Large Roaches

In southern homes with yards

• In warmer climates, large cockroaches tend to live outdoors.
• They are often found around the foundation of the home, near patios and porches, or under mulches, shrubs, and other plant material.
• Once inside, large roaches can be found hiding in dark, humid areas like laundry rooms, utility rooms, basements, garages, and crawl spaces, as well as anywhere they can find food.

In northern U.S. homes and apartments

• In cooler climates, large cockroaches can be found outdoors only in semi-warm areas like sewer systems and steam tunnels.
• Indoors, these pest can be found in storage areas, building basements, garbage collection areas, and in the kitchen searching for food.

• Large cockroaches come inside looking for food, water, and shelter, especially during very cold or hot weather.
• Large roaches are especially attracted to foods with sugar, starch, or grease. However, they will eat almost anything, including pet food.

• Some large cockroaches can pick up, carry and spread harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, to other surfaces that they walk across.
• Many people are scared or repulsed by roaches due to their unsightly appearance and smell.

Eliminate things that attract cockroaches

• Remove food spills and exposed food quickly, especially near appliances.
• Store food in sealed, air-tight containers.
• Keep your sink free of dirty dishes.
• Remove garbage regularly and tie the bag tightly.
• Toss out old boxes and newspapers that serve as good hiding places for roaches.
• Clean refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and toasters regularly. And don’t forget to vacuum under and behind these appliances to remove stray food particles.
• Keep food out of bedrooms and living rooms.
• Keep basements and storage areas dry as these pests are attracted to moisture.

Seal points of access to help keep small roaches out

• Caulk cracks and crevices where roaches can enter from the outside or neighboring units.
• Do not store items like firewood or other debris near the home as this can provide areas for outdoor roaches to hide and breed.
• Identify and repair indoor water leaks that provide moisture and high humidity that attract large cockroaches.

Avoid common control mistakes

• Do not place cockroach baits or gels on areas that have been sprayed with an aerosol or liquid insecticide. This is important because roaches traveling over sprayed areas will die before they have a chance to bring the bait back to the nest.
• Do not spray the bait with an aerosol or liquid insecticide or the cockroaches will not eat the bait.
• Be sure to remove competing food and water sources when using roach baits or gels, so the roaches are forced to eat the bait.
• Replace cockroach baits as instructed on the label or when they are completely eaten.
• Optimize roach control by placing more baits and positioning them closer to where the roaches hide during the day
• Remember to place cockroach baits around the access points of the home (entrances, openings, soffits, under steps, the garage) to intercept the roaches as they travel to and from the home.