you have Western Wood Cockroaches in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to call a pest control professional. There are a number of different methods that can be used to control cockroaches, but it is important to choose a method that is safe for your family and pets.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent Western Wood Cockroaches from entering your home is to seal all cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and ceilings. You should also remove any sources of food and water that may attract them.
How to get rid of cockroaches in North Carolina
If you’re like most people, the mere sight of a cockroach is enough to make your skin crawl. And if you live in North Carolina, chances are you’ve seen your fair share of these pesky critters.
While cockroaches are generally more of a nuisance than a health hazard, they can still carry diseases and trigger allergies in some people. If you’re looking to get rid of cockroaches in your home, there are a few things you can do.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of cockroaches is to use baits and traps. Baits contain chemicals that attract cockroaches and lure them into the trap. Once they’re inside, the cockroaches can’t escape and will eventually die. You can find baits and traps at most hardware stores or online.
Another way to get rid of cockroaches is to use an insecticide. Insecticides are pesticides that kill insects on contact. There are a variety of insecticides available, so be sure to read the label carefully to make sure you’re using the right one.
If you have a cockroach problem, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Baits and traps are generally the most effective, but you can also try using an insecticide.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the directions carefully to avoid harming yourself or your family. And if you’re still seeing cockroaches, it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest control companies have the tools and experience necessary to get rid of even the most stubborn cockroaches.
Related: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches and Keep Them Away
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are four main types of cockroaches in North Carolina: the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. All of these pests can be a nuisance, but some are more harmful than others. If you think you have a cockroach infestation, it’s important to contact a pest control professional to get rid of them. Don’t try to do it yourself, as this can make the problem worse. Thanks for reading!
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Until next time, goodbye!