Cockroach Control For Phoenix Kitchens
As the holiday season approaches in the Phoenix-metro, our kitchens become bustling centers of festive activities. Along with the cooking, baking, and family gatherings, there's an increased risk of attracting unwanted guests, such as cockroaches. These resilient pests are not just a nuisance; they pose health risks by contaminating food and spreading bacteria. Let's look at the common cockroaches in Arizona, why holiday cooking invites them in, and what you can do to keep them out. For immediate answers to holiday pest questions, feel free to reach out to us at any time. Your Greenway Pest Solutions team is here to assist you with advice and service options.
Common cockroaches in Southern Arizona
In our region, several cockroach species get into homes and cause trouble. Understanding a little about each is the first step in effective roach prevention.
German cockroaches
These small, light-brown roaches are about half an inch long and have two dark parallel stripes on the back, just above the wings. German cockroaches are notorious for their ability to reproduce. They prefer warm, humid environments—making kitchens and bathrooms two of their favorite spots.
American cockroaches
American cockroaches, also known as "water bugs," are the largest house-infesting roaches in Arizona. They measure up to 2 1/2 inches in length and are reddish-brown with a distinctive yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of the head. American cockroaches thrive in warm, moist areas like crawl spaces and around pools and plumbing.
Oriental cockroaches
These shiny black cockroaches are unique among common pest roaches in Arizona. The females have no wings, only wing pads. The males have wings, but they do not hang past the end of the abdomen. Oriental cockroaches are particularly dirty roaches, favoring sewage culverts, filthy dumpsters, and other unsanitary environments.
Why cockroaches invade kitchens during the holidays
The holiday season creates the perfect storm when it comes to cockroach activity. Here are a few reasons why:
- Increased food sources
With more cooking and baking, there is an abundance of food scraps thrown away, spills on shelves, and crumbs on floors that attract cockroaches. - Warmth and moisture
The heat from cooking and increased use of water create warm and humid environments for cockroaches. - Clutter and storage
Extra groceries and holiday decorations provide more hiding places and potential entry points. Potential entry points? Yes. Cockroaches often hitch rides from one structure to another. - High traffic
Frequent opening of doors for guests and deliveries gives cockroaches additional opportunities to sneak inside.
Other roach-prone areas in your home
While kitchens are the main attraction, they are not the only places roaches hide in a home. Here are a few more areas you should check if you suspect a cockroach infestation:
- Bathrooms
Leaky faucets and showers provide moisture for roaches. In bathrooms, they can also find dead skin, hair, toothpaste, insects, and other food options. - Laundry rooms
The warmth from appliances and dampness from the laundry is inviting to roaches. - Garages and storage areas
Cluttered spaces offer shelter and breeding grounds. Cockroaches are also strongly attracted to tight spaces. - Sewers and drains
Some roach species can enter homes through gaps around plumbing or pipes.
Practical tips for preventing cockroaches
You can take proactive steps to make your home less appealing to these pests. Here are our best suggestions:
Maintain cleanliness
- Wipe up spills and crumbs right away.
- Keep food in airtight containers, including pet food.
- Keep food covered while out on the counter.
- Use sealed trash bins and remove garbage frequently.
- Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Reduce moisture
- Repair dripping faucets and leaking pipes.
- Repair garbage disposals.
- Install dehumidifiers in damp or humid areas.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to vent moisture and humidity.
Eliminate hiding spots and entry points
- Reduce clutter in storage areas, pantries, and under sinks.
- Use caulking material to fill in cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines.
- Prevent cockroaches from entering under exterior doors by installing door sweeps and updating your weatherstripping.
Be cautious with packaging
Cockroaches can hitch rides in packaging, so inspect food packages and grocery bags. Remove items from cardboard boxes outdoors when possible. Store the cardboard in a plastic bin until it can be recycled or thrown out.
Professional pest control solutions for cockroaches
Even with the best preventative measures, cockroaches can be persistent. That's where professional help comes in. A licensed professional can properly evaluate your infestation and provide field-tested scientific solutions.
Why choose Greenway?
Greenway Pest Solutions offers comprehensive home pest control plans tailored to the unique needs of homes in Phoenix, Chandler, Anthem, and elsewhere in our Arizona service area. Our services include:
- Thorough inspection
We’ll identify the type and extent of the cockroach infestation. - Targeted pest treatments
We will use family-friendly and effective methods to eliminate cockroaches. - Preventative measures
We’ll implement pest management strategies to prevent future infestations.
Protect your home this holiday season
Don't let cockroaches spoil your festive celebrations or make life miserable afterward. By acting now, you can ensure a comfortable and hygienic environment for your family and guests and prevent an infestation that can drive you crazy for months.
Contact Greenway Pest Solutions today to learn more about our pest control plans and how we can help you keep your home cockroach-free during the holidays and beyond.
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and pest-free holiday season!
