Cockroaches are annoying pests. Here’s how to keep them out of your Charlotte home
The cockroach is one of the most common pests found in any home.
There are more than 4,000 cockroach species worldwide, but only a few of them are found in America, according to the National Pest Management Association.
While some cockroach species prefer indoor spaces during spring and summer, others can invade your home at any time of the year, according to Kristin Dodd, the manager of Carolina Pest Management, a Charlotte-based pest control company.
“German cockroaches are an issue year-round because they predominantly stay inside,” Dodd said. “The ones that are more seasonal are your outdoor roaches, like American roaches and Australian roaches. Those are the ones you’ll see when the weather is warmer because they’re used to tropical climates.”
Most people in Charlotte will encounter cockroaches at some point, Dodd said, but there are ways to keep them out of your home.
Why do cockroaches enter your home?
Cockroaches can get inside homes through any opening that is accessible to them, according to Dodd.
“You’ll see them come in through windows and doors that aren’t sealed properly, or through plumbing,” Dodd said. “It doesn’t take a large opening for them to get through.”
Once inside, cockroaches like to hide in dark, damp places including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, Dodd said, adding that some roaches gravitate “anywhere that there’s food available,” like trash cans and dog bowls.
Cockroaches are creepy but not harmful
Cockroaches don’t bite, however, studies show they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, Dodd said.
Although cockroaches have not been linked to specific outbreaks, they can carry diseases including Salmonella and poliomyelitis, the virus that causes polio, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They can also produce a foul odor that can be detected in infested areas.
Dodd said cockroaches are also considered an allergen source and can trigger respiratory illnesses like asthma. Cockroach allergens are often found on beds, carpeting, furnishings and clothing, according to the American Lung Association.
How to keep the bugs away
To keep cockroaches out of your home, Dodd recommended making sure there aren’t any areas in your yard that hold a lot of moisture, like piles of mulch or leaves. She also suggested sealing any cracks and crevices around your house to prevent them from getting inside.
Keeping your counters, sinks and tables free of crumbs, storing food in airtight containers, not leaving pet food out in the open also make your home less inviting to cockroaches, the NPMA says.
“Unfortunately, it’s something that is very common and you’re probably going to run into them regardless. But if you can manage them properly and keep their numbers low, I think that’s the ideal situation,” said Dodd.
This story was originally published June 9, 2022 at 3:02 PM.
