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The American and German Cockroach: Persistent Pests in the Greater Charlotte NC Area

cockroach pest control killingsworth environmental charlotte nc

Cockroaches are no strangers to the Greater Charlotte area. With warm, humid summers, mild winters, and ample rainfall, Charlotte offers an ideal environment for these persistent pests to thrive.

Did you know it only takes a few cockroaches to start a major infestation? A single female cockroach can lay up to 240 eggs in her four-month lifespan. If you notice roaches scurrying around your kitchen or bathroom at night, it’s a sign there may be hundreds more hiding nearby.

Understanding the American Cockroach in Charlotte

Sometimes referred to as palmetto bugs, American cockroaches are one of the most common cockroach species found in Charlotte homes. Known for their resilience, these pests can survive up to four months without food and about two months without water.

Identifying Features

American cockroaches are larger than many other roaches, typically measuring between one and two inches. Their reddish-brown, flat, oval-shaped bodies allow them to slide through tight spaces, and they have a distinct straw-colored figure-eight marking on their backs. When disturbed, they may even take flight for short distances.

Health Risks of an American Cockroach Infestation

American cockroaches are more than just a nuisance—they are major carriers of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These pests contaminate food, trigger allergic reactions, and cause considerable distress for those dealing with an infestation. Studies show that American cockroaches can spread over 100 types of bacterial infections, including protozoan and worm-related diseases.

The German Cockroach in Charlotte

German cockroaches, smaller and lighter in color than American cockroaches, are another common sight in Charlotte. Measuring around ½ inch long, they can be identified by the two black stripes running from behind their heads. Like their American counterparts, they reproduce rapidly and pose similar health risks, spreading bacteria, worsening allergies, and contaminating food.

Stop Cockroach Infestations in Charlotte by Scheduling an Inspection Today

Despite differences in size and color, cockroaches share a few common traits: they quickly infest buildings, seek damp and dark areas, and spread infectious diseases like salmonella and E. coli. Cockroach droppings can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms, particularly in children and older adults.

For fast, reliable cockroach control in the Greater Charlotte area, call Killingsworth Environmental. Our experienced technicians will locate the source of your infestation and apply effective, targeted treatments to restore a safe, healthy environment for your family or business.

The American and German Cockroach: Persistent Pests in the Greater Charlotte NC Area

Bedbug inspection

How to Know if Your Hotel Has Bedbugs

Upon entering a hotel room, do you typically reach for the tiny toiletries, take a leap onto the bed, or perhaps start by inspecting for bed bugs? Knowing what to look for is essential. Anticimex Carolinas Service Manager Christian Tweed has shared valuable insights on identifying bed bugs in your hotel room and preventing them from hitching a ride back home with you. And if bed bugs do become an unexpected part of your vacation, remember that Clark’s Pest Control is here to assist!



Q&A with a Pest Professional


How do bed bugs get inside hotels?


Bed bugs are primarily hitchhiking insects as opposed to foraging ones, meaning that they get carried around on people’s clothes and belongings. Someone with an active infestation in their home can easily bring bed bugs to their hotel, but they can also be picked up during travel (airplanes, taxis, and rideshare services) and brought to a hotel room.


What do people misunderstand about bed bugs in hotels?


From a probability standpoint, all hotels will deal with bed bugs at some point in time. If you think about a bed bug’s method of travel, there’s literally nothing a hotel can do to stop them from being carried in. What I have realized is that luxury hotels are more likely to have an aggressive response to dealing with a bed bug case once it’s identified as they tend to have a higher quality of service and a reputation to protect. While this isn’t always the case, it has been my experience more often than not.

Got bedbugs? Call Clark’s at 866-781-4991 today!

What do you recommend travelers do when they get to their room to check for bed bugs?


Most hotel headboards hang directly on the wall. I start my inspection here before even looking at the bed itself. I have found bed bugs, their exoskeletons, and the telltale black stains they leave behind around the edges of or in the crevices of headboards. If the headboard looks clean, move on to looking over the pillowcases and comforter for any signs or stains. You can dig into the bedding as deep as you want here, but I encourage people to look over the top layer of things at the very least.


What are some lesser-known signs of bed bugs in your hotel room?


The specifics of the black stains they leave behind, which as gross as it sounds, are just digested blood as that’s all that bed bugs feed on. If the stains are on a hard surface, they will be small dots as if left behind by an ink pen and will smear into a brownish gray when moisture is applied. If they’re on fabric, they will usually bleed along the fibers making a small diamond, square or X shape.


If there are bed bugs in your hotel room, can they travel home with you?


They absolutely can, however this is easy to prevent. While staying in a hotel, keep as much of your clothing and luggage off the beds as possible. Storing suitcases in the bathroom might sound odd, but it’s an effective method of prevention.

Don’t tackle bedbugs yourself, call Clark’s at 866-781-4991!

What should you do with your suitcase if you suspect your hotel has bed bugs?


When arriving home from a trip, leave your luggage in the garage or on a porch and bring your clothes in one load of laundry at a time. If the clothes are dirty, wash them like you normally would, if they’re clean then run them through the dryer for at least forty-five minutes. Once your suitcase is empty, vacuum over it meticulously (don’t forget to empty the vacuum when you’re done), or if you’re in the right climate, expose it to heat for a few days by placing it in your vehicle (parked in the sun) or for a few weeks in your attic.


The Clark’s Solution


If you brought bed bugs back to you home, Clark’s is here to help. Our Bedbug Control service is designed to eliminate bedbugs and create a safe, comfortable environment.


A Clark’s Pest Professional will do an inspection and recommend a plan of attack to get rid of bed bugs now and prevent them from hatching in the future. Call Clark’s at 866-781-4991 today for more information.



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