3 Cockroaches to Watch for in MD & VA

Cockroaches are among the most-loathed pests, getting under the skin of homeowners who might not bat an eyelash at an ant. In Maryland and Virginia, a trio of cockroaches tends to infest homes: German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches. The latter two are more typically found in commercial properties, but all three can infest homes in the region. On occasion, flying wood roaches can appear as well, with a typical season from late April into May.

“If you see cockroaches inside or outside your home, call in a professional,” advises Peter Martin, Residential Sales Manager for MD / VA. “Sometimes people will try to spray, but in cases of a real infestation it’s unlikely to work.”

At times, Martin finds that people resist calling, embarrassed to admit they have a cockroach problem, but he is quick to emphasize that a roach problem can have many sources that have nothing to do with cleanliness. From overnight guests to grocery bags to appliance deliveries, roaches can come from anywhere, and even the most spotless homes can be infested. “I’ve seen million-dollar homes that are immaculately cleaned with roach problems,” Martin says. “I’ll tell them to track their situation, and usually they can figure out where they came from, whether it’s a delivery or some other source.”

Cockroaches can create health concerns, spreading bacteria around a home and sometimes troubling people with asthma. Seek the services of an expert in cockroach control when you need help: it’s the fastest way to eliminate a roach problem for good.