Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests on Earth, having survived for over 300 million years. In American homes, they represent both a serious nuisance and a genuine health hazard. The EPA identifies cockroach allergens as a significant trigger for asthma, particularly in children — studies show that cockroach allergens are present in 63% of U.S. homes.

The two most common species in U.S. homes are the German cockroach and the American cockroach. German cockroaches are small (about half an inch), tan with two dark stripes behind the head, and are the primary indoor species. They reproduce extremely fast — a single female can produce up to 400 offspring in her lifetime. They prefer kitchens and bathrooms and are most commonly introduced through grocery bags, packages, and secondhand items.

American cockroaches are much larger (1.5-2 inches), reddish-brown, and often called "water bugs" or "palmetto bugs." They prefer basements, crawl spaces, and sewer systems. While less likely to infest kitchen areas, they can enter homes through drains and foundation cracks.

Cockroaches are nocturnal — if you see them during daylight hours, it typically means the infestation is severe enough that hiding spots are overcrowded. They carry bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus, contaminating food and surfaces they contact. Their droppings, shed skins, and saliva all contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

A critical factor in cockroach control is that over-the-counter aerosol sprays often make the problem worse. Sprays scatter cockroaches to new areas of the home and create pesticide-resistant populations. Gel bait and boric acid, properly applied by professionals, are far more effective because cockroaches carry the bait back to the colony.