When you spot a single cockroach, it’s natural to wonder if it’s an isolated incident or a sign of a larger infestation. Here are some indicators to help you determine when to call the exterminator:

• Finding more than one cockroach over a short period, especially in different areas of your home
• Seeing cockroaches during the day (cockroaches are nocturnal insects and tend to hide during daylight hours, so a daytime sighting may indicate that their hiding places are becoming overcrowded)
• Cockroach droppings (small, dark specks resembling coffee grounds)
• Eggs and egg shell casings (long, oval, leathery capsules typically brown or reddish-brown in color, containing rows of individual eggs inside)
• Pungent and oily odors
• Food products showing signs of pest activity

While cockroaches don’t bite or sting, they may pose other health risks. For example, cockroaches are known to carry various pathogens and bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella on their bodies and in their feces. When they come into contact with food, utensils, or food preparation surfaces in your home, they can transfer these harmful microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses, gastroenteritis, and other diseases.

Cockroaches are also a source of indoor allergen hazards. Their saliva, feces, and shed skin particles can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate asthma. In New York City, Local Law 55 of 2018 (“The Asthma-Free Housing Act”) requires landlords and property owners to keep their tenants’ homes free from cockroaches and other indoor allergen hazards.

Store-bought products, natural remedies, and other do-it-yourself methods may provide temporary relief against cockroaches but they typically don’t eliminate the root of the problem.

Cockroaches usually harbor in hidden nests and breeding sites that require professional expertise to locate and eliminate. They also develop resistance to certain DIY insecticides and baits over time, making them less effective.

Clients who’ve tried DIY methods often tell us that they’re far from sufficient for dealing with persistent cockroach problems. Sometimes, it can even worsen an infestation by giving the cockroach population more time to reproduce and spread.

The cost of cockroach extermination services varies based on your location, the severity of the infestation, and the scope of services required. Please contact us for a customized quote.

At MMPC, we prioritize safety for pets and children by using eco-friendly and low-toxicity options whenever possible. For example, we use insecticide sprays with naturally derived plant-based active ingredients and insect growth regulators, which are nontoxic to humans and animals.

The time it takes to completely eliminate a cockroach infestation varies based on location, severity, and other conditions. Our knowledgeable inspectors and technicians will work with you step-by-step to get rid of cockroaches as quickly as possible while addressing the root causes.

Here are steps you can take to keep cockroaches out of your home:

• Clean and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and food residue, particularly in kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms.
• Regularly clean grease and food residue from appliances like ovens, stoves, and microwaves.
• Keep sinks and faucets dry.
• Repair leaks and plumbing issues promptly to eliminate water sources.
• Empty trash cans frequently, and used sealed containers for food waste.
• Don’t leave pet food out overnight, and store it in sealed containers when not in use.
• Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
• Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices in walls, floors, and around pipes with caulk or sealant.
• Install door sweeps under exterior doors.