General Pest Frequently Asked Questions

A single roach might let itself be seen inside a home or business, but it is highly unlikely to be the only one around. 

Roaches are primarily active at night and avoid open areas that are illuminated. They rarely live alone and have evolved to infest areas with food and shelter as a large breeding group.  If you see a single roach during the daytime, it likely means that its nest has grown to be large and crowded and it is moving around in search of a better hiding place or just more room.

Seeing one roach is no reason to panic, but it does indicate that a professional inspection and advice are needed ASAP.

Yes, cockroaches are capable of biting humans. The American Cockroach is more apt to do so than other species and has a particularly strong bite force. But the good news is, it's a rare occurrence. Cockroaches are not aggressive. When a bite happens, it is usually in a heavily-infested home, most likely while the person is sleeping. It's not because they view you as food but because you smell like something you've eaten. So, if you are prone to snacking in bed, eating in your pajamas, or don't brush your teeth before bedtime, you are increasing the likelihood of being bitten.

Roaches sometimes get inside despite our best efforts, but there are steps you can take to avoid them. Keep your home clean and decluttered, your trash covered tightly, and your food supplies in impenetrable containers. Don't keep newspapers or cardboard boxes, and check those boxes that come via delivery. Eliminate accessible water sources. The more you reduce attractants, the more you'll reduce the likelihood of infestation. Scent deterrents like natural peppermint oil may also help. And despite the temptation, avoid DIY bug bombs, which don't work well and can be a health hazard to humans.  

Many insects look alarmingly like cockroaches. Crickets look similar but are darker in color and make a distinctive chirping sound. June Bugs also look like roaches, but they are stockier and have a more arched, rounded body. Giant Water Bugs are often misidentified as roaches but are typically larger and usually only found around water. Many beetles can also be mistaken for cockroaches, such as the Asian Long-horned Beetle, which you can differentiate by its black coloring, white spots, and extremely long antennae that circle its body. Whenever you aren't sure, asking a pest control professional to identify the insect is your best bet.

The life cycle of a common pest like a cockroach typically begins with an egg stage. Female cockroaches lay oothecae (egg cases) containing multiple eggs. After a few weeks, nymphs hatch from the eggs. Nymphs go through several molting stages, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. The nymphs gradually develop into adult cockroaches. The entire life cycle from egg to adult can take several months, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Cockroaches are highly adaptable and can survive in various habitats. They prefer dark, damp, and warm environments with access to food and water. Regular cleaning and eliminating food sources are essential for effective cockroach control since they can rapidly reproduce and become a nuisance if left unchecked.