Who Should I Call to Get Rid of Roaches?

Stop roaches from encroaching on your home

Cockroach exterminator spraying house to get rid of roaches
Photo: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cockroach exterminator spraying house to get rid of roaches
Photo: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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Cockroaches are among the most notorious and resilient pests, and the thought of them in your home can feel overwhelming. It’s essential to know who to call to get rid of roaches and eradicate an infestation ASAP. 

These flat, oval-shaped insects have six legs, long antennae, and a reddish-brown or dark brown coloring. They’re fast-moving and tend to hide in dark, moist areas, often coming out at night, so you may not always see them, though that doesn’t make the notion of their presence less unsettling.

Aside from spotting the insects, common signs of a cockroach problem include droppings that look like black pepper, musty odors, egg casings, and smear marks along baseboards or countertops. If you’ve spotted these signs, here’s who to call to get rid of roaches.

Common roaches found in American households illustrated and compared, including German, Oriental, and Brown-banded

Benefits of Hiring a Cockroach Exterminator to Get Rid of Roaches

Despite your best efforts to get rid of cockroaches on your own, these strong and speedy insects can be quite the formidable opponent. They can survive in less than ideal conditions and are clever at hiding. Not to mention, their robust exoskeleton design can make them nearly indestructible against the bottom of your shoe or other DIY methods. 

Instead of contending with these pesky creatures, you’ll benefit greatly from hiring a local cockroach exterminator, especially when dealing with a severe infestation. A roach professional has the expertise, tools, and techniques to wipe out the infestation completely. Professional help can save you time, worry, health problems, and potentially money in the long run. 

How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Roaches?

The cost of hiring a roach exterminator averages between $100 and $600, though prices will vary based on factors like the size of your home, the severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment. For minor infestations, you can expect to pay between $100 and $400 per visit, while major infestations run from $300 to $700

Severe cases requiring intensive methods like tenting or fumigation can cost as much as $7,500. Still, despite the higher cost, eliminating roaches for good is well worth the investment, especially when dealing with recurring infestations or health concerns like asthma, allergies, or respiratory infections.

Can I DIY Cockroach Extermination?

Cockroach caught in glue trap
Photo: lassi meony / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Once roaches have invaded your home, it can be difficult to clear them out. However, there are measures you can take to kill cockroaches and prevent them from returning. Keep in mind that you will likely need to hire a cockroach professional to resolve major infestations, despite DIY removal attempts.

Natural Remedies for Roaches 

You can attempt to remove roaches using natural methods, such as putting out roach-repellant spices like citrus, bay leaves, and garlic. You can also contact spray cockroaches with a mixture of soap and water, but it won’t provide long-lasting or thorough results. Another option is to diffuse essential oils that repel cockroaches, such as tea tree and lavender.

Glue Traps

One effective way is to purchase glue traps. Traps can confirm the presence of roaches and assist in easily capturing them. It’s also helpful to identify the type of roach you’re dealing with. Different types of roaches may require different extermination strategies. 

Borax

You can kill cockroaches instantly using boric acid. Spread this sodium-based product in the areas where you’ve seen cockroaches, wait for them to track the substance back to the others, and then clean up and dispose of the carcasses. It’s important to note that Borax can pose health risks to pets and children, and you should avoid using it in common areas of your home.

Bait or Bait Stations

Another eradication method is setting up bait stations or gel bait to trap and kill roaches. The bait attracts cockroaches, they consume the poison, and then spread it to others before dying. These options work well for minor infestations, but they are risky to use in homes with pets or children, causing serious harm if ingested.

Should I Call Pest Control for Roaches?

While cockroach exterminators may specialize in roach infestations, most pest control companies have the chemical spray equipment and expertise to get the job done. In fact, a pest control company can work with you to formulate an effective treatment plan and long-term solutions to keep your home free of roaches. Even once the issue is resolved, you may choose to have your home treated regularly to prevent recurring infestations. 

How Do Cockroach Exterminators Get Rid of Roaches? 

Exterminators have an arsenal of techniques and tools at their disposal to get rid of roaches. Your pest control professional will come up with a unique treatment strategy based on the severity of the infestation and your specific needs. 

  1. Conduct an in-depth investigation of your home to identify cockroach infested areas. 

  2. Devise a treatment plan that may include using methods such as chemical sprays, gel bait, glue traps, boric acid dust, fumigation, or house tenting. 

  3. Treat the exterior and interior areas of your home. This task may involve sealing up entry points and installing monitoring systems to prevent roaches from entering your home in the future. 

  4. Provide a detailed report of service and make recommendations to avoid future infestations. 

  5. Schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure treatment was effective and provide any reinforcements.

How Do I Get Rid of Roaches Permanently?

To get rid of roaches permanently, eliminate food and water sources, seal entry points, and use a combination of treatments such as boric acid, gel bait traps, and diatomaceous earth to help kill roaches and their nests. For larger infestations, foggers or professional-grade insecticides may be necessary, and it’s best to bring in a licensed exterminator

While tackling an infestation can be challenging, the right mix of cleaning, sealing, and pest control treatments can help keep roaches away for good.

To prevent roaches from coming back, follow these guidelines:

  • Clean regularly, especially kitchens, floors, and pantries

  • Store food in airtight containers

  • Address any moisture issues in your home, including leaks 

  • Seal off gaps, cracks, and other potential points of entry

  • Eliminate piles of wood, brush, or debris outside, as these all make excellent hiding spots

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