Dealing with roaches can be a nightmare for homeowners. Over the years, I’ve seen countless infestations and helped many families reclaim their homes from these persistent pests.
In this article, I’ll share my insider knowledge on where roaches typically hide, the telltale signs of an infestation, and crucially, when it’s time to bring in the professionals. Drawing from my extensive experience in the field, I’ll guide you through the process of identifying and addressing a roach problem effectively.
How to Identify Cockroach Infestation
There are several telltale signs that you might have a cockroach infestation in your home, and here’s what to look out for:
A Different Smell
No one knows your homes smell better than you. Cockroaches can produce an unpleasant odor that’s not easily disguised.
Cockroach Droppings
If there’s not much water available for cockroaches, they’ll produce feces that are around 2 mm long and a brown/black color.
Skin Sheddings
Cockroaches shed their skin over seven times as they become a mature adult. You can usually find these sheddings where termites shelter.
Damage to Wooden Surfaces
Cockroaches eat through wood — including furniture and walls — so it’s common to identify signs of damage to your home’s interior and exterior. They might also attack leather materials, such as books.
When to Call an Exterminator for Roaches
If you notice any of the above signs of an infestation, you should act immediately and call a pest control company. The longer you wait, the worse the cockroach problem could become.
Should I Call an Exterminator if I See One Cockroach?
If you see one cockroach in your home, there’s a chance that others might be hiding in areas inside. However, there’s also the possibility that the insect might have wandered in from outside.
You should also consider whether you have signs of an infestation (like finding white cockroaches) before contacting cockroach control. Just one cockroach can breed in large numbers (tens to hundreds), so you should look for any other evidence that you have an infestation.
Where Cockroaches Typically Hide
There are several common places where cockroaches hide in houses.
Pipes
Pipes that travel through homes are often in dark areas, such as under sinks, and damp, making them the perfect place for cockroaches to live.
Regularly check these areas and amend any plumbing leaks to prevent roaches from wanting to access your pipes.
Furniture
Roaches commonly live and lay eggs in furniture, especially if found trapped in your sofa, for example.
You can prevent this from happening by regularly cleaning furnishings and inspecting furniture for egg casings.
Cracks
Another common place that roaches can hide is in nooks and crannies. Areas can include corners of the room, behind picture frames, and more.
Prevent an infestation by not storing any loose debris in your home and making sure that all cracks (such as in the walls and flooring) are sealed.
Kitchen Appliances
Behind kitchen electronics have become a common place for roaches to live as they’re a warm environment and offer an excellent food source.
Regularly wipe down kitchen appliances after each time and remove the trash to prevent attracting roaches.
How to Find a Cockroach Nest
Locate the root cause of an infestation by checking any/all of the areas mentioned above. If you notice any of the above signs of a roach infestation or spot several pests, it’s best to contact roach control immediately, as there could be more hiding in other areas of your home.
What Happens If You Don’t Kill Roaches
The most compassionate response to seeing a cockroach should be to let it outside. However, ignoring the pest and allowing it to roam around your home exponentially increases the chances of an infestation (if there isn’t already one).
How Exterminators Kill Roaches
Exterminators use various methods to kill roaches and stop an infestation in its tracks.
Gel Bait
Pest control services apply the gel baits method in all places where cockroaches might be living in your home, including cracks. This gel bait entices the cockroach, which means they eat it and die.
Boric Acid
This chemical has a dust-like consistency, and exterminators apply it to all areas in homes, along with cracks and crevices where cockroaches can live. When cockroaches walk along these surfaces, they become coated in boric acid, which stops them from moving, and they eventually die.
Hydramethylnon
This cockroach bait is only effective if cockroaches ingest it. Once they do, it disrupts a cockroach’s metabolic rate, resulting in death.
The Cost of Exterminators for Cockroaches
The price can vary between $100–400 for a single cockroach treatment. The bigger the infestation, the more pest control will cost you. You can also sign up for post-treatments to prevent cockroaches from returning.
Learn more about the cost of an exterminator for more information.
How Long Cockroach Extermination Takes
The duration of roach extermination depends on the severity of the infestation. It typically takes weeks to apply all of the cockroach baits and thoroughly check that the solutions effectively kill these common pests.
Once the exterminators have sprayed all of the products, you might be required to keep them out of a particular area in your home for the next day to allow the spray to dry.
How to Get Rid of Roaches Without an Exterminator
Here are some DIY home remedies to combat a roach problem without hiring a professional:
Citrus
This smells fresh to humans, but citrus can deter roaches. Simply add a couple of drops of lemon oil to some water, and use the solution to mop your floors.
Caulk Entry Points
The biggest solution to getting rid of roaches is to seal gaps and cracks where they can enter. Focus on areas that are prone to gaps, such as walls, tiles, window seals, and doors.
Baking Soda
Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar, and sprinkle the mixture where the roaches are active. The sugar will attract the roaches to eat it, and then they’ll ingest baking soda, causing their stomach to expand until it kills them.
Do Cockroach Traps Work?
Cockroach traps are sticky and can be very effective in catching these pests. However, they’re not considered humane. These traps are successful in stopping the pest from running out, but these shouldn’t be the only go-to in completely stopping an infestation.
How to Choose an Exterminator for Roaches
You now know when to call an exterminator for roaches, but how do you sift through the variety of exterminator services? Here are some factors to help you decide.
A Guarantee
You’ll have peace of mind if the exterminator’s company offers a satisfaction guarantee. This might look like offering a refund if the pests return within a certain amount of time.
Recommendations
Has a friend had a positive experience using an exterminator company? If so, consider spending your money with them. There might even be a reduced fee if someone recommends them to you.
Safety Procedures
Pest control handle a lot of chemicals, so it’s essential they remain safe on the job. Research how exterminators will kill cockroaches and how they’ll apply mixtures with proper caution and technique.
Professionalism
Finally, does the company professionally handle itself? They should have a working website, respond to correspondences within a responsible amount of time, and provide professional help to your queries.
How to Prevent Roaches From Returning
After dealing with countless roach infestations, I can tell you that prevention is key to maintaining a roach-free home. Here are some effective strategies I’ve seen work time and time again:
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s exterior and interior for cracks, gaps, and openings. Use caulk or appropriate sealants to close these potential entry points. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, windows, and doors.
- Maintain cleanliness: Roaches are attracted to food sources, so keep your kitchen clean. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean up spills immediately. Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight, and store food in airtight containers.
- Reduce moisture: Roaches need water to survive. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
- Declutter: Roaches love hiding in cardboard boxes and piles of paper. Minimize clutter and use plastic storage containers instead of cardboard when possible.
- Regular inspections: Conduct monthly checks of potential roach hotspots like under sinks, behind appliances, and in dark corners.
- Proper waste management: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and take out the garbage regularly.
- Natural deterrents: Some plants like bay leaves, cucumber slices, or garlic cloves can help repel roaches. Place these in problem areas as an extra line of defense.
- Maintain outdoor areas: Keep your yard free of debris and standing water, as these can attract roaches that may then make their way indoors.
- Professional maintenance: Consider scheduling periodic professional treatments, even if you don’t see roaches. This proactive approach can catch potential problems early.
Remember, consistency is crucial when it comes to roach prevention. By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant, you’ll greatly reduce the likelihood of these pests returning to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cockroaches before you call an exterminator?
There’s no magic number, but if you’ve seen more than one or two roaches in a short period, it’s time to consider professional help. Even a single roach can indicate a larger problem, as they’re typically good at hiding.
If you’re seeing roaches regularly, especially during the day, that’s a red flag. Don’t wait until you’re counting roaches by the dozen – early intervention is key.
When to be concerned about roaches?
Be concerned as soon as you spot one. A single roach can quickly turn into an infestation. Pay extra attention if you see roaches during daylight hours, as they’re nocturnal creatures.
This could mean their hiding spaces are overcrowded. Also, be wary if you notice a musty odor, see droppings, or find egg casings. These are all signs that it’s time to act.
Is pest control worth it for roaches?
Absolutely. DIY methods can help with small problems, but for a true infestation, professional pest control is invaluable. Exterminators have access to more potent treatments and can identify and treat hidden nests that homeowners might miss.
They also provide ongoing prevention strategies. When you factor in the health risks and potential damage from roaches, professional pest control is a worthwhile investment.
How long after extermination will I stop seeing roaches?
This varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the treatment used. Typically, you’ll see a significant reduction within a few days to a week.
However, you might continue seeing some roaches for up to two weeks as they come into contact with the treatment. If you’re still seeing live roaches after two weeks, contact your pest control provider for a follow-up treatment.
What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?
Key signs include:
- Seeing live roaches, especially during the day
- Roach droppings, which look like small, dark pellets
- A musty, oily odor
- Egg casings (oothecae) in hidden areas
- Smear marks where roaches travel along walls
- Dead roaches
- Shed skins as nymphs grow
- Damage to food packaging or books If you notice any of these signs, particularly in combination, it’s likely you’re dealing with an infestation and should consider professional help.
Final Thoughts
In my years of experience, I've learned that when it comes to roaches, early action is crucial. If you spot signs of an infestation, don't hesitate to call in the professionals. Remember, a roach-free home is achievable with the right combination of expert intervention and consistent prevention. Stay vigilant, act quickly, and enjoy your pest-free sanctuary.
