Cockroaches
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Blue Sky cockroach control — Serving Phoenix metro
Cockroach Control in Arizona
The five most common species of cockroaches in Arizona are the American, German, Oriental, Turkestan, and Brownbanded cockroaches. While all these types of roaches share some similarities, there are important differences among them, and Blue Sky Pest Control technicians tailor cockroach treatments to be the most effective for each species.
20k+ happy customers
Our Approach To Cockroaches
Guided by science. Perfected through experience.
1
Inspect
Our experts perform detailed inspections to pinpoint cockroach nesting sites, laying the groundwork for a targeted cockroach control plan.
2
Protect
Controlling cockroaches requires consistency and a smart strategy. Our comprehensive approach includes multiple methods.
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3
Report
After each visit, we provide a full report—what we found, what treatments were applied, and practical steps you can take to keep cockroaches at bay.
4
Support
If cockroaches reappear between visits, we're just a call away. We'll handle it at no extra charge because your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.
Call us for the ‘no roach’ approach.
Jack Burke
I’ve been using Blue Sky For 5-6 years and they have been successful in ridding my house of roaches which other pest control companies could not. Would highly recommend them.
Caitlin Rush
Blue Sky has been very professional, and effective. I don’t have crickets, scorpions, ants or cockroaches, which are all easy to come by in our neighborhood. They’re also non-judgmental about the mess my kids make in the backyard!
Shane Hunt
By far the best pest control company I have had in twenty years. They have taken care of everything from termites to scorpions to roaches to ants! Love your service.
$50 OFF Your Initial Cockroach Service
Offer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 cockroach program.
What Causes Cockroach Issues?
Cockroach infestations are caused by food, moisture, and shelter. Our homes and businesses provide these essentials, making them an ideal habitat. Arizona’s warm climate allows roaches to stay active year-round, and monsoon season increases their activity as they seek shelter indoors.
Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills, and take out the trash regularly. Even small crumbs or grease buildup can attract cockroaches.
Fix leaks, eliminate standing water, and use dehumidifiers where needed. Roaches thrive in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Close gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines. Roaches often enter through small cracks in walls or drains.
Cockroaches reproduce quickly and can be difficult to eliminate. Consistent service from a pest professional is the most effective way to keep them under control.
Arizona’s Premier CockroachControl Program
Protect your home with Blue Sky 365 and get year round care with unlimited callbacks.
Common Cockroaches in Arizona
Periplaneta americana
American Cockroach
One of the most common cockroach species in Arizona, frequently found in homes, restaurants, and commercial buildings. Prefers warm, humid environments and is often seen in sewers, drains, and basements, making them a significant urban pest.
High – American cockroaches can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies and asthma. Their large size and fast movement make them particularly unsettling to homeowners. They are known to carry pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses.
Large, reddish-brown with a distinctive yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of the head. Adults grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches long, making them one of the largest cockroach species. Both males and females have fully developed wings and are capable of gliding short distances.
Prefers warm, damp environments like sewers, drains, basements, and crawl spaces. Commonly found in commercial kitchens, grocery stores, and food storage areas. In residential settings, they are often seen near leaking pipes, under sinks, or in garages. They can enter homes through vents, plumbing, and cracks in foundations.
Nocturnal and extremely fast-moving, they actively search for food at night. While they prefer decaying organic matter, they will eat almost anything, including crumbs, pet food, and paper products. Can travel long distances in search of food and water, making infestations difficult to contain.
Despite their reputation, American cockroaches are not native to North America—they likely originated in Africa and were introduced through trade. They are among the fastest running insects, capable of moving at speeds up to 3.4 miles per hour. In extreme conditions, they can survive up to a month without food and two weeks without water.
Blattella germanica
German Cockroach
One of the most common and problematic indoor cockroach species in homes, apartments, restaurants, and commercial buildings. They thrive in urban environments and are frequently found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with food and moisture.
High – German cockroaches are a major health concern as they can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies and asthma. Their rapid reproduction rate makes infestations difficult to control, and their presence often indicates unsanitary conditions.
Small, light brown to tan with two distinct dark stripes running parallel down their back. Adults grow to about ½ to ⅝ inch long. They have wings but rarely fly, preferring to run quickly when disturbed. Nymphs are darker and wingless but still highly mobile.
Prefers warm, humid environments with easy access to food and water. Commonly found in kitchens, behind appliances, inside cabinets, under sinks, and in bathrooms. Infestations often start in one area but can quickly spread throughout a building if not controlled.
Nocturnal and highly adaptable, German cockroaches hide in tight cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to search for food. They reproduce at an alarming rate, with females carrying egg cases that can hatch up to 40 offspring at a time. They are known for their resistance to many pesticides, making eradication challenging.
German cockroaches are among the fastest-reproducing cockroach species, with a single pair capable of producing thousands of offspring in a year. They can develop resistance to insecticides over generations, requiring integrated pest management strategies for control. Their droppings and shed skin contribute to indoor allergens and can significantly impact air quality in infested spaces.
Supella longipalpa
Brownbanded Cockroach
A common indoor pest found in homes, apartments, and commercial buildings. Unlike other cockroach species, brownbanded cockroaches prefer warm, dry environments and are often found in higher locations like cabinets, ceilings, and furniture rather than in kitchens or bathrooms.
Moderate – While they do not bite, they can contaminate food, trigger allergies, and spread bacteria. Their droppings, shed skin, and saliva can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly for those with asthma.
Small, light brown to tan with distinct horizontal brown bands across their wings and abdomen. Adults grow to about ½ inch long. Males have fully developed wings and can fly, while females have shorter wings and do not fly.
Prefers warm, dry areas away from moisture. Commonly found in furniture, behind picture frames, inside electrical outlets, and in high cabinets. Attracted to heat sources like appliances and electronics, making them more common in bedrooms and living areas than other cockroach species.
Nocturnal and fast-moving, these roaches avoid light and hide in secluded areas during the day. Unlike German cockroaches, they do not require high humidity to thrive. They reproduce quickly, and an infestation can spread throughout a home if not controlled.
Brownbanded cockroaches are one of the few cockroach species that can infest areas far from water sources. Their egg cases, called oothecae, are often glued to hidden surfaces, making them difficult to detect. Males are more active and can glide short distances when disturbed.
Blatta orientalis
Oriental Cockroach
Less common than German and American cockroaches but still found in damp, cool areas around homes and businesses. More frequently encountered outdoors but can invade basements, crawl spaces, and drains.
Moderate – Oriental cockroaches are known to spread bacteria and pathogens, contaminating food and surfaces. Their presence is often associated with unsanitary conditions, and they can contribute to indoor allergens.
Large, dark brown to nearly black, with a shiny, smooth body. Adults grow to about 1 to 1.25 inches long. Males have short wings covering about three-quarters of their body, while females have only small wing pads and cannot fly.
Prefers cool, damp, and dark environments. Commonly found in basements, drains, sewers, crawl spaces, and under debris or leaf litter. Often enters homes through gaps in foundations, under doors, or via plumbing systems. More active during humid conditions or after heavy rains.
Nocturnal and slow-moving compared to other cockroach species. Less likely to infest kitchens but may be found near water sources such as sinks, bathtubs, and leaking pipes. Unlike German cockroaches, they prefer decaying organic matter over fresh food.
Sometimes called “water bugs” because they are often found in damp areas. They are among the most cold-tolerant cockroach species and can survive outdoors in cooler temperatures better than other roaches. Despite their large size, they are less agile than German and American cockroaches, making them easier to catch or eliminate.
Shelfordella lateralis
Turkestan Cockroach
Increasingly common in Arizona, especially in outdoor environments such as gardens, compost piles, and around homes. Often mistaken for American or Oriental cockroaches, they are rapidly replacing Oriental cockroaches in many areas due to their fast reproduction rate.
Moderate – While they do not typically infest homes in large numbers, they can become a nuisance if they enter through cracks, drains, or open doors. Like other cockroach species, they can spread bacteria and contaminate food and surfaces.
Males are light brown to tan with fully developed wings and can fly, while females are darker, reddish-brown to black, with short, rounded wings. Adults grow to about 1 to 1.2 inches long. Often mistaken for Oriental cockroaches, but males have more tapered bodies, and females have cream-colored markings on the edges of their bodies.
Prefers warm, dry outdoor areas such as leaf litter, compost piles, gardens, and cracks in sidewalks or foundations. Commonly found in urban settings around landscaping, utility boxes, and outdoor lighting. Can enter homes through gaps in doors, windows, and plumbing. More active in summer months.
Nocturnal and highly mobile, males are more likely to fly when disturbed, while females remain closer to the ground. Unlike German cockroaches, they prefer outdoor environments but may invade homes during extreme heat or drought. They reproduce quickly, with females laying egg cases (oothecae) that hatch in as little as two months.
Sometimes called "rusty reds" or "red runners" due to their coloration and fast movement. Males are often attracted to outdoor lights at night, which can lead them into homes. Due to their rapid spread, Turkestan cockroaches are outcompeting Oriental cockroaches in many parts of the southwestern U.S.
Cockroach Problems?
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