Types of Roach Issues We Handle

German roach infestations in kitchens and baths

German cockroaches are the most common interior roach pest in Tampa and arguably the most difficult to control. These small, light-brown roaches are hitchhikers that are brought inside on bags, boxes, or used appliances. They do not live outside. Once inside, they gravitate toward warm, humid areas like motor housings of refrigerators, dishwashers, and coffee makers. They reproduce faster than any other common roach species, meaning a minor issue can become a severe infestation in weeks.

What we look for during inspection:

• Activity around the dishwasher door seal and motor
• Droppings in the upper corners of cabinets
• Nesting sites behind electrical outlets on the backsplash
• Crack and crevice activity in pantry shelving

How we approach treatment:

We utilize a combination of non-repellent baits and insect growth regulators (IGRs). The bait draws the roaches out to feed, while the IGR sterilizes the adults and prevents nymphs from maturing. We focus on applying these treatments directly into the cracks and crevices where they hide, ensuring the product reaches the nest.

American roach and Palmetto bug invasions

The American cockroach, often politely called the Palmetto bug in Florida, is a large, reddish-brown insect that primarily lives outdoors. They thrive in the mulch, oak trees, and humid gardens common in neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Carrollwood. However, they frequently enter homes seeking water or food, or to escape heavy rains. While they do not infest kitchens the same way German roaches do, their large size and erratic flight make them a terrifying intruder.

What we look for during inspection:

• Gaps in weather stripping under doors
• Unsealed pipe penetrations under sinks
• Attic vents with torn screens
• Heavy mulch or leaf litter against the foundation

How we approach treatment:

Our strategy focuses on exterior exclusion techniques for pests and perimeter defense. We create a barrier around the home to stop them from entering. We also treat attics and crawlspaces where they may be nesting and advise on landscape changes to reduce moisture near the foundation.

Sewer and drain roach activity

In older parts of Tampa with aging infrastructure, roaches often use the sewer lines and drains as a highway into the home. American roaches are particularly fond of the humid, organic-rich environment of drains. They can emerge from floor drains, bathtub overflows, or unused sinks, bringing bacteria from the sewer directly into your living space.

What we look for during inspection:

• Dry P-traps in guest bathrooms or laundry rooms
• Gaps around the toilet base
• Broken or missing drain covers in garages or patios

How we approach treatment:

We treat the voids around plumbing penetrations and can apply specialized foam products to drains that coat the organic matter, eliminating the food source and the roaches. We also provide sanitation guidance on how to maintain drains to prevent future issues.

Roaches in multi-unit housing and condos

Condos and apartments in dense areas like Westshore face unique pressure. Roaches easily travel between units through shared plumbing lines and electrical chases. If a neighbor has a heavy infestation, it can spill over into your clean home. Controlling roaches in these environments requires a defensive approach that seals off your unit from the building’s common problems.

What we look for during inspection:

• Gaps where pipes enter shared walls
• Activity near the front door or shared hallways
• Roaches entering through ventilation systems

How we approach treatment:

We focus on pest proofing the entry points where utility lines enter your unit. We apply long-lasting dusts and baits in wall voids to intercept roaches attempting to cross over. We also work with property managers to address the source of the issue when possible.