You walk into the kitchen late at night, turn on the light, and there it is. A big, reddish-brown cockroach scurrying across the floor like it owns the place. It’s unsettling. And if you’ve seen one, there are probably more hiding nearby.
These pests are American cockroaches, also known as “palmetto bugs.” They’re big and persistent. Getting rid of them can feel like a never-ending battle. But with the right steps, you can take back control of the infestation in your home.
We will walk you through what these roaches are, how to spot them, and how to get rid of American cockroaches. If you decide to seek professional help, Alta Pest Control goes beyond quick fixes to find out where pests are coming from and give long-term relief with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
What Are American Cockroaches?
American cockroaches are reddish-brown insects that can grow up to two inches long. They’re one of the largest types found in homes. Some of them can fly short distances, though they usually prefer to run.
Young ones, called nymphs, start out gray-brown and darken as they grow. If you’re seeing roaches that look especially large compared to what you’d expect, there’s a good chance they’re American cockroaches.
They love warm, damp places: basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, under sinks, and even sewer lines. But when they get hungry, they’ll wander far from their nests. That’s why you might find roaches in your kitchen, pantry, or laundry room.
The big problem? They multiply fast. They’re not just annoying, they can carry bacteria that contaminate food and surfaces. So, taking action quickly is key.
How To Know If You Have an American Cockroach Infestation
Spotting one roach doesn’t always mean you’re dealing with a full infestation, but it’s definitely a sign to start checking. Here’s what to look for:
- Seeing roaches: If you spot large, reddish-brown bugs during the day, that usually means the infestation is already serious.
- Droppings: These look like tiny black pepper grains.
- Egg cases: These are oval and brown and often found behind furniture or along baseboards.
- Musty smell: A strong, unpleasant odor can be a sign of a bigger problem.
- Shed skins: Roaches molt as they grow. If you find translucent shells, you’ve likely got company.
How To Get Rid Of American Cockroaches
1. Cut Off Their Food and Shelter
Roaches move in when they find easy meals and cozy spots to hide. Start by making your home less welcoming to them
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down counters, sweep floors, vacuum carpets, and don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight.
- Seal Food: Store food in airtight containers, and keep pet food stored away when not in use.
- Fix Leaks, Cracks, and Gaps: Take care of dripping faucets and leaking pipes as well as cracked windows and gaps in doors and walls. Apply caulk or sealant to close gaps or holes. Ensure doors and windows close snugly.
- Declutter: Remove piles of paper, cardboard, or clutter where cockroaches can hide.
- Take Out Trash: Empty garbage cans frequently and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Remove debris like old boxes, stacks of paper, and dead leaves from around your property.
2. Set Traps and Use Baits
Once your home is less roach-friendly, it’s time to fight back. Traps and baits help control the population and let you see how bad the problem is.
- Sticky Traps: Place non-toxic sticky traps in areas where cockroaches are active, such as under sinks or behind appliances. These traps help gauge the severity of the infestation.
- Bait Stations: Use gel or bait stations containing slow-acting insecticides. Cockroaches consume the bait and carry it back to their nests, killing others in the colony.
Just remember to keep traps and bait out of reach of pets and small kids. Check and replace them often. For better results, use traps alongside other strategies.
3. Safe Use of Insecticides
Insecticides are effective but can pose health risks if not done carefully.
- Residual Sprays or Aerosol sprays: Apply sprays in cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots. Avoid spraying near food preparation areas.
- Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): IGRs disrupt cockroach reproduction, preventing nymphs from reaching adulthood.
- Dusts: Dust insecticides are useful for targeting cracks, crevices, and voids where roaches hide. Sprinkle boric acid or diatomaceous earth behind baseboards, around water pipes, and in wall voids. When roaches walk through them, it damages their shells and dehydrates them.
Always follow instructions on the label. Wear gloves or a mask, and if you’re unsure, it is always a good idea to contact a professional.
4. Natural Remedies
Want to avoid chemicals? Natural options can help, especially for small problems:
- Essential oils: Mix peppermint or eucalyptus oil with water and spray it around roach-prone areas.
- Baking soda and sugar: The sugar lures them in. The baking soda kills them.
- Bay leaves, cucumber slices, and catnip have some repellent properties.
While natural remedies are safer, they are often less effective for large infestations. Use them as a supplement to other methods or for prevention.
Outdoor Application for Reducing American Cockroaches
Roaches often live outside and sneak inside looking for food or when it rains. Treat the area around your home to keep them out.
Create a barrier: Spray a 3–6 foot wide band of insecticide around your home. Focus on doors, windows, vents, and pipes.
Use granular treatments: Spread these in mulch beds, under shrubs, or near woodpiles. They help stop roaches before they get inside.
Some outdoor sprays dry clear. Others leave a residue. Both can work when used properly.
Indoor Tactics That Work on American Cockroaches
Inside, focus your efforts on where roaches hide or enter.
- Spray insecticide in corners, on baseboards, and near plumbing fixtures.
- Place bait stations under sinks, behind toilets, and near appliances.
- Apply dust in cracks, outlets, or tight wall spaces.
- Avoid spraying your whole home. It’s better to target key areas where roaches gather.
When to Call a Professional
DIY methods are helpful, but they don’t always solve the root cause of a cockroach problem. If you:
- Continue to see roaches after treatments
- Notice worsening infestations
- Have young children, pets, or allergies in your home
- It may be time to call in the experts.
At Alta Pest Control company, we don’t just kill the bugs you see. We track down the cause and act fast, and our work comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If the roaches come back, we will too.
How to Prevent American Cockroaches From Coming Back
Getting rid of roaches is one thing. Keeping them gone is another. Here’s how to make your home permanently unattractive to American cockroaches:
- Maintain cleanliness: Regular vacuuming, deep cleaning, and no food left out
- Store food properly: Airtight containers only
- Fix leaks fast: Roaches can’t survive long without water, so fix the leaks and do moisture control for pests.
- Schedule regular pest inspections: Alta Pest Control offers quarterly pest services with 100% satisfaction guaranteed, so you’re never caught off guard again
- Stay on top of clutter: Paper, boxes, and cluttered storage areas are ideal hiding spots
- Use outdoor perimeter treatments: Keep roaches from migrating inside during hot or rainy weather.
Consistency is key. Even small slips can give these pests the opportunity to come back.
Conclusion
Getting rid of American cockroaches takes patience, but it’s totally doable. Clean up, block their entry points, and use smart treatments to break the cycle.
And if you need extra help, Alta Pest Control is just a call away. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan and keep your space pest-free long-term.
Start small. Stay consistent. And don’t be afraid to get a little help when you need it.
Reach out to Alta Pest Control at 866-201-7787 and let us help you get rid of american cockroaches!
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