How do cockroaches manage to invade even the cleanest homes? As one of the most resilient pests, these unwelcome guests can cause major problems for homeowners and business owners alike.
I’m Dan “The Bug Man” Latini, owner of Dan Can Home Services in New Jersey, and I’ve seen firsthand just how tricky cockroach infestations can be to control. With years of experience in the pest control industry, and knowing why cockroaches thrive in our homes is important to preventing them from taking over your space.
Cockroaches are a common problem that many of you have reached out to me about. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about these bugs and how you can safeguard your home from them.
Types of Cockroaches Found In New Jersey and Their Impact on Homes and Buildings
North America is home to about 70 different species of cockroaches, though most prefer living in nature. However, certain species like German Roaches, American Roaches, Smokey Brown Roaches, Oriental Roaches, and Brown-Banded Roaches are more commonly found in urban environments, where they invade homes and businesses.
These pests carry more than 30 types of bacteria, parasites, and pathogens, which can make people sick. Beyond physical health, the presence of cockroaches can take a mental toll, bringing stress and embarrassment due to the stigma associated with infestations.
In commercial settings, especially restaurants or food services, the presence of cockroaches can be devastating, not only leading to bad reviews but potentially shutting down operations until the problem is resolved.
Where Do Cockroaches Hide?
Cockroaches are thigmotactic, meaning they prefer tight, confined spaces where they feel contact on both sides of their bodies. Their favorite hiding spots are cracks and crevices in cabinets, furniture, and appliances—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Basements and floor drains are other common hiding spots, especially if there’s excess moisture.
One particularly sneaky hiding place is inside corrugated cardboard boxes. Cockroaches, particularly German Roaches, love these, and it’s possible to unknowingly bring roaches into your home via shipping boxes or even food containers.
Common Misconceptions About Cockroaches
One of the most common myths I hear is: “I have a clean home, so I can’t get roaches!” While keeping a clean house is essential for pest prevention, it doesn’t make your home immune to cockroaches. Cockroaches are opportunistic and can thrive in environments with excess moisture, making your home attractive even if there’s no clutter or trash.
Cockroaches can enter homes through sewer line breaks, antique furniture, or even on clothing and belongings brought in by visitors. The possibilities are endless, and no home is 100% safe without proper protection.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
The earliest signs of a cockroach infestation can be subtle. Here’s what to watch for:
- Roach droppings: These look like black pepper or coffee grounds and are often found on countertops or in cabinets.
- Musky odor: This unpleasant smell becomes more pronounced as the infestation grows.
- Molted skins: Cockroaches shed their skins as they grow, leaving behind hollow exoskeletons.
- Egg sacs (ootheca): These bean-like structures can house dozens of future roaches.
If you spot any of these signs, the infestation may already be significant, and the cockroaches are likely multiplying fast.
DIY Cockroach Control: What You Can Do
In New Jersey homes and businesses, cleanliness is key, but it’s not enough to prevent all pest problems. Here are some things you can do to stay ahead of cockroaches:
- Inspect packages at the door before bringing them inside.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in your basement.
- Regularly pour water into floor drains to keep pests from entering through dry plumbing.
- Cap old or unused drains to prevent roaches from coming up into your home.
For commercial spaces, proper maintenance of food areas and regularly sealing cracks or entry points is essential.
Do Natural Remedies Work?
You may have heard about using diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or essential oils to get rid of cockroaches. While these methods can help reduce activity, they usually don’t eliminate the problem entirely. When dealing with roaches, time is critical—trying to DIY for too long only gives them more time to reproduce, putting your home and health at greater risk.
I always recommend calling a New Jersey pest control professional, like myself, to get the problem taken care of quickly and effectively.
When to Call an Exterminator
If you see one roach, you might not have a serious problem, but it’s always best to photograph it for proper identification. However, if you see baby roaches, or find signs like droppings, molts, or egg sacs, it’s time to call an exterminator. This means there is likely breeding happening, and the infestation could quickly get out of hand.
Choosing the Right Pest Control Company
When choosing a pest control company, I always recommend shopping locally. Many of the larger, nationwide pest control companies don’t have the time to give every client the attention they deserve. Instead, find a family-owned business near you that takes the time to provide personalized care. We are passionate about what we do, and we’ll go above and beyond to ensure your home is safe and pest-free.
Professional Cockroach Treatment Options
Cockroach treatment usually involves both mechanical and chemical solutions. Mechanical fixes can include improving sanitation, sealing entry points, and addressing moisture issues. Chemical treatments, when applied correctly, are safe for both homes and businesses. For customers throughout our entire New Jersey service area, we use low-toxicity solutions, ensuring that only the cockroaches come into contact with the treatment.
The key to effective treatment is thoroughness. If your provider isn’t inspecting and targeting the proper areas, the problem may persist.
Preventing Future Infestations
Ongoing maintenance is crucial to keeping cockroaches and other pests out of your home or business. Ensure your food is stored properly in airtight containers, inspect second-hand items before bringing them inside, and always address excess moisture in your home with dehumidifiers or drainage solutions.
At the end of the day, partnering with a trusted pest control professional is the best way to ensure your home or business stays safe from pests like cockroaches.
Got a pest problem? Remember, Who can? Dan Can!