Cockroaches are mechanical transmitters of diseases including food poisoning, salmonella and E. coli. Evidence grows implicating German roach feces and “dander” in the increased incidence of asthma among children living in chronically infested apartments. In Northern California the most common species of cockroaches that we encounter are the German Cockroach and the Oriental Cockroach.

German roaches prefer warm, humid living conditions and can often be found indoors near food and water, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Adults are light brown or tan in color and about 1/2" long with two stripes running lengthwise behind the head. This species of cockroach has the highest reproductive potential of all roaches. The female can produce about 50 eggs at a time, and carries the egg capsule until they eggs are ready to hatch.

Oriental Cockroaches like dark and damp places, and live in moist areas around the yard and landscape. Often called a "water bug" they are commonly harbored in sewers and storm drains. Pavement cracks, water meter boxes, and landscape features can offer these nocturnal wanderers harborage during the day. An adult Oriental Roach is dark brown, almost black in color and 1" - 1 1/2" in length.

Our cockroach control and treatment methods focus on the roaches' hiding places. Baiting is the current gold standard for roach control in occupied homes. While baiting takes a week or two to control the problem, it gives a greater level of lasting control and uses less chemical. In addition to Killroy Pest Control treatment, it is important to combine proper sanitation and harborage reductions for effective cockroach control including the following tips:

• Store foods in air tight containers, not cardboard boxes or paper bags.  Use glass or Tupperware containers.

• Remove garbage bags daily and keep the storage area clean.

• Clean stovetops and ovens regularly, especially under burners where greasy residue collects.  Clean under and behind appliances.

• Keep dishes clean and avoid leaving spillage or food out.

• Seal cracks and openings around pipes and under sinks.

Request Cockroach Control Service

To request cockroach control service, please fill-out the form on our service request page and we will contact you ASAP to discuss your pest problem and schedule service. Or you can call us (toll free) at 1-(888)-KILLROY (545-5769), or (408) 378-0441 from the San Jose area.

* Photos courtesy of UNIVAR USA