Residential
Cockroach Services

Cockroach Control FAQs

Choosing a pest control service for your home comes with many questions. When you're ready to learn more, call our office and talk with our friendly staff. We’ll ensure you get the answers you need on our services, pricing, appointments and any other questions you may have.

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  What do you use to eliminate cockroaches?

  Cockroaches come in many shapes and sizes, just like cockroach infestations. When treating for cockroaches, it's important to note that effective removal of a population is generally not a quick-fix, and will likely require numerous visits, each knocking back the population more and more to ensure that the infestation is wholly and completely eradicated. As licensed pest control applicators we are permitted to use products that are far more effective than the conventional solutions found at hardware stores. Many do-it-yourself products sold in stores only serve to worsen cockroach infestations, especially when the extent of the infestation can be unknown to the home or property owner. Alongside our top-of-the-line control products, our methods include thorough inspections and consultations so that we can craft the best pest control strategy to fit each individual customer. We also work with you to prevent future infestations by addressing attractants, managing moisture issues, and identifying areas of roach access.

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  What are cockroaches?

  Cockroaches are robust, ancient insects that first appeared 300-350 million years ago. They can survive in an extreme range of climates, from freezing cold to blisteringly hot, and are found in most parts of the world. A single cockroach lives around a year, and in that time can produce around 400 eggs. Some species can live up to a month with no food, allowing them to go undetected in otherwise clean environments. Because they can carry salmonella and E. coli -- transmitting these bacteria from their legs to surfaces and food -- even a single cockroach in a home or business can be a significant health risk. In addition to concerns with illness and disease from pathogenic microbes, cockroaches are also known to cause allergies and asthma attacks -- and it’s estimated that up to 60% of asthma sufferers are also sensitive to cockroach allergens.

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  What types of cockroaches can be found in the home?

  Bug Zapper can confidently remove any pest infesting your home, but these are the three varieties of cockroach most common in the Pacific Northwest:
  
  The German Cockroach
  These little devils are the worst kind, and the most common found in building infestations. They multiply like crazy and can completely overrun a home, apartment, or restaurant. An acrobatic variety, they can often be seen walking up walls and across ceilings. If populations are high, they can sometimes be seen outdoors around trash areas during warmer months of the year. These roaches love to take up residence inside anything electronic or electrical. They often start in the kitchen, living inside electrical outlets, refrigerator compressors, microwaves, coffee makers, and kitchen cabinets. As the population increases they begin venturing away from the kitchen in search of food. Bathrooms are frequently the next hotspot, followed by bedrooms. When populations are small, German Cockroaches seldom venture out during the daytime. If German cockroaches are seen in the daylight, then high levels of infestation are likely present.
  
  Adult German Cockroaches are about ¾” long and can be distinguished by two dark stripes behind their head. The infant stages are dark colored and small, lacking the distinctive head stripes.
  German Cockroaches are persistent and resilient, making them extremely difficult to remove without professional intervention.
  
  The Oriental Cockroach
  Also known as “water bugs,” these roaches feed on decaying organic matter and prefer dark, damp locations. They are most often found outdoors in damp areas (such as sump pumps), under leaf piles, and around trash bins. If Oriental Roaches are sighted indoors, they will usually be below ground level in basements or crawl spaces. Occasionally, Oriental Cockroaches are discovered in bathtubs, since they are unable to climb smooth surfaces.
  
  Oriental Cockroaches are usually nearly black and are 1-1.25″ long. They have wings but do not fly, and are noticeably flat on top. While any moderate roach infestation can produce a pungent, musty odor, the Oriental Cockroach variety is known to smell the worst.
  
  The American Cockroach
  American Cockroaches are also known as “water bugs” (like the Oriental Cockroach) and “palmetto bugs.” They prefer to feed on decaying organic matter, but will eat almost anything, including book bindings, paper, cardboard, cloth, wallpaper glue, oils, syrups, and sweets. They prefer to hide in dark basements, crawl spaces, sprinkler irrigation boxes, bathtubs, clothes hampers, drainage pipes, and under broken concrete sidewalks.
  
  American Cockroaches measure 1-1.5″ long, and are known for running like mad when a light is turned on. The adult stages are reddish brown, and have a rounded top with wings. They can fly, though they seldom do.

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  How did cockroaches get into my home?

  Cockroaches, like most pests, are on the hunt for sustenance and shelter. In addition to refuse, pet food, and crumbs, roaches can eat cardboard, hair, soaps, grease, and certain fabrics. Even a spotless house can therefore harbor roaches. They are drawn to moisture and condensation, as well as darkness, so areas around or beneath bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens are particularly appealing to roaches. They can squeeze their bodies into incredibly small spaces, so even the tiniest crack in a foundation or gap in siding can provide an entry point.

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  What types of training do your technicians go through?

  At Bug Zapper, we are committed to providing you with the most knowledgeable, experienced, and professional pest control technicians in the Pacific Northwest. Our technicians are all fully licensed and certified in Oregon, in addition to undergoing advanced training though our intensive internal apprenticeship training program. All technicians complete state testing for laws and safety, including IIHS General, IIHS Structural, and Agricultural Vertebrate tests before going through a month-long apprenticeship field training program. Our staff also completes ongoing advanced training and attends industry-based seminars to ensure our knowledge and methods are up-to-date. We are fortunate to have an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) on our staff -- one of only 12 currently operating in the entire state of Oregon.

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  Do you have same day service for cockroach infestations?

  We understand how distressing the discovery of a pest problem, like cockroaches, can be. That’s why Bug Zapper makes every effort to prioritize your needs and to offer same day appointments whenever able. We’re known for speedy response times and timely service appointments, in addition to our all-around excellent customer care and our 100% satisfaction guarantee on all services. A pest control technician can be at your home in most cases within 24-48 hrs. Call our office and we will happily work with what best fits your schedule and time!

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  Do you treat German Cockroaches?

  Yes, we treat German Roaches and have a guaranteed German Roach package. These guys are survivors and they are extremely resourceful. We conduct a roach inspection with a trained and experienced roach clean-out technician who will discuss how they can be treated efficiently and successfully with you.