Dealing with a cockroach infestation in your Orlando home? You’re not alone.
The warm, humid climate of Central Florida makes an ideal environment for roaches to thrive. Unfortunately, these unwanted critters aren’t just an eyesore—they can spread pathogens, contaminate food sources, and even trigger allergic reactions.
If you’ve noticed shed skins, droppings, or live cockroaches, it’s time to take action. Here are seven essential tips to help you eliminate a roach problem and keep your home pest-free.
Key Takeaways
- Getting rid of cockroaches takes a plan to remove them completely and stop them from coming back.
- Finding the roach type, cleaning up food and water, and sealing gaps helps stop infestations.
- Using traps, placing baits, and calling a pest control expert can remove roaches and prevent them from spreading.
- Keeping your home clean, sealing gaps, and scheduling pest control help stop cockroaches from coming back.
1. Identify the Type of Cockroach in Your Home
Not all types of roaches require the same treatment. Some of the most common cockroach species found in Central Florida include:
| Type of Cockroach | Description |
|---|---|
German Cockroaches | Small, fast-breeding roaches found near food and water. |
American Cockroaches | Large, reddish-brown roaches in damp areas like basements and sewers. |
Brown-Banded Cockroaches | Smaller roaches prefer warm, dry locations like cabinets and behind appliances. |
Smokybrown Cockroaches | Strong fliers that are attracted to lights at night in attics, sheds, and tree canopies. |
2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Cockroaches are always looking for food and water, so cutting off their access is key.
Store food in airtight containers, clean dirty dishes instead of leaving them in the kitchen sink, and keep pet food covered.
Fix leaks, dry out damp areas, and wipe down stoves and countertops regularly to eliminate crumbs and grease that could attract an infestation.
3. Seal Entry Points to Prevent a Roach Infestation
Cockroaches can squeeze through the smallest gaps, so sealing entry points is key to keeping them out.
Use caulk to close cracks around baseboards, plumbing, and other openings. Install door sweeps to block gaps under doors, cover vents and drains with fine mesh screens, and repair damaged window seals.
4. Declutter and Deep Clean to Remove Hiding Spots
Cockroaches can slip through tiny gaps, so sealing off their entry points is key to keeping them out.
Use caulk to close cracks around crevices, baseboards, plumbing, and other openings. Installing door sweeps helps block gaps under doors, while fine mesh screens over vents and drains add another layer of protection.
Check your windows too—damaged seals can give roaches an easy way inside.
5. Use Bait and Traps for Effective Roach Control
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a roach infestation, bait and traps can help. Gel baits are particularly effective against German roaches as they spread the poison back to the colony.
Sticky traps help monitor infestation levels of American roaches. They can identify high-traffic areas. Bait stations work well in kitchens and bathrooms where roaches are most active.
6. Contact a Pest Control Professional for Cockroach Removal
If you’re dealing with a severe cockroach infestation, it’s best to call an exterminator. A pest control company like Rowland Pest Management can provide targeted pest control services to eliminate roaches at the source.
We offer:
- Free inspection to assess your infestation.
- Customized roach control treatments.
- Professional sealing of entry points to prevent future infestations.
Our trained cockroach exterminators can handle even the toughest problems efficiently and safely.
Call us now for a free quote!
7. Keep Up with Cockroach Control Maintenance
Once you’ve gotten rid of roaches, the last thing you want is for them to come back.
Regular pest control treatments will help keep them away, especially in Central Florida, where roaches are a year-round problem.
Keep sealing entry points, eliminating food and water sources, and staying on the lookout for signs of a cockroach infestation, like droppings or shed skins.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re dealing with cockroaches, you might have some questions beyond just how to get rid of them. Here are some common concerns homeowners have about roaches.
How long does it take to completely get rid of cockroaches?
It depends on the infestation size and treatment used. Small infestations clear in days, but larger ones take weeks. Removing food, sealing gaps, and using bait help. Severe cases may need professional pest control for faster results.
Can cockroaches cause health problems for my family?
Yes, cockroaches carry bacteria like Salmonella, contaminate food, and trigger allergies. Their droppings and shed skin can worsen asthma, especially in children. Keeping your home clean, sealing gaps, and scheduling pest control treatments help reduce health risks.
What should I do if I see a single cockroach in my home?
One roach may mean more are hiding. Check dark spaces, clean up crumbs, store food properly, and fix leaks. Traps and bait help, but if roaches keep appearing, call a pest control professional.