Roach Exterminator in Southern, CA

Cockroaches and sharks: two species that have evolved to stand the test of time. Both were around long before we came around, and both will probably linger long after humans are just piles of dust and iPhones. However, only one of these species will find its way into your home (unless we’re talking about the dreaded Land Shark, in which case, you’re going to need more firepower than Lloyd uses to exterminate them).

Yes, roaches have been infesting people’s homes and commercial spaces for as long as humans have existed, no doubt giving ancient cave-dwellers the heebie-jeebies. Although they’re associated with poor sanitation and squalor, they will find shelter anywhere with available food and shelter. Due to their high adaptability, roaches can be found most anywhere in the world, but they thrive in the temperate climates of San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties.

Make no mistake – these bugs are unwelcome roommates. Cockroaches carry disease pathogens including (but not limited to) salmonella, streptococcus, E. coli, dysentery, hepatitis B, plague, and cholera. The corpses of decaying roaches have been linked to cause respiratory problems and allergies in children. Even in death, these pests are nuisances.

There are four main species of roaches in Southern California:

American and oriental roaches

These make up the BIGGER species. If you’ve ever met a roach in your home big enough that you considered naming it (and subsequently considered putting your house up for sale) good chances that it was either an American or oriental roach.

Roughly measuring 1″-2″ in length, these guys can be found underneath sinks, along baseboards, in low cabinetry, horror movies and your nightmares. They are identifiable by their dark colored bodies and the waxy sheen on the winged backs. Generally, they don’t sting or bite, but your nerves may never recover from the first time you accidentally crush one with your foot.

German and Brown-banded roaches

These are the smaller roaches that live in Southern California. In fact, German cockroaches are the most common roach in the USA, which is reason enough to das boot them out of your home (not literally “the boat” you know what we mean…). These roaches are tan or light brown, measure about 1/2″-5/8″ inches in length, and mainly feed at night. They have a relatively short life span – about 100 days – but a mated pair can produce up to one million roaches.

Also, given their elusive eating habits, it can be difficult to detect them in your home until they already have a sizable population – talk about freeloaders! German roaches mainly feed on human food, but can survive for months on simple starches found in furniture glue and book bindings. Brown-banded roaches are less common and are easily identified by the pale brown bands that can be seen stretching across the wings of the adults. Neither of these roaches bite or sting.

How Lloyd Pest Control can protect you against roaches

At Lloyd Pest Control we always powerspray the outside of the property with a wettable powder that leaves behind a low-intensity general pest barrier. Inside, we address all infested areas, especially kitchens and bathrooms. New formulations of roach baits have given us an advantage in the war on bugs. These baits are in a gel form and can be easily and safely applied to the inside corners of cabinetry and moldings. Faster acting, these new gel baits boast a desiccant that toast those roaches. Word.