Cockroaches in Philadelphia: How Bad Are They?

Are cockroaches in Philadelphia a huge problem? For homeowners, the presence of cockroaches can mean their family’s health is at risk. For businesses, it can be a health violation and a threat to daily operations. Unfortunately, both the homes and businesses of Philadelphia have to deal with roaches. The good news is that you don’t have to face these pests alone. Today, we’ll cover everything you should know about cockroaches in Philadelphia.

Are Roaches Common in Philly?

Cockroaches are most common in cities and populated areas, and our beautiful city of Philadelphia is no exception. In fact, one study found that Philadelphia is in the top 20 most roach-infested cities in the United States, making cockroach infestations a common problem for the people of our city.

Types of Roaches in Pennsylvania 

There are a few different types of cockroaches in Philadelphia and throughout the state. The most common species found in Pennsylvania include: 

• German Cockroach: This cockroach species is small, around ½ to ⅝ inch long. They tend to be found in groups—because of this, seeing one German roach likely means there are more nearby and could be a sign of an infestation. German roaches seek shelter when it becomes cold, so they are one of the most common pests for households during the fall and winter months.
• American Cockroach: The American roach is likely what you picture when you imagine a cockroach. This is the most abundant species of roach and can grow up to 2 inches long. While they can be found in homes, they are most commonly a problem for restaurants and commercial businesses. 
• Oriental Cockroach: This species is much darker in color, resembling a reddish brown or black. The Oriental roach is also known as a water bug and can often be found in dark, wet spaces such as bathrooms or crawl spaces.
• Brown-banded Cockroach: As their name implies, this roach is identifiable by two distinct, light brown bands on their back. This is the smallest roach species in PA—only growing to ½ inch in length. They are most commonly found in cabinets and drawers. 
• Wood Cockroach: The wood roach is not likely to be in your home unless you accidentally bring contaminated wood inside. Luckily, they won’t stay in your home long if this happens. This roach prefers the outdoors and can’t live inside long. At worst, these cockroaches are an annoyance, but they won’t cause any harm.

Remember that cockroaches are nocturnal, so you may not know which roach species you have unless you see them scurrying around at night. 

Why Am I Finding Random Roaches in My House?

Despite the popular misconception, finding roaches in your home does not mean your house is dirty. While roaches are attracted to decay and dirty conditions, they can also come into your home because: 

• It’s getting cold outside, and they’re looking for shelter.
• They’re attracted to a water source in your home—this could even include your pet’s water bowl. 
• Your neighbors have roaches, and they’ve spread to your house—this is very likely if you live in a multi-family housing complex. 
• They’re looking for food in your pantry. 

Keeping your home clean and tidy will help deter them, but it’s not a 100% guarantee. If you are finding roaches in your home, it’s best to contact an extermination company immediately to avoid potential illness or infestation.

How Do I Get Rid of Roaches? 

There are a few things you can do to prevent and get rid of roaches: 

• Keep your home clean.
• Occasionally deep clean places that are likely to attract roaches (bathrooms, kitchen, pantry, etc.).
• Keep wet, moist areas of your home dehumidified as much as possible.
• Properly seal food sources.
• Dispose of trash regularly. 

Beyond these preventative measures, our team doesn’t recommend using DIY pest control solutions if you are dealing with roaches. These pests can carry diseases and contaminate your food, making them dangerous in your home. The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to call a professional exterminator. 

PCT Tackles Cockroaches in Philadelphia Head-On

Here at PCT, we want to keep the city of Philadelphia clean, beautiful, and healthy. With our expert, environmentally friendly cockroach control, we keep your family safe from these dangerous pests. Never worry about cockroaches in Philadelphia again, and see how our cockroach services can help your home or business today!