Cockroach Control – What You Should Know
Why they appear, what attracts them, and when to take action.
Seeing cockroaches at home is unsettling, but prevention and targeted treatment are possible.
Where Cockroaches Come From
Hitchhiking & Deliveries
Roaches often arrive inside grocery boxes, cardboard, used appliances/furniture, or tenant move-ins.
Entry points
They slip through gaps around pipes and drains, door thresholds, baseboards, and vents—especially where moisture is present.
Shared environments
In multi-unit buildings, roaches travel through wall voids and utility chases between kitchens and bathrooms.
What You Can Do at Home
- Nightly: wipe counters, sweep/vacuum crumbs, run/empty the dishwasher, dry sinks, and take out garbage.
- Store food (including pet food) in sealed containers; don’t leave dishes soaking overnight.
- Fix leaks and condensation; ventilate kitchens/bathrooms; insulate sweating pipes.
- Declutter—especially cardboard and paper bags (preferred hiding/egg-laying sites).
- Clean under/behind stoves, fridges, and microwaves to remove grease.
- Seal gaps: caulk baseboard edges, pipe penetrations, and cabinet wall openings; install door sweeps.
- Use sticky monitors along baseboards and behind appliances to track activity.
- Avoid heavy “bombs” or strong repellent sprays that scatter roaches and undermine baiting.
What Attracts Them to Homes
- Food availability: Crumbs, grease, residues on dishes, uncovered trash, pet bowls.
- Water & humidity: Leaks, wet sponges, standing water in plant saucers or sinks.
- Warm, tight harborage: Cardboard, cluttered cabinets, cracks near heat sources.
Why Cockroaches Are a Concern
Health & allergies
Roach allergens can trigger asthma and allergies—especially in children—and may contaminate food and surfaces.
Rapid breeding & spread
German cockroaches multiply quickly; one hidden ootheca (egg case) can seed a large infestation.
Hard to eliminate with DIY
They hide deep in cracks and can develop resistance; successful control needs the right baits, placements, and follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which species do I likely have?
German cockroaches (small, tan with two dark stripes) are common in kitchens/baths. Larger American/Oriental species often originate from drains or building basements. We identify on inspection.
Why do I still see roaches after I put out bait?
It’s normal for 3–10 days as activity concentrates at bait points. Avoid cleaning away bait or spraying over it; let it be carried back to nests.
Do I need to leave my home for treatment?
Typically no for bait- and crack/crevice-focused programs. We’ll advise re-entry timing if other methods are required.
How long until they’re gone?
Light infestations: noticeable reduction within 1–2 weeks, with follow-up in ~2–4 weeks. Heavy, multi-unit, or cluttered sites may need additional visits and building-wide coordination.
What should I do before the visit?
Clear access to sinks, stoves, fridges; bag excess cardboard; empty cabinet bottoms if we’re treating cracks; fix leaks and clean grease.
Will they come back?
We pair treatment with sanitation, moisture repair, and sealing. Ongoing monitoring and good habits (especially managing cardboard and night-time food/water access) keep them out.