We’ve been seeing a lot of roaches inside of the houses in Virginia these days. Most of us have this belief that the presence of cockroaches means that you have a full scale invasion – that cockroaches love to live inside of homes, and that if you see them in the home, it means an invasion is either present or possible.

The good news is that this is not always the case. Many cockroaches are outdoor cockroaches, and so you don’t need to panic.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned.

Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Pests

There are many species of cockroach in Virginia. But most of them are *outdoor* cockroaches – especially, if not thankfully, the larger ones. For example:

• American Cockroach – The American cockroach, one of the most commonly recognized species, is large and reddish-brown. These cockroaches are typically found in warm, damp environments such as basements, sewers, and crawl spaces, so they *can* be inside of the home, but they’re usually there as visitors or in the parts of your property you access the least. While they can enter homes, they usually thrive outdoors in moist areas. If you spot an American cockroach inside your home, it’s often an isolated incident and does not necessarily indicate an infestation. However, it’s still wise to take preventive measures to ensure they don’t become regular visitors.
• Oriental Cockroach – Oriental cockroaches are dark brown to black and somewhat shiny. They prefer cool, damp areas like basements and drains. While they can occasionally be found indoors, they are less likely to invade living spaces compared to German cockroaches. If you see an Oriental cockroach, it typically suggests a need to address dampness or moisture issues in your home but is not usually indicative of a severe infestation.
• German Cockroach – On the other hand, the German cockroach is a smaller, light brown species with two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the wings. These cockroaches are highly invasive and reproduce rapidly, making them a significant indoor pest. They are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms where they have easy access to food and water. Seeing even a single German cockroach should raise your level of concern, as it could indicate a larger infestation. Immediate action is recommended to address the issue and prevent it from worsening.

It is the smaller and thinner cockroach, the German cockroach, that is the greatest concern. They are the ones that prefer to live indoors and can invade in very large numbers.

Why the Large Cockroaches Still Matter

Even though larger cockroaches, like the American Cockroach or Oriental Cockroach, are not invasive pests the way the German cockroaches are, their sightings still matter. That is because they are indicative of a larger problem – they mean that you have entrances that allow pests to enter – both other cockroaches and other pests.

So whether you frequently see cockroaches or spot a German cockroach, it’s time to act quickly. These situations often require more aggressive measures, including professional pest control services, to effectively manage and eliminate the infestation. If you need help with addressing cockroaches on your property, contact ExtermPRO today.