How To Tell If Your Elizabeth City Home Has A Cockroach Problem

No one wants to see cockroaches scurrying across the floor of their Elizabeth City, NC, home. Unfortunately, just because you don’t see them, it doesn’t mean you are living in a cockroach-free environment.

Cockroaches are filthy creatures that can easily go unnoticed in the early stages of a residential invasion. Knowing what to look for can help you better determine whether or not you are in need of professional assistance.

Even if you aren’t having a cockroach emergency, you should consider preventing them before they have a chance to invade. Protect your Elizabeth City home from unwanted cockroaches with the help of a qualified pest control expert.

Cockroach Identification

There are more than 50 species of cockroaches in the U.S., and over 4,000 across the globe. Their appearance and habits can greatly vary between species. 

In general, cockroaches have small heads, broad, flattened bodies, and long, flexible antennae. Their colors can range from light brown to reddish-brown, dark brown, or even black. Adult cockroaches average ½ - 1 inch in length, with some species exceeding 2 inches in length. 

It is somewhat rare to see cockroaches in Elizabeth City during the day, if at all. Their presence usually becomes prominent in the evenings when they are scavenging for food. In most cases, you are likely to see signs of a cockroach infestation before you see the cockroaches themselves.

Three Signs Of Cockroaches To Look Out For

Cockroaches hide in dark and humid areas within the structure of your home. Signs of an infestation can be found in attics, basements, bathrooms, closets, kitchens, and laundry rooms. 

The three most common signs of a cockroach infestation include droppings and smear marks, egg capsules and shed skins, and an unpleasant odor. 

1. Droppings And Smear Marks: Cockroach excrement resembles black specks and may appear as smear mark stains on clothing, floors, and walls. Droppings are most noticeable near the site of an infestation.
2. Egg Capsules And Shed Skin: Egg capsules are about 1/3 of an inch in length, and reddish-brown to dark brown in color. Egg capsules may be "glued" to a surface near reliable food sources. When shedding, cockroach nymphs leave a cockroach-shaped skin behind that is light brown in color.
3. Unpleasant Odor: Cockroaches emit a musty scent caused by pheromones. The pheromones are used to communicate with other cockroaches in the area. As the infestation grows, so does the pungency of the foul odor.

If you happen to notice any of the above signs in your search, it’s time to take immediate action to get rid of cockroaches. 

Dangers And Difficulties Associated With Cockroaches

There are many dangers associated with cockroaches in your Elizabeth City home. When they aren’t invading structures, cockroaches are known for living in unsanitary environments such as drains, sewers, and trash. 

Cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces by spreading bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites that they carry on their bodies. Humans who come into contact can fall ill to a variety of diseases, including cholera, salmonellosis, dysentery, giardia, E.coli infection, listeriosis, and typhoid fever.

Shed cockroach skins and excrement are both known for triggering allergies and asthma attacks in humans. Cockroach excrement is also capable of damaging personal belongings such as clothing, papers, and upholstered furniture.

Cockroaches can slip through all sorts of crevices to gain access into your home. They often find their way in through gaps and cracks in the foundation or exterior walls. Cockroaches will also access homes through drains, or doors and windows in need of weather stripping, door sweeps, or screens.  

Once inside, cockroaches will use pipes and wires to move between the walls of your home. They are prolific breeders, so it won’t take too long for an infestation to get out of hand. A single female can produces upwards towards 200–350 offspring during the course of her life. 

The Most Effective Form Of Cockroach Control 

Albemarle Termite & Pest Control is proudly serving Elizabeth City, NC, with over 100 years of experience in the pest control industry. As a family-owned and -operated business, we have three generations of family members working hard to ensure the health and safety of our community.

When you choose Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, you are joining forces with a team of well-trained home pest control professionals who are knowledgeable, reliable, and responsible. We will provide the perfect plan to suit your cockroach control needs and your budget. 

All of our services are safe and effective, and every service plan includes a pest-free guarantee! Contact us today to schedule your free home inspection and estimate.