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What Are These Little Black Roaches In My Greenville Kitchen?

Oriental cockroaches have shiny black bodies and are about 25 mm to 32 mm in length, depending on their gender. Male Oriental cockroaches are smaller and have short wings, which leave the last few segments of their bodies exposed. Females are larger and don’t have wings at all. Both males and females are incapable of flying. Oriental cockroaches also secrete foul-smelling chemicals used to communicate with each other. In some situations, this strong musty odor can be used to identify an infestation in your Greenville home.

Why Cockroach Infestations are Dangerous

When you think of a cockroach infestation, “dangerous” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. Disgusting, creepy, and disturbing are words that many Greenville residents use for these home-invading insects, and not without good reason. However, cockroaches cause more problems than simply being filthy creatures. Oriental cockroaches feed on and crawl in bacteria-filled places such as sewage, trash, carrion, and feces. When they invade your Greenville home, all of the harmful bacteria and pathogens they picked up are carried in with them. These filthy insects can contaminate counter surfaces and food items with diseases such as cholera, salmonella, and typhoid fever. In addition to potential health concerns, Oriental cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions.  

How to Identify a Cockroach Infestation

If Oriental cockroaches have invaded your home, there are a few telltale signs they’ll leave behind. Three ways you can identify an infestation on your property include:

  • Spotting Oriental cockroaches around the exterior or interior of your home, usually in dark, moist, and secluded areas
  • Smelling a strong foul odor within your home, which is caused by chemicals
  • Oriental cockroaches use to communicate with each other
  • Dark brown or reddish egg capsules located around your property

How to Prevent Oriental Cockroach Infestations

The first step to preventing Oriental cockroaches from invading your Greenville home is to identify and remove factors that may attract them in the first place. Cockroaches invade for three reasons: food, shelter, and water. To avoid attracting these pests to your home, consider a few of the following cockroach prevention methods.

  • Install dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home.
  • Vacuum up crumbs and keep your kitchen clean.
  • Seal all possible entry points, such as gaps around doors, pipes, window, and utilities.
  • Install door sweeps.
  • Reduce moisture by draining sources of standing water.
  • Keep your garbage cans properly sealed.
  • Store pet food away when not in use.

If an infestation has already occurred on your Greenville property, avoid using over-the-counter cockroach chemicals and sprays. These methods of cockroach removal are often ineffective and a waste of time and money. For true cockroach control and prevention, turn to Spencer Pest Services. Our highly trained pest technicians have what it takes to keep your Greenville home free of cockroaches and other pests year-round. Contact us today to learn more about our residential cockroach control plans.

 
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