In San Diego, cockroaches are among the most common pest problems in homes and industrial complexes. They usually can be controlled by sprays, baits, and prevention techniques. Roaches are not structural pests. They do not physically harm buildings. But they are disease carriers and they will almost never lose a chance to contaminate food products with their waste or bodies. 

Roaches 101

There is not just one kind of cockroach. Cockroaches come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. The most common types of cockroaches in San Diego are German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches. German cockroaches are light brown in color, typically found near food sources, and hide in dark places of the kitchen or bathroom. American cockroaches are darker brown or even reddish-brown, have the ability to fly short distances, are one of the largest types of roach, and come from the drains or sewers. Oriental cockroaches are dark brown to black in color and are unable to fly.

The American Cockroach are reddish-brown color and oval-shaped are range in size from 1 to 3 inches. They aren’t as common indoors as the German Cockroach.

German cockroaches are a smaller cockroach, only reaching about 0.6 inches in length at the adult stage. They are a light brown color with two darker parallel stripes that go down the entire backside of its body. They are the most common of all cockroach types in America

Oriental Cockroaches have a shiny black or shiny reddish-brown color and reach about 1 inch long as adults. They are also known as water bugs and like dark areas where there is dampness and moisture.

If you see one roach scuttling across the floor or the counter, you can be rest assured that you are looking at an infestation. Roaches don’t typically come out of their hiding in dark locations. So, when you see one in bright light, it can be safely assumed that their numbers have increased. 

You would know that you have an infestation with a telltale strong odor. Roaches, when confined to a single location, give off a distinct smell that has been described as oily, musky, somewhat similar to a wet dog. This smell is a combination of roach urine, feces, and their bodies. 

To identify a roach infestation, look out for their feces that are similar in appearance to coffee grounds. You may also come across their egg shells. You may be dealing with a severe infestation if you come across roach droppings in several areas and in large amounts. 

Home Remedies That Work

These are a few home remedies that have been proven effective against roaches in San Diego:

Boric Acid

Boric acid should be your go to compound when making a DIY roach killer. You need to take equal amounts of flour, sugar, and boric acid to make smooth dough. Tear off portions and make balls. Set these balls around the house wherever you find roach droppings. Sugar and flour are noteworthy at attracting roaches and boric acid will quickly kill them. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda makes for a great fish and bait roach killer trap. Mix equal amounts of sugar and baking soda to effectively control the multiplication of these pests. Baking soda is as efficient as boric acid at killing roaches and sugar is remarkable at attracting them. Identify all their hideouts and sprinkle the mixture in these corners. 

Peppermint Oil

Essential oils are easy to get from local supermarkets and other stores. Peppermint oil can take care of several pest problems, including cockroaches. Make a mixture of peppermint oil and salt water in a spray bottle and use it in all infested areas of the home. You may need several applications before you see the numbers dwindle. 

Cover Drains

As some types of cockroaches come from the drains or sewers, like American cockroaches, it is best to cover your sink or bathtub drains at night or when not in use. For landlords with a vacant unit, we recommend the kitchen and bathroom sink drains be closed and the bathtub drain be covered. 

Hire a Certified Roach Exterminator in San Diego

Cockroaches are at the top of the list when it comes to health hazards. These unsightly pests can multiply quickly and are capable of causing disease and spoiling food. In certain extreme cases, they are also known to bite children. You need aggressive roach infestation elimination if home remedies fail to work. Licensed pest control professionals at M Exterminators can ensure that your roach problem is a thing of the past. 

We can offer effective prevention techniques and strategies to safeguard your San Diego property from further infestations. Give us a call today at 619-375-0220 or use our online form to schedule a visit.