🪳 What Are Those Small Brown Roaches in Your Kitchen? (German Cockroaches Explained)
- rick59539
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
If you’ve noticed small brown roaches darting across your kitchen or bathroom when you turn on the light, you’re not alone. These are most likely German cockroaches, one of the most common (and frustrating) pests in South Carolina homes.
Even spotless homes can have them. These tiny roaches multiply fast, hide in hard-to-reach areas, and can be tough to eliminate without professional help. Here’s what homeowners in Lexington, South Carolina, should know about identifying, preventing, and getting rid of German cockroaches.
How to Identify a German Cockroach
German cockroaches are light brown or tan, with two dark stripes running down their backs. They’re small — usually about half an inch long — and move very quickly.
You’ll often find them in:
Kitchens: behind stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers
Bathrooms: under sinks or near drains
Laundry rooms: around water heaters or behind washing machines
If you spot one, there are probably many more hiding nearby — German cockroaches reproduce rapidly and prefer to live in groups.
Why Are German Cockroaches in My Home?
German cockroaches aren’t necessarily a sign of poor housekeeping — they’re experts at sneaking into homes. They often arrive through grocery bags, cardboard boxes, or secondhand appliances.
Once inside, they look for four things:
Food crumbs or grease
Warmth
Moisture
Harborage (A home)
They’re especially drawn to kitchens and bathrooms, where all four are easy to find. Even a small drip under a sink can be enough to attract them.
Are German Cockroaches Dangerous?
Unfortunately, yes. German cockroaches aren’t just unpleasant — they’re also a health risk.
They can:
Spread bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli
Trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children
Contaminate food and utensils with droppings and shed skins
If you’re seeing roaches during the day, it often means the infestation is already large.
How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches
Eliminating German cockroaches requires more than store-bought sprays. You need a comprehensive plan to remove every stage of the infestation — including eggs and hidden nests.
Here’s what we recommend:
Deep clean your kitchen and bathrooms.Remove grease, crumbs, and clutter — especially around and under appliances.
Seal entry points.Close gaps around plumbing, cabinets, and wall openings.
Fix moisture problems.Repair leaks under sinks and ensure good ventilation in bathrooms.
Schedule professional pest control.At Lamp’s Pest Solutions, we use targeted treatments that eliminate roaches at the source — not just the ones you can see.
Our treatments are safe for your family and pets, and we focus on long-term prevention to keep them from coming back.
How to Prevent Future Infestations
Once you’ve dealt with an infestation, prevention is key.Here are simple habits that make your home less inviting to German cockroaches:
Keep food in sealed containers
Take out the trash regularly
Clean up crumbs and spills quickly
Fix leaky pipes and remove standing water
Inspect grocery bags, boxes, and used appliances before bringing them inside
Consistent cleaning and professional monitoring go a long way toward keeping roaches out.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re seeing roaches during the day, notice egg cases (called oothecae), or keep finding droppings in drawers or under sinks — it’s time to call in help.
Lamp’s Pest Solutions has been helping Lexington homeowners protect their homes from pests since 2009. As a locally owned and operated company, we understand the specific pest pressures in our area and provide effective, honest service you can trust.
We don’t offer free inspections — but we do provide free consultations and quotes, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before we start.
🚨 Don’t Let German Cockroaches Take Over Your Lexington Home
German cockroaches won’t go away on their own — and every week you wait gives them time to multiply.
Call or text Lamp’s Pest Solutions today to schedule your free consultation or quote.We’ll identify the source, eliminate the infestation, and help you keep your home pest-free — for good.
📍 Lamp’s Pest Solutions 316 Corley Street, Lexington, SC 29072📞 (803) 414-0588🌐 https://www.lampspestsolutions.com/🪳
Locally owned and protecting Lexington homes since 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Cockroaches
What causes German cockroaches in my home?
German cockroaches are often brought in through grocery bags, cardboard boxes, or used appliances. Once inside, they thrive in warm, humid environments.
Are German cockroaches dangerous?
Yes. They spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and can worsen asthma symptoms. Their droppings and shed skins can also contaminate food and surfaces.
Do German cockroaches fly?
German cockroaches have wings, but they rarely fly. They prefer to run — and they’re very fast.
How fast do German cockroaches multiply?
A single female can produce up to 300 offspring in a year. That’s why infestations grow so quickly if not treated early.
Why do I only see roaches at night?
German cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active after dark. Seeing them during the day usually means there’s a large infestation.
Can I get rid of German cockroaches myself?
DIY sprays may kill a few visible roaches but won’t reach the eggs or hidden nests. Professional pest control is the most effective way to fully eliminate them.
What’s the best way to prevent German cockroaches?
Keep your kitchen clean, store food properly, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest control visits — especially during humid months.
How much does roach control cost in Lexington, SC?
Pricing depends on the size of your home and the severity of the infestation. Lamp’s Pest Solutions offers free consultations and quotes so you know what to expect before committing to service.
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