Why Do I Keep Seeing Roaches?

A recurring cockroach problem usually means the insects have reliable access to food, water, shelter, or hiding places. Killing the roach you can see doesn't address the conditions supporting the rest of them.

Start with food

Clean crumbs, grease, spills, areas under appliances, and pet feeding areas, and store food securely.

Look for water

Cockroaches need moisture. Check under sinks, around leaking pipes, near appliances, around drains, and in other damp areas, and correct accessible leaks where you can.

Reduce hiding places

Clutter, cardboard, and tight protected spaces provide harborage. Clearing them also makes inspection and control easier.

Pay attention to where you see them

Regular activity in one cabinet, bathroom, or appliance area can narrow down where they're hiding or finding resources.

Why does spraying sometimes fail?

Spraying the insects you happen to see may never reach the population hiding elsewhere, and pest-control products need to be used according to their labels.

When should I get help?

Consider professional control when:

• Roaches appear regularly.
• They show up in multiple rooms.
• You see small roaches or other evidence of reproduction.
• Sanitation and moisture corrections haven't reduced activity.
• You're uncomfortable using control products.

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