Cockroach Control in Arcadia, CA

Cockroaches found in Arcadia

German cockroaches

Small, tan, with two dark stripes behind the head. They live indoors in kitchens and bathrooms and breed fast. Usually brought in with groceries, used appliances or boxes. The one that needs professional treatment most often.

American cockroaches

Large, reddish-brown, sometimes called water bugs. They live in sewers, storm drains and outdoor planters and wander indoors through drains and gaps, especially on hot nights.

Oriental cockroaches

Dark, almost black, and slow. They prefer cool, damp places like crawlspaces, under leaf litter and around water meters.

Turkestan cockroaches

An outdoor roach now common across Southern California, found in irrigation boxes and block walls. Males are often seen at porch lights.

Signs of a roach problem

• Live roaches in the kitchen or bathroom, especially at night.
• Small black specks that look like pepper in cabinet corners or behind appliances.
• Egg cases, which are small brown capsules, in drawers and cabinet hinges.
• A musty, oily smell with heavy German cockroach infestations.
• Shed skins near hiding spots.

Why German cockroaches need a professional

A German cockroach female can produce several egg cases in her life, each holding dozens of eggs. Many populations are resistant to common store-bought sprays. Spraying also drives roaches deeper into walls, where they spread to other rooms or neighboring units in condos and apartments.

How we treat cockroaches

1. Inspection

   Call (626) 555-0142. The technician identifies the species and finds where roaches are living: behind the fridge, under the sink, inside cabinet hinges or in drains.

2. Gel baits and bait stations

   Small dots of gel bait go into cracks where roaches hide. Roaches eat it and spread it to others in the group.

3. Insect growth regulator

   A growth regulator stops young roaches from becoming adults that can breed, which breaks the cycle.

4. Exterior and drain treatment

   For American and Oriental roaches, treatment focuses on the outside perimeter, planters, water meters and drains.

5. Follow-up visit

   German cockroaches almost always need a follow-up in two to three weeks to deal with roaches hatching from eggs.

Keeping roaches out

• Do not leave dishes or pet food out overnight.
• Fix leaks under sinks and around the dishwasher.
• Check grocery boxes, used appliances and furniture before bringing them in.
• Seal gaps around pipes under sinks.
• Keep drains covered or run water regularly in rarely used ones.
• Clear leaf litter and mulch away from the foundation.

Cockroach FAQ