Q. I have a business in a strip mall shopping center. Occasionally, we will see roaches, even though we don’t have any kind of food on our premises. We think they are coming from a nearby restaurant because whenever their exterminator comes, we see bugs the next day. Is there some way we can keep roaches from coming into our space?
Cockroach sightings can be alarming, even if you only see one, because it’s safe to assume that if you see one, there are many more lurking somewhere nearby. First, you should confirm that the roaches are coming from elsewhere and that you don’t have a nest somewhere on your premises. Carefully inspect any potential hiding places, such as inside cabinets, under furniture, and in or around trash containers. Cockroaches can hitchhike in boxes (even from non-food items), so carefully inspect any shipments and promptly discard packaging.
Southern California is home to several species of cockroaches, both indoor and outdoor types. Outdoor species include American, Turkestan, and Oriental cockroaches. Although these primarily live outside, they will come indoors if conditions are favorable. The most common indoor species are German cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches. Treatment and prevention depends on the species of roach. Set up sticky traps in corners, along walls, inside cabinets, and anywhere insects have been seen. Select baited sticky traps designed specifically for cockroaches. Once you’ve trapped some insects, you can determine which species you’re dealing with and how to get rid of them. If you find outdoor-type roaches, you can simply exclude them by installing door sweeps and sealing any potential points of entry. If indoor-type roaches are present, and you are certain that the source is not your premises, you should still take the above-mentioned exclusion steps. Continue using sticky traps, especially near potential points of entry, and check them regularly. Roaches can travel through interior walls, so even if your space is pristine, you may still see the occasional one.
Pesticides alone will not solve a cockroach infestation problem. Consistent use of baited sticky traps, frequent thorough cleaning, and keeping all food secured and inaccessible are the keys to keeping roaches at bay. Regular pest-control service, especially for food-centered businesses, is essential for keeping a minor problem (or even the occasional hitchhiker) from turning into a major infestation. If you are seeing cockroach incursions regularly whenever your neighbor’s pest control service comes, your neighbor likely has a major problem and may need a visit from the health department.
Los Angeles County
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Orange County
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San Bernardino County
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