Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Household Insects · Pest guide

Cockroaches control

German, American and Oriental roaches: where they hide and the baits that end an infestation.

Start here: German Cockroaches When to call a pro

Cockroaches at a glance

Scientific name
Order Blattodea
Size
1/2 to 2 inches (13–50 mm)
Appearance
Flat, oval, fast-running; long antennae; brown to black
Where found
Under sinks, behind fridges and stoves, drains, basements
  • Health riskHigh
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When cockroaches are active Peak: May–Sep
  1. Jan Active
  2. Feb Active
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Active
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Active
  12. Dec Active

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Pepper-like droppings or smear marks
  • Egg cases (oothecae) behind appliances
  • A musty, oily odor
  • Roaches seen in daytime, a sign of a large population

Call a professional when

  • German cockroaches persist after 2 to 3 weeks of baiting
  • Roaches spread into several units or rooms
  • Anyone in the home has asthma triggered by allergens
How to choose a pest control company

Safety first

Cockroach allergens are a known asthma trigger, especially for children.

Cockroaches: removal guides

1 guide

Step-by-step plans to get rid of a pest, from DIY methods to professional treatment.

German cockroach, Blattella germanica
German cockroach

Cockroaches · Removal

German Cockroaches: How to End an Infestation

· 1 min read

Keep cockroaches out

  1. Fix dripping taps and dry sinks overnight
  2. Seal gaps around pipes and cabinets
  3. Keep food and garbage sealed
  4. Cut clutter such as cardboard and paper bags

Often confused or found together

All household insects
Ants Trails in the kitchen, mounds in the lawn and carpenter ants in damp wood. Silverfish Moisture-loving insects that eat paper, glue and starch. Centipedes Fast house centipedes are a sign of damp and of other insects to eat.
Photo credits

Thank you to Oliver Ren, Nahushraj and Syrio for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0