Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches move into structures by hitchhiking or on their own, where they make themselves at home, crawling over its surfaces, introducing health risks, and contaminating food.

The cockroach’s longevity has come from their ability to adapt, making themselves at home almost anywhere, including with people. Because cockroaches are scavengers, they are most problematic in structures where food is prepared or stored, like houses, apartments, schools, dormitories, restaurants, grocery stores, and pet stores.

Where will I find cockroaches?

A stigma associated with cockroaches is that they only become a problem in unkempt homes. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Any Salt Lake City home can experience a cockroach infestation. These pests will take advantage of the food stored in our kitchens and pantries and the dark, humid areas of shelter that our houses offer. Places inside homes where cockroaches like to hide include:

• Loose wallpaper and backsplashes
• Cracks in walls and wooden furniture
• Electrical outlets and electronics
• Storage boxes
• Under piles of clutter
• Vents, crawl spaces, and wall voids

German cockroaches have adapted primarily to living indoors with people. Oriental cockroaches live successfully both outside and inside structures. They have very high moisture needs, and outdoors like to hang out around sewers, drains, and the damp soil under mulch, leaves, and landscaping ties.