Common Signs of Cockroaches
- Live roaches at night, especially near sinks, stoves and drains
- Small dark droppings that look like pepper or coffee grounds
- Egg cases (oothecae) behind appliances or inside cabinets
- A musty, oily odor in heavily affected areas
- Shed skins along baseboards and under furniture
Potential Risks and Damage
- Cockroaches can contaminate food and surfaces they crawl across
- Their droppings and shed skins are known asthma and allergy triggers
- Populations can grow quickly because females produce many eggs
- Roaches spread between units in apartments and shared buildings
When to Get Professional Help
- You see roaches during the day, which often signals a larger population
- Sprays and baits haven't reduced activity after a few weeks
- You find egg cases or droppings in several rooms
- Someone in the home has asthma or allergies
What to Expect When You Contact a Provider
- Questions about where and when you've seen roaches
- An inspection of kitchens, bathrooms and other likely harborage areas
- A treatment plan that may include baits, growth regulators or crack-and-crevice treatments
- Possible follow-up visits, since roach control often takes more than one treatment
Prevention Tips
- Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills daily
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes; roaches need water
- Seal gaps around pipes, outlets and baseboards
- Take out trash regularly and keep lids closed
- Reduce clutter such as cardboard boxes and paper stacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get rid of cockroaches on my own?
Small problems sometimes respond to sanitation and baits, but established infestations often need professional treatment because roaches hide deep in walls and appliances.
How long does cockroach treatment take?
It varies by species and how widespread the problem is. Many providers schedule a follow-up visit to confirm the population is under control.
Does PestXpertz treat my home?
No. PestXpertz is a free service that connects you with independent pest control providers. The provider you speak with performs any inspection or treatment.
Other Pest Control Services
PestXpertz is a free service that helps connect homeowners with independent, third-party pest control service providers, subject to availability. We do not perform pest control services ourselves and are not affiliated with the service providers. All services are provided by independently owned and operated businesses.