The Cockroach Chronicles: What You Need to Know About These Unwanted Guests
Cockroaches. Just the word alone can make your skin crawl! These resilient little creatures have been around for millions of years, thriving in the toughest conditions. But when they invade your home or business, they’re more than just a nuisance—they can be a real problem. So, let’s break it down and talk about the types of cockroaches you might encounter, where they hide, common misconceptions, and most importantly—how to get rid of them!
Believe it or not, there are over 4,500 cockroach species worldwide. The good news? Only a handful actually infest homes and businesses. These pests fall into two main categories:
Domestic Cockroaches – These guys are homebodies, spending their entire lives indoors. The most common offender? The German cockroach. If you’ve had a roach problem in your home, chances are it was one of these.
Peridomestic Cockroaches – These roaches live mostly outdoors but can (and will) invade your home when the conditions are right. Examples include the American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and Wood cockroach.
Some roaches, like the American and Oriental species, love storm drains and sewers and might enter through open pipes or dried-up drain traps. Wood cockroaches, on the other hand, are drawn to home lights in the fall and can easily be mistaken for German cockroaches. The key difference? Wood cockroaches can’t reproduce indoors, making them more of an annoying visitor than a long-term problem.
If you’re dealing with German cockroaches, check areas near moisture—under sinks, behind dishwashers, inside cabinets, and around refrigerators. They love tight spaces where their bodies can touch both sides of a crack or crevice (a behavior called thigmotaxis).
American and Oriental cockroaches aren’t as picky about moisture, so you might find them coming up from basement floor drains or traveling between apartments using plumbing lines and wall voids. They’ll even settle in expansion joints beneath concrete slabs.
One of the biggest misconceptions? “Once you have cockroaches, you can never get rid of them.” That’s not true! The problem is that many store-bought pesticides aren’t effective anymore because roaches have built up resistance. Some products, like bug bombs, can actually make things worse by driving cockroaches deeper into hiding. But with the right tools, baits, and techniques, professional pest control can eliminate them for good.
Seeing a roach – If you spot one, there are probably more hiding nearby.
Droppings – Looks like black pepper or coffee grounds near cracks and crevices.
Smell – Large infestations give off a musty, sweet odor that’s hard to miss.
Yes, to an extent. If you want to try tackling the issue yourself, here’s what you should do:
Deep Clean – Remove food crumbs, grease, and moisture sources.
Use Gel Baits – These are highly effective, as cockroaches will eat the bait and spread it to others.
Apply Dusts – Products like diatomaceous earth or silica dust work well in voids and cracks.
Avoid Bug Bombs – They often drive cockroaches deeper into walls, making them harder to eliminate.
Vacuum Roaches – If you flush them out, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag outside.
Diatomaceous earth and silica dust can be effective if used correctly. Some plant essential oils kill roaches on contact, but they’re highly repellent, which means cockroaches might just move to another part of your home instead of dying off.
If you see roaches during the daytime, that’s a red flag—meaning you likely have a serious infestation. If DIY methods don’t reduce activity within 30 days, it’s time to call in the experts. Professionals have specialized tools and products that work far better than what’s available to homeowners.
Check for Licensing & Insurance – Look up the company on your state’s pesticide licensing agency website.
Look for Quality Pro Accreditation – This certification from the National Pest Management Association ensures high standards.
Read Online Reviews – Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.
Ask Questions – Find out what their treatments involve and if you need to take any precautions.
Aerosolized Materials – Applied into cracks and crevices where roaches hide.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) – Stop roaches from reproducing.
Dust Injections – Help eliminate roaches inside wall voids.
Multiple Bait Formulations – Professionals use different baits to ensure effectiveness, even if roaches have developed resistance.
Want to keep roaches out for good? Here’s what you can do:
Keep It Clean – Cockroaches love food residue and grease.
Fix Leaks & Moisture Issues – Roaches thrive in damp environments.
Use Glue Traps – Place them under sinks and in hidden areas to detect early infestations.
Seal Entry Points – Use silicone or synthetic sealants to close gaps and cracks.
Be Cautious with Cardboard Boxes – Roaches love to hide in them, so don’t leave takeout containers sitting around.
Report Issues if You Live in an Apartment – The sooner an infestation is addressed, the easier it is to control.
Cockroach infestations can be frustrating, but they’re not impossible to control. Whether you go the DIY route or call in the pros, acting fast is key. Stay vigilant, keep your home clean, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if things get out of hand.