Are Roaches A Problem In Virginia? (Yes—Here’s What Local Homeowners Need to Know)

Cockroaches are unfortunately a year-round problem in Virginia, particularly in areas such as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and the broader Hampton Roads region. While many species inhabit our state, only a few commonly invade homes, and when they do, they bring odors, contamination, and considerable frustration.

To keep things simple (and help you protect your home), this guide breaks down the roach species you’re most likely to see, what attracts them, the role moisture plays, how to prevent them, and when to call in a local expert.

What This Article Covers

• The most common cockroaches that invade Virginia homes
• Key facts every homeowner should know about Virginia roaches
• What attracts roaches to your home (inside & out)
• Why crawl space moisture control is critical in Hampton Roads
• Additional roach prevention steps you can take today
• How to spot early signs of an infestation
• Professional cockroach control options from Getem Services

The Most Common Cockroaches in Virginia Homes

Only three roach species typically invade Virginia homes:

German Cockroaches

Small, tan, with two black stripes. These are the indoor roaches; if you see one, there are more hiding nearby.

American Cockroaches

Large, mahogany-colored, sometimes called “palmetto bugs.” They often start outdoors but wander inside when conditions are right.

Oriental Cockroaches

The dark brown or shiny black cockroaches have a beetle-like appearance. They prefer damp, cool areas, such as crawl spaces and utility rooms.

5 Facts Every Virginia Homeowner Should Know About Roaches

These quick facts help explain why roaches seem to show up overnight and why they’re so hard to eliminate on your own:

1. Roaches need moisture
   Even the “dry-tolerant” species are drawn to damp soil, humid rooms, and leaky plumbing.
2. Their diet is surprisingly broad
   Hair, dead bugs, crumbs, glue, even wallpaper paste—if it smells like food, it’s food.
3. They’re nature’s cleanup crew
   That’s why they gravitate toward trash, organic debris, and decay.
4. Filthy environments attract them—but clean homes aren’t immune
   Even small moisture pockets or hidden crumbs can support a roach population.
5. They pick up harmful pathogens
   As they travel from place to place, roaches pick up and spread harmful pathogens. That’s why prevention and early detection matter.

What Attracts Roaches to Hampton Roads Homes?

Roaches invade for three things: moisture, food, and shelter. Here are the biggest attractants around Hampton Roads properties:

Outdoor Conditions That Invite Roaches

• Damp soil from clogged gutters or poor drainage
• Leaky spigots, AC drip lines, and damaged outdoor plumbing
• Leaf piles, mulch buildup, dead branches, and dense landscaping
• Open or dirty trash cans
• Compost areas that are too wet or not mixed properly
• Woodpiles or stored items left directly on the ground

Roaches thrive in tight, shaded environments, so any place that is dark and has moisture can become a magnet for these vile insects. 

Why Crawl Space Moisture Control Matters in Hampton Roads

Homes in our region often have vented crawl spaces, and these crawl spaces stay humid most of the year. That’s a perfect recipe for roach activity.

Moist crawl spaces create:

• Condensation on wood
• Softening or early stages of wood rot
• Easy entry points
• A year-round supply of moisture

Getem Services provides crawl space moisture control solutions that help eliminate these conditions:

How Moisture Control Helps Prevent Roaches

• Encapsulation blocks roaches (and other pests) from accessing the space.
• Humidity control reduces the dampness they need to survive.
• Moisture prevention protects wood, reducing structural gaps where pests enter.

Bonus benefit: Moisture control also protects your home from termites, which thrive in the same conditions that roaches love.

Additional Prevention Tips to Keep Roaches Out

Moisture control is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Here are other ways to proactively reduce roach activity:

Sanitation

• Keep counters, floors, and sinks free of crumbs or standing water.
• Rinse recyclables before storing.
• Empty trash regularly and use sealed outdoor bins.

Outdoor Maintenance

• Cut grass regularly and trim heavy vegetation.
• Clear leaf debris and remove clutter around the home.
• Store firewood away from the structure.

Home Sealing & Pest-Proofing

• Seal gaps around pipes, wiring, vents, and utility penetrations.
• Install weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Repair torn screens or broken door sweeps.
• Keep your kitchen clean. 

Combined, these steps can help reduce your home's attractiveness to roaches.

How to Tell If You Have Cockroaches

Roaches are excellent at hiding, so early signs are subtle. Here’s what to watch for:

What Roaches Look Like

• German roaches: small, tan, with two dark stripes
• American roaches: large, mahogany-colored, with a yellowish edge to the thorax
• Oriental roaches: shiny black or dark brown, often with reduced wings

Evidence of Roach Activity

• Black pepper-like droppings
• Chewed edges on paper, cardboard, or clothing
• Shed skins
• Oothecae (egg capsules)
• A musty, unpleasant odor in cabinets or basements

Use a flashlight to inspect dark, tight spaces, such as under appliances, bathroom vanities, utility closets, crawl spaces, and behind refrigerators.

Professional Cockroach Control in Hampton Roads

You don’t have to wait for a full infestation to get help. Preventive treatments and routine services offer year-round protection from roaches and other pests.

Getem Services’ Home Pest Control Includes:

• Quarterly pest treatments
• Spider web removal
• Wasp nest removal (up to one story)
• Exterior pest protection
• Indoor treatments when needed
• Installation and upkeep of rodent stations, if necessary

Our locally owned and family-operated team utilizes proven strategies to eliminate current roach activity and prevent new problems from developing. And when you sign up for our year-round home pest control services, we’ll make sure cockroaches and other common household pests don’t have the opportunity to infest! 

Get Reliable Cockroach Protection—Before They Take Over

If you're worried about roaches, noticing activity, or want to prevent infestations before they start, contact Getem Services today. Our team proudly serves Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the entire Hampton Roads region.

Get a free quote, fast answers, and long-lasting protection from a trusted local pest control company.