Common Types of Cockroaches That Infest Homes & Businesses in Northeast PA

Cockroaches are fast, sneaky, and incredibly resilient, making them one of the toughest pests to eliminate in homes, restaurants, hotels, warehouses, and more. Once they’re inside, they reproduce quickly. And the sight isn’t just unsettling; it’s also a great cause for concern, as these pests contaminate food and trigger allergies with their droppings and shed skin. They even have the potential to carry dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and surface contamination.

While there are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, just a handful tend to be problematic in our region. The most common culprits you might encounter in homes and businesses across Northeast PA include the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. Each has its own habits, but all are incredibly resilient and capable of thriving indoors if given the opportunity. The good news is that our residential and commercial pest control services target each of these roach types.

German Cockroaches

These small, light brown insects prefer warm, humid environments and are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms. They breed rapidly, with a single female capable of producing thousands of offspring in her lifetime, and can easily hide in tiny cracks and crevices.

American Cockroaches

Also known as “palmetto bugs,” American cockroaches are one of the largest species found in the region. These reddish-brown roaches are typically found in basements, crawl spaces, drains, and sewer systems. Unlike their German counterparts, American cockroaches can fly short distances, and their size alone can be alarming to encounter.

Oriental Cockroaches

Sometimes mistaken for waterbugs, Oriental cockroaches are dark brown to black and are often found in damp, cool environments like basements and floor drains. They are less agile than other types of roaches but emit a strong, musty odor and are known carriers of harmful bacteria.

Our Approach to Cockroach Control in NEPA

Controlling an infestation of cockroaches requires more than just a spray can and a prayer. In fact, these pests are notorious for their adaptability and survival skills and can often outlive sprays you buy in the store. Instead of wasting your time and money on ineffective and potentially harmful products, turn to our professionals. We take a comprehensive, science-backed approach to roach removal in Hazleton, PA, and will make sure not a single bug is left behind.

Thorough Inspection

We inspect every inch of your property, identifying the specific cockroach species you’re dealing with and locating entry points and nesting sites. In this way, we can create a highly targeted treatment strategy.

Targeted Treatments

Once we understand the full scope of your infestation, we use industry-leading products to eradicate the problem. Our treatment plans often include environmentally safe insecticide sprays that are carefully applied to high-activity areas like baseboards, under appliances, and around plumbing. We may also strategically place roach baits in out-of-sight locations, such as cracks, crevices, and behind cabinets. These gel baits are designed to attract cockroaches so that they will then carry the poison back to their nests.

To further monitor activity and support our treatment efforts, we may set up glue traps in key spots throughout the property. These traps allow us to keep track of remaining roaches, measure progress, and determine whether follow-up visits are needed.

Follow-Up Monitoring

We don’t stop after the first round of treatment. Our team provides ongoing monitoring and follow-up pest control services to make sure the infestation has been completely eradicated. We’ll also give you customized prevention tips to reduce the chance of future roach activity.

Signs You Need to Hire a Roach Exterminator in Hazleton, PA

Cockroaches are masters at hiding, and by the time you see one, it’s likely that many more are already taking over the cracks and crevices in your home. So, how do you know when it’s time to hire the best exterminator for roaches? Don’t wait to give DCS Pest Control a call if you:

• See cockroaches during the day or multiple times a week near sinks, in pantries, or in the basement or crawlspace.
• Find roach feces (which resemble black pepper or coffee grounds) near baseboards, under appliances, or inside cabinetry.
• Spot dark smear marks along walls or floors.
• Smell a strong, musty odor.
• Discover shed exoskeletons or brown, oval egg casings in corners, behind furniture, or in kitchen drawers.
• Notice an uptick in allergies or asthma attacks in the home.
• Find chewed cardboard packaging or tainted food in your pantry.

Tips for Preventing Future Roach Infestations

While our integrated pest management solutions are effective at eliminating existing roach infestations, it’s beneficial to adopt a few new habits to deny these pests access to what they crave most: food, water, and shelter. Here are a few practical ways to make your space less inviting to roaches:

• Keep food sealed and stored in airtight food storage containers.
• Clean spills and crumbs immediately.
• Take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Fix leaking pipes and reduce moisture in crawl spaces or basements.
• Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around your foundation, windows, and doors.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.