Anyone who has ever found a cockroach in their house is not looking to repeat that experience. Not only are cockroaches gross and ugly, but they can really be a nuisance in your home. Unfortunately, Myrtle Beach has ideal conditions for cockroaches: warm, balmy temperatures, including at night when these nocturnal pests are up and about.
Despite these conditions in Myrtle Beach, it is possible to take steps to prevent cockroaches from becoming your new roommates. Learn about the different types of cockroaches, how to identify them, steps you can take to prevent them from making themselves at home, and finally, when to call a cockroach exterminator to get rid of them if it’s too late.
There are three types of cockroaches that are most commonly found in the Myrtle Beach area: German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and Smoky Brown cockroaches. Here are ways to spot the differences.
German Cockroaches
If you find a cockroach in your home, there’s a good chance that it’s a German cockroach. This species is most likely to live indoors as they thrive on taking a bite out of what you’ve got in your pantry or have left out on the countertop. They tend to be the most troublesome cockroach and must be exterminated because they can cause infection and disease.
They’re small, which makes them harder to spot but also allows them to easily come into your home by hitching a ride on a backpack, boxes and packages, or luggage. A female German cockroach can produce 35,000 offspring in just one year, and it only takes one egg capsule in your home to bring on an infestation in your home. Yikes.
American Cockroaches
American cockroaches live outdoors, so you’re less likely to find them in your home. Unlike the German cockroaches, these are big, mean, flying machines. If you’ve ever heard someone refer to “Palmetto bugs,” these are the pests they’re referring to. This name comes from the Palmetto trees, native to South Carolina, where these bugs tend to live.
Palmetto exterminators will be able to help you if you’re experiencing an infestation of these outdoor cockroaches on or near your property. They love to feast on garbage and plant material, so keep an eye out for them in your dumpster.
Smoky Brown Cockroaches
Another flying cockroach species, the Smoky Brown cockroaches are large and in charge like American cockroaches. They’re attracted to light, so they will come into your home at night if the lights attract them, but they most typically live in wood, gutters, and shingles on your roof. Their favorite snack is decaying plant material, so you want to be mindful of leaves in your gutters and dead wood or trees around your home.
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Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
It just makes sense that you wouldn’t want these disgusting bugs living in your home, but cockroaches have also been known to cause illness and infections. They carry bacteria with them, which can get on your food if they’re crawling around your counters or pantry.
When this happens you can get food poisoning, diarrhea, allergies, skin rashes, and asthma attacks. In some extreme cases, they have also been known to spread salmonella, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and even the plague.
Where Do You Find Cockroaches?
There are a few places in your Myrtle Beach home where cockroaches can be found. Knowing their favorite places to be can help you keep an eye out for them.
Kitchen Appliances and Cabinets
Since cockroaches have probably come into your home looking for food and a moist place to thrive, you can typically find them in your kitchen, particularly near the microwave, fridge, oven and other appliances on your countertops near food dropping or water sources.
Cupboards or a pantry with food storage are also perfect hiding places for a cockroach. To prevent this from happening, it’s smart to never leave food out on the countertop and to frequently wipe down these spaces to eliminate crumbs. It’s also a good idea to store grains, pastas, and pet food in sealed air-tight containers.
Electronics
You probably get hungry when enjoying a little screentime – cockroaches do, too! Food or crumbs by your computer or even inside the keyboard can attract roaches. Small cockroaches, like German roaches, can fit in between keys for a bite to eat.
That’s a surprise you don’t want the next time you sit down to type! Keep your desk computer area tidy to prevent unwanted company.
Nooks and Crannies
Many cockroaches are small enough to squeeze into the tightest of places. Think baseboards and trim, the back of picture frames, and corners of your home where there might be trash or recycling. Keeping a tidy home and not letting debris pile up are ways to prevent this from happening.
All of these hiding places can make you feel like a cockroach infestation is bound to happen. The good news is that roach exterminators are professionals who can help you check common cockroach hideouts during a yearly inspection for pests and give you advice on which areas you should watch out for.
Your Terminix Myrtle Beach branch will have professionals ready to inspect your home and help give you peace of mind, plus tips for prevention.
Pipes
Something that all cockroaches have in common is a love for all things dark and moist, and pipes in your home definitely fit the bill. Pipes under your sink or in your basement might be a nice spot for cockroaches, unless you take steps to regularly check pipes, drains, and faucets for drips and leaks that might attract pests. Seal all cracks around plumbing and the outdoors to make sure roaches stay out.
Furniture
If you like to eat popcorn on the couch when you’re watching a movie, there’s a good chance cockroaches do, too. They love to nestle into the cushions and eat the crumbs you’ve dropped.
The worst part is, your furniture can also be an ideal place for a female cockroach to lay eggs, which is definitely not something you want! A good measure to prevent this is to frequently vacuum upholstered furniture and inspect cushions for egg casings.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
Unfortunately, cockroaches can be some of the more persistent pests and their infestation in homes is widespread, especially in places with a climate like Myrtle Beach. Here are some actionable steps you can take to keep your home cockroach free:
- Make sure gaps and cracks around your home’s foundation are sealed.
- Immediately wipe up spills of food and water.
- Don’t leave food on the countertops and take trash out regularly.
- Keep countertops and appliances clean.
- Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture to remove food debris.
- Remove instances of standing water and clogged gutters outside and eliminate large piles of mulch, pine straw, and leaf litter.
- Trim back bushes and tree limbs near the house.
- Store firewood away from the home and keep the foundation free of debris and clutter.
- Don’t leave unnecessary lights on at night and clean up uneaten pet food before bed.
- Keep screens on windows, doors, and vents in good working condition and seal holes near pipes and the foundation wall.
- Put dehumidifiers in humid areas of your home.
- Fix pipes when they leak and keep gutters in good condition.
Steps to Exterminate Cockroaches in Myrtle Beach, SC
1. Identify Problem Areas
First, look around your home for possible roach infestation sites, including behind the refrigerator, under the sink, in crevices in cabinets and shelves, closet door corners, bathroom cabinets and closets. Share any areas of concern with your Terminix professional. After a full inspection, we may use roach glue traps to locate large infestations. Continue monitoring those areas and let Terminix know of any concerns or activity.
2. Use Caulk to Close Gaps
To prevent cockroaches from entering in the first place entry, use caulk or another sealant to fill possible entry points, including gaps between walls or tile, small crevices, and openings around faucets or utility penetrations. All doors and windows should also have weather stripping.
3. Work with a professional effectively reduce roach population
Gel bait can be an effective roach killer, and it’s important to hire a pest management professional to administer this treatment. Gel bait is usually applied under baseboards, in cracks and crevices, and near areas that are most likely to attract roaches. Boric acid dust is often added to gel baits for increased efficacy, but it’s important that it’s administered by a professional. Bait stations in high traffic areas where roaches are likely to run across them and interact with the insecticide can also help reduce the population. However, they don’t target all roaches in a home. Cockroach control and prevention requires a scientific approach. Hiring a trained professional that understands cockroach behavior and pesticide safety is key to removing roaches and keeping children and pets safe.
4. Clean to remove things that attract cockroaches
Minimizing cockroach food sources is your best way to lower your risk of infestation. Keep your home tidy, remove trash, clean grease and food debris daily after using your kitchen.
5. Call a Terminix Roach Exterminator
If you have cockroaches in Myrtle Beach, it may be time to look into Palmetto exterminators or a cockroach exterminator with Terminix. Our professionals know cockroaches’ favorite hiding spots and will send them packing from your home. They’ll also have tips and tricks to help you prevent future infestations.
Call a Terminix Roach Exterminator
If you have cockroaches in Myrtle Beach, it may be time to look into Palmetto exterminators or a cockroach exterminator with Terminix. Our professionals know cockroaches’ favorite hiding spots and will efficiently and effectively send them packing from your home. They’ll also have tips and tricks to help you prevent future infestations.
And if you ever see a cockroach after our exterminators have come by, we’ll return free of charge thanks to our Pest Free Guarantee.