Roach control in Tampa
Tampa has two roach problems that look alike and aren't. The big palmetto bug on the lanai lives outside and wanders in. The small German roach in the kitchen lives inside and breeds there. One needs a barrier; the other needs a baiting program.
Signs of a roach problem
- Large reddish-brown roaches in the garage, lanai, bathroom or under the sink at night
- Small tan roaches behind the fridge, in the dishwasher seal or inside cabinets
- Pepper-like droppings along cabinet hinges and drawer tracks
- Egg cases glued in corners, behind the microwave or in the pantry
- An oily, musty smell in the kitchen
- Roaches visible during the day, which means a heavy population
Roach services
Inspection
Kitchen, baths, garage, attic access and the exterior, figuring out which species and where they're coming from.
German roach baiting
Gel baits and insect growth regulators placed in the cracks and voids where they breed, with a follow-up visit.
Exterior barrier
Foundation, weep holes, utility penetrations and the lanai cage treated so palmetto bugs die before they come in.
Attic and void treatment
Dust applications in wall voids and the attic where American and smoky brown roaches harbor.
Drain and sewer points
Checking floor drains, dry traps and the plumbing chases that bring them up from below.
What affects the price
- Species. German roach programs take more visits than a palmetto bug barrier.
- Size of the infestation and how long it's been going.
- Number of kitchens, baths and units, for multi-family and restaurants.
- One-time service versus a quarterly plan.
You get the treatment plan and the price in writing before anything is applied.
Roaches in Tampa Bay
The palmetto bug is the American cockroach, and it's in every Tampa yard: mulch beds, palm boots, sewer lines, meter boxes and the attic. Summer rain floods its outdoor harborages and sends it indoors through weep holes, door sweeps and the gap around the AC line set. It's a nuisance, not an infestation, and an exterior program handles it. German roaches are the other story. They arrive in grocery bags, cardboard and used appliances, and in a warm Tampa kitchen a few become hundreds in two months.
Common questions
Are palmetto bugs a sign of a dirty house?
No. They live outside in Tampa and come in looking for water. A clean house with a gap under the garage door gets them too.
Why can't I get rid of the little kitchen roaches?
German roaches are resistant to many sprays and breed fast. Baiting with the right products in the right places, plus a follow-up visit, is what works.
Do I need to empty the cabinets?
For a German roach treatment, usually yes for the affected cabinets. The technician will tell you exactly what to clear before the visit.
Are roaches a health problem?
German roach droppings and shed skins are a known asthma trigger, especially for children. That's a reason to treat a kitchen problem quickly.
Related services
Areas we serve
Roach control across Tampa and these nearby communities: