A cockroach in the kitchen at night usually means more are hiding nearby, and the right fix depends on which kind it is. Some cockroaches live and breed inside the house; others live outdoors in water meter boxes, drains and leaf litter and wander in. Cal Termite & Pest Control identifies the species first, then treats where they actually hide, for homes and businesses across Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties from our offices in Ventura, Woodland Hills and Santa Barbara.
Which cockroach do you have?
The University of California Statewide IPM Program lists five cockroaches as the common pests in California (UC IPM Cockroaches Pest Note). The two groups need different treatment:
Indoor cockroaches
- German cockroach. About 1/2 inch long, light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head. It is the most common indoor cockroach in California and lives in kitchens and bathrooms, close to food, water and warmth. The female carries her egg case, with about 30 young inside, until it is almost ready to hatch, so German cockroaches multiply faster than any other pest roach. Small roaches seen in the kitchen during the day often point to a large population.
- Brownbanded cockroach. Also about 1/2 inch, with light bands across the body. Much less common. It prefers warmer, drier spots away from the kitchen: inside electronics and appliances, behind pictures, and in furniture.
Outdoor cockroaches that come inside
- Turkestan cockroach. A newer invasive species that UC IPM says is replacing the oriental cockroach in Southern California. Females are dark with cream-colored edges; males are smaller and tan. They live in water meter boxes, cracks in concrete, compost, leaf litter and potted plants.
- Oriental cockroach. About 1 1/4 inches and nearly black. Likes cool, damp places such as garages, drains and ground cover like ivy, and tends to stay on the ground floor.
- American cockroach. The largest, about 2 inches and reddish brown. Lives in sewers, storm drains and meter boxes and comes in through drains, damaged pipes and gaps under doors.
Why cockroaches are worth dealing with quickly
UC IPM notes that indoor cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces, and that their droppings and shed skins are a source of allergens linked to asthma in children. American cockroaches that travel between sewers and homes can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning. Small German cockroach problems are much easier to clear than large ones.
How we treat cockroaches
- Free inspection. We look under and behind appliances, inside cabinets and under sinks, around the water heater, in the garage, and outside in meter boxes, drains, planters and ground cover. We use sticky monitoring traps to confirm the species and see where activity is heaviest. You get a written quote.
- Baits and dusts where they hide. Following the UC IPM approach, we rely on gel baits and bait stations placed in cracks and crevices near where they hide, and on dusts in wall voids and under appliances. We do not use foggers or bug bombs, which can scatter cockroaches into other rooms without killing them.
- Outdoor treatment for outdoor species. For Turkestan, oriental and American cockroaches we treat the meter boxes, drains, planters and other places they breed outside, and point out the gaps where they get in.
- Follow-up. Baits take about a week or more to reduce the numbers, so we come back to check the traps and re-treat where needed. If cockroaches come back after treatment, we come back free.
How you can help
- Store food in sealed containers and keep trash in cans with tight lids.
- Wipe up crumbs and spills each night, and do not leave pet food out overnight.
- Fix dripping faucets and leaks under sinks; cockroaches need water as much as food.
- Clear clutter such as stacked paper bags and cardboard boxes, especially in the kitchen and garage.
- Outside, keep ivy and dense ground cover away from the foundation, and add door sweeps to exterior doors.
- Do not spray store-bought insecticides near our baits; sprays can make cockroaches avoid the bait.
Common questions
Do I need to leave the house?
No. Gel baits and dusts go into cracks, voids and under appliances, not sprayed across rooms, so you can usually stay home. We tell you what we used and where.
How soon will I see fewer cockroaches?
Baits work slowly on purpose, so cockroaches carry them back to where they hide. Expect fewer within about a week, with follow-up visits for German cockroaches until the traps stay empty.
What affects the cost?
The species, how large the infestation is, the size of the home, and whether it is an apartment or a business with shared walls. We give you a written price after the free inspection.
Why homeowners call Cal Termite for cockroaches
- Free inspection and a written quote before any work starts.
- Same-day service is available.
- Free come-backs if cockroaches return after treatment.
- Local offices in Ventura, Woodland Hills and Santa Barbara.
- Award-winning pest control, rated 5 stars by 750+ customers.
Related services: Pest Control Services | Ant Control | Rodent Control | Commercial Pest Control