How to Get Rid of Roaches (and Keep Them Gone!)
Finding roaches in your home can be unsettling — and if you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already spotted one (or a few). German roaches, for example, are resilient pests that can multiply quickly, especially if left untreated (every 30 days to be specific). Whether you’ve seen them scurry across the kitchen floor or hiding in the bathroom, here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of roaches for good and what type of roach you may have come across.
German Roaches vs. Palmetto Roaches – What’s the Difference?
Not all roaches are the same. In fact, identifying the type of roach you’re dealing with is one of the first steps in controlling the problem.
These are the small, light brown roaches typically found in kitchens and bathrooms. They’re about ½ inch long and are infamous for breeding about every 30 days. A single female can produce thousands of offspring in just a few months. German roaches prefer warm, humid indoor areas close to food and water sources — making homes, apartments, and restaurants their favorite hideouts.
The term “palmetto bug” is commonly used in the U.S. to refer to various species of roaches, especially larger ones like the American cockroach. These are the larger roaches that can grow up to 2 inches long. Common in Florida and other southern states, palmetto roaches are more likely to live outdoors but will venture inside, especially during extreme weather. They tend to appear in garages, crawl spaces, and around drains.
So… How Do You Get Rid of Roaches?
Getting rid of roaches is possible, but it requires a combination of professional treatment, sanitation, and sometimes ongoing maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Professional Treatment
Call in an Infinite expert. Roaches are tough to kill with DIY sprays alone, especially German roaches. If you are experiencing a German roach infestation, over the counter products will not be strong enough to eradicate your problem. These type of roaches require targeted baits, dusts, and growth regulators that our technicians are trained AND licensed to use properly.
2. Prep the Home
Before treatment of palmetto roaches, there is not much that is needed from you prior to service as these roaches do not purposely come inside the home. Palmetto roaches prefer the outdoors in your mulch and/or around the home.
Before treatment for German roaches, reduce clutter and thoroughly clean the areas where roaches have been spotted. Take out the trash, sweep up crumbs, vacuum regularly, clean under kitchen appliances, and clear out under sinks. If you have pets, it is important to ensure that food and water are only left out for feeding time, not 24/7. This allows to maximize the effectiveness, safety and application of our products, reduce available food sources, prepares the home for long term control, and can uncover hidden infestation sites.
3. After Treatment – How to Prevent Them from Coming Back
Even after treatment, it’s important to change the conditions that attracted roaches in the first place:
• Seal entry points: Caulk gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and baseboards.
• Fix moisture problems: German roaches love water — fix leaks under sinks and avoid letting dishes soak overnight.
• Keep it clean: Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills quickly.
• Don’t give them a hiding place: Minimize cardboard, piles of paper, and clutter.
Setting Realistic Expectations – One-Time Treatments May Not Be Enough
Many people expect a one-and-done fix when it comes to roaches, but that’s not always realistic — especially with German roaches. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need:
• Follow-up visits to break the breeding cycle
• Recurring treatments for ongoing control
• More intensive protocols for severe or long-term infestations
Staying on a recurring treatment plan gives you the best chance at keeping them gone for good.
Live in an Apartment or Attached Housing? Here’s What You Should Know
If you live in an apartment, duplex, or any building that shares walls with others, you could be dealing with a roach problem that started somewhere else — especially with German roaches. These roaches can easily travel through walls, plumbing, and shared spaces.
This means:
• You might be doing everything right in your unit, but the infestation could be coming from a neighbor’s.
• Treatment may need to be coordinated with property management or other tenants to be fully effective.
• Regular treatments become even more important in these environments.
In Summary:
• Identify whether you’re dealing with German or palmetto roaches
• Get a professional treatment plan tailored to the type and level of infestation
• Practice consistent cleaning and home maintenance to eliminate food and water sources
• Understand that ongoing treatments may be necessary, especially in high-risk environments like apartments or condos
At Infinite Pest Solutions, we specialize in thorough, pet-friendly roach treatments and tailor our service to your home’s unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with a small problem or a serious infestation, our goal is to give you peace of mind — and a roach-free home.
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