Cockroaches

Why cockroaches show up

Cockroaches need warmth, moisture and food, and the South provides plenty of all three. They are most active at night, so many homeowners do not realize there is a problem until they flip on a kitchen light and see one scatter. By then there are usually many more hiding out of sight.

They arrive in a few predictable ways. German cockroaches hitchhike inside grocery bags, cardboard boxes, secondhand appliances and luggage. American cockroaches come up through drains and sewer lines, in from mulch beds and woodpiles, and under gaps at doors, especially after heavy rain or a hot, dry spell. Once inside, a leaky pipe, a greasy stovetop or a bowl of pet food gives them a reason to stay.

Common species in Alabama and Georgia

German cockroaches are small, tan and found almost entirely indoors, mostly in kitchens and bathrooms. They reproduce quickly and are the hardest to clear. American cockroaches are large, reddish-brown and often called palmetto bugs or water bugs. They live outdoors and in sewers but wander inside. Smokybrown cockroaches are dark and glossy and favor warm, humid spots such as attics, gutters and tree holes. Oriental cockroaches, which are dark and sluggish, like cool damp places such as crawl spaces and drains.

How we treat cockroaches

The right approach depends on the species, so identification comes first. For German cockroaches the inspection means looking behind and under appliances and inside cabinets, wherever moisture and food sit close together. For American and other outdoor species we also check drains, crawl spaces, mulch and the building exterior.

Roaches carry treatment back to where they shelter, so placement matters more than volume. We put it where they hide, feed and travel, plus the openings they use to get in, then follow up to check results. Recurring service helps keep outdoor species from moving back inside.

Prevention tips

• Store food in sealed containers and take out the trash daily.
• Clean grease and crumbs from stovetops, toasters and behind appliances.
• Fix leaky pipes and dry out sinks and tubs at night.
• Check boxes and bags for roaches before bringing them inside.
• Seal gaps around pipes, doors and baseboards, and add door sweeps.
• Keep mulch and firewood away from the foundation.
• Pick up pet food and water bowls overnight.