Cockroach eggs
Cockroaches lay ootheca – oblong, brown castings that house many eggs.
How to get rid of cockroaches
Protect your home or business from cockroaches by learning techniques for identification and control.
Quick facts
- Spotting the signs of roaches is the first step to determining the level of infestation.
- You could have a roach infestation at any time of year, even if you have a clean home
- Many DIY methods and home repairs will cause temporary relief, but do not fix the infestation fully.
- Roach control services are the most effective way to get rid of an active infestation and prevent future problems.
What are the signs of cockroaches?
Cockroach droppings
Roach feces can often look like specks of pepper, brown stains, coffee grounds, or oval pellets
Musty odor
Large infestations can create a noticeable smell due to their pheromone output, excrement, and other secretions.
Live or dead roaches
You’ll be most likely to see a roach at night when you enter a room and turn on the light.
Cockroach infestation in your home
Cockroach infestations can happen to anyone, even if you have a clean house. Roaches enter the home through cracks, crevices, vents, drains, and even open doors and are attracted to warm, dark, and sheltered places.
While cockroaches tend to be most prevalent in the springtime when it’s the wettest, you are susceptible to roaches year-round. Even in the winter. Having food or garbage out can be enough to draw roaches into your home, no matter where you live or the time of year.
Under the right conditions, they can multiply rapidly, leading to an infestation. Keep reading to see how DIY methods and home maintenance affect the likelihood of you fixing your cockroach problem.
Common hotspots
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- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
DIY roach control
When you see a cockroach in your house, the first instinct is to see how you can take care of the problem yourself. Most times, you may see early success, but most DIY roach solutions will temporarily provide relief, while the source of the infestation continues to grow. Here are common DIY solutions.
Cockroach Traps
Sticky glue traps catch roaches in high-traffic areas, helping you monitor activity and reduce populations over time.
Vinegar
A diluted white vinegar solution can clean surfaces and disrupt scent trails roaches use to navigate your home.
Electronic Repellent
Ultrasonic plug-in devices emit high-frequency sound waves designed to deter roaches from treated areas.
Roach Foggers
Bug foggers release pesticide mist throughout a room, reaching cracks and crevices where roaches hide.
FURTHER READING
Cockroach prevention tips
When you see a cockroach in your house, the first instinct is to see how you can take care of the problem yourself. Most times, you may see early success, but most DIY roach solutions will temporarily provide relief, while the source of the infestation continues to grow. Here are common DIY solutions.
Seal entry points
Close gaps around doors, windows, and foundation.
Clean dirty surfaces
Wipe down dirty surfaces, remove hiding places on the floor
Remove their food
Crumbs, spills, and open pet food are a buffet for roaches.
Inspect items
If moving in storage boxes & packages, inspect carefully before bringing inside.
Home Maintenance Tips
When DIY methods fail, fixing your home is the logical next step. Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, and shelter, so fixing these areas of your home is a starting point. However, if you have an active infestation, their may not always be enough. Check out the repair tips in our common house hotspots.
Common hotspots
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- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur cdolor col adipiscing elit. Integer mattis nunc augue vel lacinia erat euismod ut. Sed eleifend tellus nonole tincidunt aliquet. Fusce aliquam mi felis.
Roach control services
The best option is a pest control service like Terminix that can help you get rid of the problem once and for all. Here’s what to expect in our professional service
Inspections
Your cockroach exterminator will thoroughly inspect kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other high-risk areas. We look for harborage sites, moisture sources, entry points, and signs of activity.
Treatment
Based on our findings, we'll implement a customized cockroach pest control plan using targeted baiting, barrier treatments, and dust applications as needed.
Prevention
Our treatment target the path and hiding spots roaches rely on, helping them from returning. Your technician will provide personalized tips on how to keep cockroaches away.