Keep Smokybrown Roaches Out: Essential Fall Tips for North Carolina Homes
As November brings cooler, crisper weather to North Carolina, you’re probably looking forward to cozying up indoors. But you’re not the only one seeking shelter from the cold. Smokybrown roaches are on the move, and your warm, comfortable home looks like the perfect winter vacation spot for them.
You shouldn’t have to share your space with these uninvited guests. We’re here to give you the rundown on why you might be seeing more of these roaches and what you can do to keep them out. Let’s make sure your home stays a roach-free zone this fall.
Why Are Smokybrown Roaches Moving In?
Unlike some other roach species that prefer to live indoors full-time, Smokybrown roaches typically thrive in the humid, warm outdoors. You’ll usually find them in places like mulch beds, woodpiles, and gutters. So why are they suddenly trying to get into your house?
A Search for Warmth
As temperatures drop, Smokybrown roaches start looking for a warmer place to ride out the winter. They are not built for the cold, and your heated home provides the ideal refuge. They’ll find their way into attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids to escape the chilly weather.
The Need for Moisture
These roaches need a lot of moisture to survive. As the autumn air becomes drier, they are drawn to damp areas. Leaky pipes, humid basements, and condensation in attics can all create the perfect environment for them to thrive indoors.
Getting to Know the Smokybrown Roach
The Smokybrown roach is a large, dark brown or mahogany-colored roach with long wings that extend beyond its body. They are strong fliers and are often attracted to lights at night, which can lead them right to your home.
Unlike German cockroaches, they aren’t primarily looking for your kitchen scraps. Their main goals are shelter and moisture. Because of this, you might not see them out in the open very often. Instead, they prefer to hide in dark, undisturbed areas.
Your Guide to Smokybrown Roach Prevention
Ready to put out the “No Vacancy” sign for roaches? A few proactive steps can make a huge difference in protecting your North Carolina home.
Seal Up Entry Points
This is your first and best line of defense. Take a walk around the outside of your home and look for any cracks or gaps.
- Check around windows, doors, and where utility lines enter the house.
- Seal any openings you find with caulk or weather stripping.
- Make sure your attic and crawl space vents are covered with a fine mesh screen.
Reduce Moisture and Humidity
Making your home less hospitable is key.
- Fix any leaky faucets, pipes, or AC units immediately.
- Ensure your gutters are clean and draining properly, so water doesn’t pool near your foundation.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
Tidy Up Your Yard
Your yard can be a staging ground for a home invasion.
- Move firewood, leaf piles, and compost bins at least 20 feet away from your house.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your roof or siding, as roaches can use these as bridges.
- Keep mulch at least a foot away from your foundation.
You have enough to do this fall without worrying about pests. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure your home remains a comfortable and pest-free environment.
If you’re already seeing Smokybrown roaches or suspect you have an infestation, it’s time to call for backup. You shouldn’t have to deal with pests on your own. Contact a pest control professional today for a thorough inspection and a plan to get your home back to being just for you and your family.