How to Identify and Get Rid of Roaches

Protect your home or business from cockroaches by learning techniques for identification and control.

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Types of Cockroaches

What do cockroaches look like?

Cockroaches can measure over 50 mm (2 in) length, with tropical species tending to be larger than those found in other climates. Cockroaches have six legs, two antennae and some even have wings. However, most winged cockroaches are not particularly adept at flying. With flat, oval-shaped bodies, these pests are often oily to the touch and may be cool or warm, depending on the temperature of their environment. Cockroaches in the house are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from many over-the-counter insecticides and are elusive when it comes to cockroach traps. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, pest control for cockroaches can be a losing battle.

  • Albino Cockroach

  • American Cockroach

    Periplaneta americana

  • Asian Cockroach

    Blattella asahinai

  • Australian Cockroach

    Periplaneta australasiae

Cockroach Treatment

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

What Orkin Does

While a cockroach infestation is one of the most common pest problems, it’s also one of the most stubborn. Since every home is different, an Orkin Pro can design a unique cockroach treatment program perfect for your needs.

Getting rid of roaches and keeping them out of your home or building is an ongoing process, not a one-time treatment. Orkin’s exclusive Points of Service is a continuing cycle of 5 critical steps that provides an effective strategy for pest control of roaches and other pests.

  • We Investigate: We’ll inspect your home from top to bottom, inside and out, for current or potential cockroach problems.

  • We Protect: We’ll treat the perimeter of your structure with the appropriate materials, remove all accessible cockroach nests and use the safest methods available.

  • We Fortify: We’ll do everything we can to keep roaches out--seal, caulk, plug, and secure gaps and cracks.

  • We Keep Watch: We’ll treat the interior of your home and install pest monitors in critical areas such as kitchens, baths, utility rooms, and garages.

  • We Report: We’ll always provide a detailed report of services rendered and recommendations to help keep your home free of cockroaches and other pests.

  • We Follow up: We’ll stay in touch between our regularly scheduled visits and respond to any immediate needs.

Orkin's roach exterminators can provide the right solution for a cockroach infestation to keep roaches in their place… out of your home or business.

If you believe you have identified a cockroach infestation within your home or business, contact your local Orkin branch to discuss inspection and customized solutions.

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 FAQs

  • People often blame a cockroach problem on poor housekeeping. While cleaning floors, kitchens, and bathrooms is useful and very important to reduce food sources used by cockroaches, they may get inside and cause an infestation for other reasons. These pests can hitch a ride on infested items brought inside, get indoors via cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior, enter through drains or sewer pipes and a few species of cockroaches can fly inside when attracted to lights. Read about cockroach infestation signs.

  • The length of time it takes to rid your home of a cockroach infestation depends largely upon the species and size of the infestation. Many over-the-counter products that homeowners utilize often prove ineffective against a cockroach infestation. These pests are extremely adaptable and may even be resistant to some DIY cockroach extermination methods.

  • Cockroaches can wreak havoc on your home. To win the war in cockroach control, here’s what you should know:

    • Entry: Cockroaches can enter your home in many different ways, from the outside through cracks and crevices, vents, sewer and drain pipes. We even bring them in on products like grocery bags, boxes, purses and on our person!

    • Ideal Environment: Your home is an ideal breeding ground for certain pest species of cockroaches. With plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, they can remain active all year round.

    • Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly. For every one you see there can be many, many more hiding and multiplying behind your walls.

    • Evasiveness: Because cockroaches typically are nocturnal, if you’ve seen one, you probably haven’t seen them all. The few cockroaches you see by day could mean they were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.

    • Allergies/Asthma: The debris created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.

    • Do it yourself ineffectiveness: Cockroaches are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from many over-the-counter insecticides. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle.

  • Cockroaches might taint your food with E. coli and Salmonella, and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals by their cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies, and droppings. Read more about the dangers of roaches and infestations.

  • Cockroaches live almost anywhere that food, water, and shelter are available which can include everything from cabinets under sinks to inside or under garbage cans, or near food prep areas. Learn more.