The Most Common Cockroach Species in Virginia and North Carolina
Three types of cockroaches are especially common in our area. Being able to tell them apart can help you figure out which one might be in your home—and how serious the problem could be.
American Cockroaches
These are the big ones—flat, oval-shaped, and up to two inches long. They’re rusty brown with a yellow figure-eight pattern on their backs and have wings they use to fly. If you’ve spotted a giant roach zooming across the room, it’s probably an American.
German Cockroaches
Much smaller than Americans, German roaches top out around half an inch. They’re tan or light brown with two dark stripes running down their backs. While they do have wings, they rarely fly. These are one of the most common indoor roaches—and also one of the hardest to get rid of without professional help.
Oriental Cockroaches
Also called water bugs, Oriental roaches grow to about an inch long. They have shiny, dark bodies and a preference for damp places. Like the others, they have six legs, antennae, and wings—but you’re more likely to find them crawling than flying.
Why It’s So Important to Spot the Signs Early
Cockroaches aren’t just gross—they’re a legitimate health hazard. They can spread more than 30 different kinds of bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. On top of that, their shed skins, saliva, and droppings can trigger allergic reactions and asthma, especially in children and older adults.
The sooner you spot the signs of a roach infestation, the better chance you have of stopping it before it causes serious issues for your family.
Top Signs You Might Have Cockroaches
Seeing Live Roaches
This one’s obvious—if you see a live roach, especially during the day, you probably have a larger infestation than you realize. Because they’re nocturnal, roaches typically stay hidden during daylight hours unless overcrowding pushes them out into the open.
Droppings
Cockroach droppings vary by species, but they all point to an active infestation. You’ll often find them behind appliances, in cabinets, or under sinks.
- American cockroach droppings look like small, dark cylinders.
- German roach droppings resemble tiny black pepper specks.
- Oriental cockroach droppings look like ground black pepper flakes.
Smear Marks
In humid areas, cockroaches can leave behind dark, greasy smear marks along walls, baseboards, and surfaces where they travel frequently. These marks are made from the oily secretions on their bodies and waste.
Musty Odor
A strong, musty smell—kind of like damp towels left too long in the washer—can signal a large infestation. The odor comes from cockroach pheromones and gets stronger the more roaches you have.
Egg Cases (Ootheca)
Female roaches produce egg cases called oothecae, which vary by species:
- American roach oothecae are dark brown capsules and can hold up to 16 eggs.
- German roach oothecae are small, light brown, and may contain up to 50 eggs.
- Oriental roach oothecae are reddish-brown and carry up to 16 eggs.
Finding these in your home means roaches are reproducing and the infestation is growing.
Shed Skins
Roaches shed their skins as they grow. Finding these pale, dry casings around your home—especially in hidden corners—is another clue that roaches are active and multiplying.
Chewed Paper or Damaged Food Packaging
Cockroaches will eat just about anything, including paper and cardboard. If you notice holes or gnaw marks in food packaging, books, or other paper goods, it could be a sign they’ve been snacking nearby. Other pests can cause similar damage, so it’s worth taking a closer look.
Where Cockroaches Like to Hide
Roaches are experts at staying out of sight. Here’s where to check if you’re suspicious:
- Behind refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers
- Under sinks and around plumbing
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Behind baseboards and inside wall voids
- In closets and storage areas
- Under furniture
- In bathrooms, laundry rooms, and utility closets
- Anywhere dark, warm, and humid
If you find droppings, shed skins, or egg cases in any of these spots, you’re likely dealing with a roach problem.
What to Do If You Spot the Signs
If you’ve noticed even one or two of these warning signs, don’t wait—cockroach infestations tend to get worse quickly. Your best move is to call Four Seasons Pest Control. Roaches are tough to eliminate without the proper tools, products, and experience.
In the meantime, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of a future infestation:
Clean Regularly:
- Wash dishes promptly
- Wipe down counters and clean up crumbs
- Sweep or vacuum often
- Keep your pantry clean and food sealed in containers
- Take out the trash regularly
Control Moisture:
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets
- Use dehumidifiers in damp rooms
- Make sure bathrooms are properly ventilated
- Improve outdoor drainage to prevent excess moisture around your home
Seal Entry Points:
- Patch cracks in your foundation and siding
- Install weatherstripping around windows and doors
- Seal gaps around utility lines and pipes
When to Call a Professional
As soon as you suspect roaches are in your home, give us a call. At Four Seasons Pest Control, our Basic Pest Control plan includes protection against cockroaches and over 25 other common household pests. We don’t just treat your current pest problem—we provide year-round service to make sure your home stays pest-free.
Our home pest control services are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel confident your home is in good hands. Whether you need help now or want to prevent future problems, we’re just a phone call away.
Let’s get rid of those roaches—fast. Call Four Seasons Pest Control today.
