Residents of Charlottesville, Virginia need to be ready to combat cockroaches because they’re common in our area. There are roughly 4,000 species of cockroaches around the world. Not all of them enter residential structures. Only 30 or so will live in human habitats. In addition to this, our area is home to five species. Despite the small number, you can guarantee that the cockroaches in your home are going to cause numerous problems. These pests are dangerous, destructive, and unnerving. You can’t delay fixing this problem because doing so will cause more problems. However, you can’t do anything until you’ve found out which species you’re dealing with.

Each is unique in various ways. For instance, they look and act differently. Plus, each requires a unique treatment to fix the problem. In some areas, certain cockroach species are not pests. Cockroaches begin life as eggs before quickly growing. Below, you’ll learn more about the cockroach species in our area.

Cockroaches In Charlottesville

It is pertinent to learn more about the cockroaches in our area. You won’t be able to fix the problem until you’ve found out which species it is. Therefore, you should use the information below to confirm which species it is.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are common in our area. At the maximum, they’ll reach 5/8s of an inch. Although some of them are brown, they can also be light brown. One thing that sets them apart is the racing stripes on their heads. A German cockroach infestation is quickly going to worsen because these cockroaches are prolific breeders. A female can produce 5 egg capsules each year with each capsule containing up to 40 eggs. When they invade homes, you’re going to find these pests under warm appliances, including refrigerators and ovens. They do not fly even though they develop wings.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are downright frightening because they’re one of the largest cockroaches in our area. They can often reach two inches in length. They’re reddish-brown and have a light color around a dark center on their head. Besides being one of the largest common cockroaches, the American cockroach can fly. Suffice to say, it is a difficult pest to deal with. They live longer than other cockroaches with some taking two years to mature. American cockroaches infest structures slowly. They’ll infest steam tunnels, sewer systems, and old buildings. An American cockroach infestation can tell you that you have a busted sewer pipe on your property. Alternatively, it might be a dried plumbing trap.

Now, you’ve learned about two of the most common cockroaches in our area. There are others, including oriental cockroaches, Pennsylvania wood cockroaches, and Surinam cockroaches.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches

You’re likely going to encounter Pennsylvania wood cockroaches. As you’ve likely already guessed, these pests are native to Pennsylvania. Therefore, they can be found in many eastern states. They are common in Virginia. Since males and females look significantly different, it is hard to realize that they belong to the same species. Females are shorter and have smaller wings. Adult males sometimes each an inch in length while females are only three-quarters of an inch. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are common in our area but they’re not pests. They tend to invade properties because they’re attracted to blocked gutters.

They’ll also approach homes with wood siding and shingles.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches are small cockroaches that only reach a third of an inch. They’re light tan with a few dark specks across their bodies. These cockroaches are native to Europe but they’ve been in the United States for many, many years. Since their arrival, they’ve been spreading across the country rapidly. They can be found across the country including in Virginia. These cockroaches may enter homes from outside, but they do not reproduce inside. Instead, they prefer staying outside near foliage.

Oriental Cockroaches

Charlottesville is home to oriental cockroaches. These pests grow over an inch in length. They’re dark black or brown. You’ll find that females and males look alike but their wings are different. Males develop wings that cover three-quarters of their bodies. As for females, they do not develop wings. These cockroaches have a lot in common with American cockroaches. Both prefer entering steam tunnels and sewer systems. Oriental cockroaches are often found outside even during cold weather. They thrive when living in feces and garbage.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches

The smokey brown cockroach can reach an inch and a half in length. They have a shiny body that is reddish-brown. They are primarily found in the southern American states, but they can sometimes travel as far north as Ohio and Indiana. They are often found in our area. They frequently travel in shipping containers. These cockroaches are similar to Oriental cockroaches and American cockroaches. However, adults have full wings and these cockroaches are always one color.

Surinam Cockroaches

Surinam cockroaches are one of the most unique species in our area because they’re all female. The species does not have any male members. They’re three-quarters of an inch and have light tan wings. These cockroaches prefer staying in warm areas but they can sometimes travel north. When they do, they’re going to take shelter in warm buildings such as greenhouses. Again, all of these cockroaches are female. Surprisingly, they still reproduce exceptionally well. Their eggs are held internally until they’re ready to hatch. Then, the cockroach will give live birth.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Locals may encounter brown-banded cockroaches at some point. They’re usually tan or light brown and rarely grow over half an inch. Due to their size and appearance, brown-banded cockroaches are often mistaken for German cockroaches. You can tell the difference by looking at the back of the roach’s head. If it has racing stripes, it is a German cockroach. Otherwise, you’re dealing with a brown-banded cockroach.

Reasons For Cockroach Infestations

Many people are curious to know why cockroaches have infested their homes, but there is no easy answer. Ultimately, cockroaches can infest residential structures for many reasons. Before you can find out why they’ve invaded, you need to figure out which cockroach species you’re dealing with. Cockroaches may enter homes to search for food. Ultimately, this is common when the structure isn’t cleaned thoroughly. They can also enter homes that have busted sewer pipes, wood shingles, and blocked gutters. A professional can help you find out why they’re on your property so you can prevent them from returning.

Dangers Linked To Cockroaches

Ignore cockroach infestations at your own peril. If you do, there is a big risk that you’re going to get sick. Cockroaches are incredibly dangerous. In fact, cockroaches are one of the most dangerous pests in our area. Once you’ve found cockroaches in your home, begin taking steps to address the problem immediately. Failing to address the problem will allow the pests to reproduce and the infestation worsens. As this happens, the dangers involved are going to swiftly worsen. Some people keep cockroaches as pets and others feed them to their reptile pets. Many cockroach species can thrive in your garbage, feces, and decaying matter. Then, they’ll climb into your food and contaminate it. These pests can lead to serious health issues, including salmonella outbreaks.

They’ll also cause your asthma symptoms to become much worse.

How To Fix The Problem

Remember to work quickly to resolve the problem you’re facing. Don’t delay because the pests are going to reproduce and worsen. In some cases, the infestation was caused by the homeowner not cleaning their home enough. Unfortunately, getting rid of cockroaches won’t be easy. These pests are difficult to deal with because they’re elusive, quick, and disgusting. We believe our methods are best. We have worked diligently over the years to find the best and most reliable cockroach treatments. We think we can help you better than other exterminators in your area. Contact our office so we can help you soon.

We’ll Call You Soon

Once you’ve called our Charlottesville office, we’re going to get back to you shortly. We should be able to call you within 24 to 48 hours.

Our Cockroach Treatments Are Safe

We always work hard to provide our clients with safe cockroach treatments. Some exterminators only want to eliminate the pests. They’re not worried about protecting their clients. We’re different because we go above and beyond to ensure that you’re going to be protected. We wouldn’t use toxic materials in our dwellings. We’re not going to use these dangerous products in your home either. Instead, we will fix the problem using products recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. We know that these products are safe. Contact us to learn more about our services and what our technicians will do to protect you.

Preventing Invasions Of Cockroaches

It is pertinent to keep your home clean and tidy. If you do this, cockroaches will be less likely to invade. Furthermore, you should properly seal all of your exterior walls. Eliminate entry points to ensure that these pests cannot enter your home. Once you’ve done this, there will be a lower risk that cockroaches are going to find a way to enter your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.