The cockroach species that infest homes in the northeast all have a similar appearance, but subtle differences exist between species. Cockroaches found indoors can be black, brown, reddish brown, tan and some can be twice as large as others. For example, the German cockroach, which is the most commonly encountered cockroach species within homes and buildings in the northeast, grows to be a little more than a half an inch in length, while the American cockroach grows to be a whopping two inches in length. Cockroaches, no matter the species, typically remain within dark areas within homes during the daytime, as they are nocturnal creatures. If one, or several cockroaches are spotted indoors during the bright daytime hours, then you can bet that many of the darkest nooks and crannies of your home are already crowded with the revolting insects. Once the nighttime hours roll around, cockroaches will emerge from their indoor hiding places in search of food or more hospitable conditions.

In New England, all cockroach pest species that make their way indoors must secure dark and moist hiding spots that are not easily accessed by humans. Ideal indoor roach hotspots include obscured areas within kitchens, bathrooms, basements, cellars and sometimes around indoor plants and beneath furniture. Although cockroach pests can technically be killed with a variety of insecticides, indoor infestations are exceptionally difficult to eradicate once they become established. This is not news to anyone, and it probably does not come as a surprise to learn that pest control professionals in the US treat homes for cockroach infestations more often than any other type of insect. However, it may come as a shock to learn that the annual cost of cockroach control in the US amounts to 15 billion dollars per year, which dwarfs the annual 5 billion dollar cost of both termite damage repairs and control costs. An astonishing 250 million dollars per year are spent on cockroach repellents in America, and while these over-the-counter insecticides may effectively kill a small number of roaches, such products will not make a dent in an established indoor infestation. Roaches can be difficult to control even for pest control professionals, as each roach differs in where they prefer to hide and search for food. However, it is well known that nearly all roach pests nest within small cracks and crevices during 75 percent of the day indoors, and these cracks are often located near moisture and a food source. Once their hiding spots are found, the roach invaders are sucked out of their shelters with a vacuum, or by power washing. In some cases, heat and steam is applied to roach harborages in order to kill the insects. After their elimination, all cracks that lead into wall-voids must be caulked to prevent their reentry.

Have you ever witnessed a pest control professional use a vacuum-like machine to suck roaches out of your home?