Cockroach infestations can cause health and safety issues including allergies and asthma triggered by cockroach allergens, as well as the spread of germs and bacteria.
Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina – a beautiful coastal city steeped in history and charm. Unfortunately, along with the charm come some less desirable creatures, such as cockroaches and palmetto bugs. These pests are notorious for invading homes and businesses, causing damage and spreading disease.
Cockroaches are a common problem in Charleston and can be found in both residential and commercial spaces. These pests are small, flat insects with a hard exoskeleton and long antennae. They are known for their ability to survive in harsh environments and can go for long periods without food or water. Cockroaches are attracted to warm, humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where they can find moisture and food sources.
Palmetto bugs are a type of cockroach that is commonly found in the Charleston area. These pests are larger than most cockroaches, with a reddish-brown color and a distinctive pattern on their wings. Palmetto bugs are also known as “water bugs” due to their attraction to moist environments. They can be found in areas such as crawl spaces, basements, and bathrooms.
Both cockroaches and palmetto bugs are considered dangerous pests due to the health risks they pose. They can carry harmful bacteria and diseases, including Salmonella and E. Coli, which can cause serious illness in humans. In addition to the health risks, these pests can also cause damage to homes and businesses by chewing through electrical wiring and insulation.
The good news is that there are several solutions available to help control and prevent infestations of cockroaches and palmetto bugs. One of the most effective methods is to maintain a clean and dry environment. Cockroaches and palmetto bugs are attracted to moisture and food sources, so it is important to eliminate any standing water and store food in sealed containers.
Another effective solution is to seal up any cracks or holes in walls, floors, and foundations. Cockroaches and palmetto bugs can enter buildings through even the smallest openings, so it is important to seal up any potential entry points.
Barrier Pest Services can help to eliminate and prevent infestations of cockroaches and palmetto bugs. These services typically involve a combination of insecticides, baits, and traps to target the pests and prevent future infestations. We can also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure that infestations do not reoccur.
Our expert cockroach exterminators at Barrier Pest Services know how upsetting it can be to see a roach inside your home. Our cockroach removal process will not only exterminate any current activity on your property but also ensure protection against future infestations.
If you are seeing small roaches on countertops, in cabinets, or coming out of appliances or electronics, chances are these are cockroaches. Cockroaches live indoors and can multiply very quickly. An average egg case can contain 30 – 40 eggs and just one female can produce 35,000 offspring a year.
It is important to start treatments when you first notice a problem. Many times homeowners may buy a tube of cockroach bait to try and deal with the problem themselves. Most of the time they will not be successful. Cockroaches are very adept at avoiding certain baits and with their fast life cycle, they are also capable of building up resistance to some products.
Contact us today to rid your home of cockroaches and palmetto bugs.
What are the most common cockroaches?
The most common cockroaches in the United States are:
- American Cockroach
- Brown-banded Cockroach
- German Cockroach
- Oriental Cockroach
What do cockroaches eat?
Cockroaches feed on a variety of foods – meats, cheeses, and sweets. Like silverfish, they also enjoy starches, including starch found in clothing or even the glue in book bindings and stamps. They may also eat human hair, skin, and nails.
What is the development cycle of cockroaches?
They develop by a gradual metamorphosis with the egg, nymph, and then adult. Egg cases contain two rows of eggs, and the nymphs escape through a seam along the side. Nymphs look like adults but lack wings and maybe a lighter color. After a period f growth and several molts, they become adults. The time required for them to mature varies with the species and also with the season and region. Temperature and moisture, as well as food, play an important part in their development.
How to get rid of cockroaches
Treatment techniques have greatly improved and it is usually not recommended that you have to clean out your cabinets. At Barrier Pest Services, our certified technicians use a combination of products to treat and eliminate the roaches. Cockroach baits are important because they will kill the adults and provide a food source for the eggs when they hatch. Effective baiting includes knowing which products are effective and placing the bait in the best location.
One-time treatments are not recommended for cockroaches. It takes more than one visit to effectively control this pest. Just a few remaining adults can lead to a big problem. Once this problem is resolved, our Quarterly Pest Service will provide effective treatment against roaches.