Roaches in the desert? Yes, lots of them
It surprises some people, but cockroaches do well in Las Vegas. The heat drives them toward water, and the valley's sewer lines, water meter boxes, irrigation systems and block walls give them cool, damp places to live. Many homeowners first notice them on summer nights, running across the patio or garage floor, or coming up out of a drain.
Vegas Pest Marketplace is a free service. Tell us what you're seeing, and a licensed Nevada pest control company that serves your area will call you back with a free estimate.
Common cockroaches in Las Vegas
- Turkestan cockroach: one of the most common outdoor roaches in the valley. Males are tan with long wings and are drawn to porch lights. Females are darker and rounder, with only short wing pads. They live in meter boxes, irrigation boxes, cracks in block walls and under rocks, and they wander inside at night.
- American cockroach: a large, reddish-brown roach, often an inch and a half long or more. It lives in sewers and storm drains and can come up through floor drains and plumbing.
- Oriental cockroach: a shiny, dark brown to black roach that likes cool, damp spots such as drains, crawl spaces and areas under leaky pipes.
- German cockroach: a small, light brown roach with two dark stripes behind its head. It lives indoors in kitchens and bathrooms, often near appliances, and it multiplies quickly. It usually rides in on boxes, grocery bags or used appliances.
Signs you have roaches
- Roaches running for cover when you turn on a light
- Small dark droppings that look like pepper or coffee grounds in drawers, cabinets or behind appliances
- Egg cases, which are small brown capsules, in corners or behind furniture
- A musty, oily smell in cabinets or closets
- Roaches near drains, the water heater or the laundry area
Roaches prefer the dark, so seeing them during the day can mean a lot of them are hiding nearby.
Why it's worth dealing with roaches early
Cockroaches crawl through drains, trash and sewers, then across counters and food. They can spread germs, and their droppings and shed skins can bother people with allergies or asthma. German cockroaches in particular can go from a few to a lot in a short time, so it's easier to get help sooner rather than later.
Simple steps you can take today
- Fix leaks under sinks and around the water heater, and wipe up standing water.
- Keep stoppers in sinks and tubs at night if roaches come up through the drains.
- Don't leave dirty dishes or pet food out overnight.
- Take out the trash often, and keep outdoor cans closed.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Clean under the stove, fridge and dishwasher, where crumbs and grease build up.
- Cut down on cardboard boxes in the garage and closets.
- Try yellow bulbs in porch lights, which tend to draw fewer flying insects.
How a licensed company can help with cockroaches
Different roaches call for different approaches. Outdoor roaches like Turkestan and American cockroaches usually need attention around the outside of the home, in meter boxes, drains and landscaping. German cockroaches are an indoor problem and need a careful plan in the kitchen and bathrooms. A licensed Nevada pest control company can identify what you have, find where they're coming from and explain your options. You can ask about anything else you're seeing in the same free estimate, from scorpions down to the tiniest ant.
Ready for a free estimate?
Fill out the short form, and a licensed Nevada pest control company that serves your part of the valley will call you back. We cover Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Paradise, Enterprise and Whitney. It's free to use, and there's no obligation.
Questions
Are roaches and cockroaches the same thing?
Yes. "Roach" is just a short name for cockroach. On the form, choose Roaches.
Do roaches mean my house is dirty?
Not necessarily. Outdoor roaches like Turkestan and American cockroaches come in looking for water and shelter, even in very clean homes. German cockroaches are more tied to food and clutter indoors, but they can ride into any home in a box or bag.
Why do I mostly see roaches at night?
Cockroaches hide in dark, tight spaces during the day and come out at night to look for food and water. Outdoor roaches are also drawn to porch lights after dark.
Can roaches attract scorpions?
Yes. Scorpions eat insects, including roaches, so a home with lots of roaches around it can draw scorpions too.
Does this cost anything?
No. Vegas Pest Marketplace is free for homeowners. You only pay the pest control company if you decide to hire them. The estimate is free, and there's no obligation.