Cockroaches are among the most revolting and resilient pests homeowners face across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. These hardy invaders can survive extreme temperatures, go without food or water for weeks, and even live for days without a head. Once roaches settle into your home, they can be incredibly difficult to remove—and their presence may signal larger issues.
At Viking Pest Control, we know the serious risks cockroaches pose to your health and home. In this article, we’ll help you recognize common cockroach species in our region, explain the dangers they bring, identify what draws them indoors, and, most importantly, how pest control for roaches can help to get rid of these repulsive adversaries for good.
How Can I Tell If It's Cockroaches?
Because cockroaches are highly resilient and reproduce rapidly, identifying them early is key. The two most common types found in the Mid-Atlantic region are American cockroaches and German cockroaches.
American cockroach: These are larger (1¼ to 2 inches long), reddish-brown in color, with a distinctive yellowish band behind their head.
German cockroach: Smaller (½ to ⅝ inch), tan to light brown with two dark stripes running down the back.
Both species have a flat, oval-shaped body, long antennae, and six legs. You may also notice:
If you’re seeing these signs, it's time to act.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Yes—cockroaches are more than just a nuisance. They’re known carriers of dangerous pathogens, including Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria picked up from sewers, decaying matter, and garbage. Roaches contaminate food and surfaces simply by crawling across them, and their presence can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, particularly in children.
Cockroach infestations should never be ignored—left unchecked, they can grow quickly and seriously compromise the health of your household.
Why Are There Roaches in My Home?
Roaches are highly adaptable and opportunistic. Some of the most common reasons they move indoors include:
Even a clean home isn’t immune—roaches can slip in through deliveries, plumbing, or shared walls in multi-unit buildings.
What Is the Best Method of Pest Control for Roaches?
DIY methods rarely solve the problem. Cockroaches are known for hiding in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids, behind appliances, and in plumbing. Store-bought sprays and traps might reduce visible numbers, but they don’t address the root cause—or the hidden population.
Professional cockroach control is the most effective solution. At Viking Pest Control, we’ve been helping homeowners across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland since 1980. Our local experts understand the species common to each region and use targeted, environmentally responsible treatments to eliminate infestations at the source.
We combine advanced cockroach extermination methods with preventive strategies to stop roaches from coming back. Whether you're seeing just one or dealing with a full-blown infestation, Viking has you covered.
Don’t wait until you see dozens—call Viking Pest Control today for a fast, free estimate and get cockroach control you can count on.