The Ultimate Guide to Controlling Roaches for Arizona Homeowners

Cockroaches might be the most unpleasant and unwanted guests we know. These nocturnal pests are tough to get rid of, smell terrible, and spread germs everywhere. They’re also mobile health hazards – they hang out in sewers, plumbing, and garbage; create messes and contaminate whatever they snack on; and their droppings carry disease-causing germs. The warm Arizona climate makes our state an ideal year-round habitat for five types of roaches. Regardless of how clean your home is, roaches are in Arizona to stay and a potential threat to you. Controlling roaches requires a plan, and we have one for you.

Step 1: Make your property as uninviting as possible.

Are you unintentionally welcoming roaches into your home? Controlling roaches starts with you.

  • Eliminate hiding places.
  • Keep your home’s surfaces clear of clutter, wipe down surfaces, vacuum floors, and clean up spills right away.
  • Check your home for possible entry points. Look at the foundation, windows, screens, doorways, and the roof for cracks, peeling, and other openings.
  • Repair and seal anything that might allow roaches in.
  • Clean up cardboard, boxes, bags, and other debris.
  • Keep your plumbing in good repair.
  • Eliminate food sources.
  • Keep food sealed in airtight containers.
  • Use pest-resistant shelving and liners to discourage pests.
  • Roaches even eat things like trash, soap, and toothpaste. If it’s organic, they’ll eat it. Regularly wipe surfaces, dispose of trash, wash the dishes, and clean up messes right away.
  • Eliminate water sources and moisture.
  • Check plumbing for leaking pipes, faucets, and drains and repair immediately.
  • Check your property for standing water.
  • Check water-using appliances for condensation or leaks.

Step 2: Know your roaches.

Arizona has five types of cockroaches: American, Brown-banded, German, Oriental, and Turkestan. They vary in size, ability to fly, and preferred food sources. Knowing which type of roaches you’re dealing with is important when figuring out how to eliminate them. The most common types found in the Phoenix Metro area are:

American Cockroach – These are the largest roaches, about 1½ to 2 inches long, with reddish-brown coloring and a yellow marking near the head. Sorry, but these fly.
German Cockroach – These are a smaller type, about ½ inch long, and are brown with two dark vertical stripes near the head. While they have wings, they’d rather scuttle around.
Oriental Cockroach – These 1 inch, black roaches are also known as sewer roaches. They don’t fly, and they tend to have an unpleasant, strong odor.

Step 3: Call in the professionals.

In addition to the above recommendations, call Arizona Organic Pest & Termite Control. Our specialists will conduct an inspection, identify your pests, create a customized plan, and deliver effective pest control services that meet your needs. Controlling roaches is not an easy DIY project – we’re happy to help!