🪳 The 8 Types of Roaches Found in South Carolina (and How to Keep Them Out)

If you live in South Carolina, you’ve probably spotted a roach or two — maybe in your garage, under the sink, or on the back porch at night. Between the warm, humid weather and dense vegetation, our state provides the perfect environment for cockroaches to thrive year-round.

At Lamp’s Pest Solutions in Lexington, SC, we’ve helped thousands of Midlands homeowners keep these unwelcome pests out. Below, we’ll walk through the eight types of roaches most commonly found in South Carolina — what they look like, where they hide, and how to keep them out of your home.

🪳 Roach Identification Chart — South Carolina Species at a Glance

Cockroach Species	Typical Habitat	Indoors or Outdoors	Can Fly?	Common in SC?	Main Prevention Tip
American (Palmetto Bug)	Sewers, crawl spaces, basements	Mostly outdoors	✅ Yes	✅ Very common	Keep moisture low & seal entry points
Smokybrown	Trees, gutters, attics	Mostly outdoors	✅ Yes	✅ Very common	Trim branches & clean gutters
German	Kitchens, bathrooms	Indoors	🚫 No	✅ Most common indoors	Eliminate food & water sources
Asian	Lawns, mulch, gardens	Outdoors	✅ Yes	⚠️ Emerging	Reduce outdoor lighting near doors
Brown-Banded	Ceilings, electronics	Indoors	🚫 No	✅ Common	Reduce clutter & vacuum often
Oriental (Water Bug)	Basements, drains	Indoors	🚫 No	✅ Moderate	Fix leaks & dry damp areas
Wood Cockroach	Firewood, bark, shingles	Outdoors	✅ Males only	✅ Seasonal	Store wood away from home
Surinam	Potted plants, mulch	Outdoors	🚫 No	⚠️ Occasional	Check soil before bringing plants in

🪳 Source: Lamp’s Pest Solutions, Lexington, SC

1. American Cockroach (a.k.a. Palmetto Bug)

The American cockroach is one of the largest and most recognizable roaches in South Carolina, often called a palmetto bug by locals. These reddish-brown insects can grow over 1½ inches long and are frequently found in sewers, crawl spaces, and commercial kitchens.

Where You’ll Find Them: Basements, crawl spaces, drains, and boiler rooms.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal utility openings

• Fix moisture problems

• Keep drains and crawl spaces dry

2. Smokybrown Cockroach

The smokybrown cockroach loves the outdoors — especially humid, tree-covered environments. They’re strong fliers and often find their way indoors through attics, vents, and chimneys.

Where You’ll Find Them: Rooflines, gutters, tree canopies, and sheds.

Prevention Tips:

• Trim tree limbs and vegetation away from your home

• Clean gutters regularly

• Use weather stripping on doors and attic vents

3. German Cockroach

The German cockroach is the most common indoor pest in South Carolina — and one of the hardest to eliminate without professional help. They’re small (about ½ inch long), light brown, and reproduce incredibly fast.

If you’ve seen a few in your kitchen or bathroom, there’s likely an infestation hiding behind the walls or appliances.

Where You’ll Find Them: Kitchens, bathrooms, behind refrigerators, and near dishwashers.

Prevention Tips:

• Wipe down counters nightly

• Store food in airtight containers

• Repair water leaks promptly

💬 Local Tip:“If you’re seeing small, fast-moving roaches at night — especially near your stove or sink — call a professional early. German roaches multiply rapidly.”📞 Call Lamp’s Pest Solutions at (803) 414-0588 for expert control.

4. Asian Cockroach (Emerging in South Carolina)

The Asian cockroach looks almost identical to the German roach but behaves differently. Instead of hiding indoors, these roaches prefer outdoor environments — lawns, mulch, and shaded leaf litter. They’re also strong fliers and are attracted to light, often entering homes through open doors or windows at night.

Asian roaches are becoming more common in South Carolina’s coastal and southern counties, but have also been spotted in the Midlands.

Where You’ll Find Them: Yards, mulch, gardens, and areas near outdoor lights.

Prevention Tips:

• Reduce outdoor lighting near entryways

• Keep mulch and vegetation at least 1–2 feet from your foundation

• Use yellow “bug lights” outdoors to reduce attraction

5. Brown-Banded Cockroach

Smaller than most species, the brown-banded cockroach thrives in warm, dry environments — the opposite of many others. They’re often found high up, in ceilings, light fixtures, and behind picture frames.

Where You’ll Find Them:Inside electronics, upper cabinets, or behind artwork.

Prevention Tips:

• Vacuum regularly

• Store papers and cardboard off the floor

• Check electronics for signs of nesting

6. Oriental Cockroach (Water Bug)

Sometimes called a “water bug,” the Oriental cockroach prefers cool, damp environments like basements and crawl spaces. They move more slowly than other roaches but are extremely hardy.

Where You’ll Find Them: Under sinks, in drains, and around floor-level cracks.

Prevention Tips:

• Use a dehumidifier in basements

• Fix leaky pipes

• Keep foundation vents screened

7. Wood Cockroach

As their name suggests, wood cockroaches live outdoors in wooded areas. Males can fly toward porch lights, but they rarely establish infestations indoors.

Where You’ll Find Them: Firewood piles, mulch, and under bark or shingles.

Prevention Tips:

• Store firewood 20+ feet away from the house

• Avoid stacking wood directly against walls

• Seal gaps around doors and siding

8. Surinam Cockroach

The Surinam cockroach is a tropical species that has adapted to South Carolina’s warm climate. They’re often found in potted plants, mulch, and landscaping beds, and can accidentally be brought inside with garden materials.

Where You’ll Find Them:Flowerbeds, greenhouses, and potted indoor plants.

Prevention Tips:

• Check soil before bringing plants indoors

• Keep landscaping well-drained

Why Are There So Many Roaches in South Carolina?

Roaches thrive here for a few reasons:

• Year-round warmth and humidity support continuous breeding

• Dense vegetation and moisture provide ideal hiding spots

• Urban sprawl increases available shelter and food sources

If you’re seeing more activity after heavy rain or in summer, that’s normal — it’s peak breeding season for most species.

How to Prevent Roaches in South Carolina Homes

✅ Seal cracks, gaps, and vents

✅ Eliminate standing water and food crumbs

✅ Store pet food in sealed containers

✅ Trim shrubs and trees away from the house

✅ Keep mulch levels low near the foundation

✅ Schedule routine pest inspections with a trusted local expert

🔗 Related: Cockroach Control in Lexington, SC

Professional Roach Control in Lexington, SC

Even the cleanest homes can experience roach problems — especially in South Carolina’s climate. Whether it’s a few invaders or a full infestation, Lamp’s Pest Solutions can identify the species, locate the source, and design a safe, effective treatment plan.

We’re a locally owned and operated pest control company serving Lexington, Columbia, Irmo, and surrounding areas — offering dependable roach control with family-safe solutions.

📍 Lamp’s Pest Solutions316 Corley Street, Lexington, SC 29072📞 (803) 414-0588🌐 www.lampspestsolutions.com

🧩 FAQ: Roaches in South Carolina

Are Asian cockroaches common in South Carolina?

Yes — they’re becoming more common in southern and coastal counties, and sometimes appear around Lexington.

Are palmetto bugs really cockroaches?

Yes. The “palmetto bug” is just a local nickname for the American cockroach.

What’s the most common indoor roach?

The German cockroach is responsible for most indoor infestations in South Carolina.

Why do I see more roaches after rain?

Roaches flee flooded nests and move indoors for shelter. It’s common to see them in kitchens or bathrooms right after heavy rain.

Do Asian or German cockroaches bite?

No — they don’t bite humans. However, they can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and contaminate food surfaces.

What attracts roaches to clean homes?

Moisture, warmth, and easy hiding spots are the main attractants — not dirt. Even spotless homes can attract roaches if there are leaks or crumbs.

How can I tell the difference between a German and Asian cockroach?

They look nearly identical, but Asian roaches are strong fliers and are drawn to light. German roaches rarely fly and prefer dark indoor areas.

Do roaches in South Carolina fly?

Some do! American, Smokybrown, and Asian roaches are capable of flight,- though most only glide short distances.

Are roaches dangerous?

Yes — they can spread bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, and trigger asthma or allergies, especially in children.

When should I call a pest control company?

If you see more than one roach a week, or find droppings or egg cases, it’s time to call Lamp’s Pest Solutions. Early treatment prevents full infestations.