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Cockroach Control in Columbus, OH

Local Roach Exterminators Serving the Greater Columbus Area

Cockroaches are disgusting pests that carry disease, cause allergies, and spread bacteria. If you have a cockroach infestation in your home or business, call 1st Response Pest Management for fast, effective cockroach control in Columbus and the surrounding areas. We offer award-winning customer service and are proud to be a BBB Accredited company with an A+ rating.


Call (614) 591-7767 or contact us online for cockroach control in Columbus.


Hear It From Our Happy Customers!

    Ron is AWESOME! I had a national pest extermination company for several years and nothing was getting accomplished. I have seen a significant decrease in the last several months that I started with 1st Response. Ron is very committed to getting the problem fixed and is very knowledgeable and a great guy! He knows his pests! :) Everyone at 1st Response is kind, courteous, and goes the extra yard!

    Tina M.

    Company was very responsive to the needs that I had. My daughters room had hornets coming thru her ceiling. First response was the best response. They came right away after my internet message. Fixed the problem and offered a great service for other rodents around my house. Monthly service is a great deal. These guys know customer service and they know pest control. If you are thinking about a company that cares….this is it. Make first response your first response if you are in need of help.

    Matthew P.

    I live at The Gardens Apartments. I guess before I moved in, there was an issue with bugs. I never saw any. Thank God! But the gentleman from 1st Response saw something on the traps and came back several times to take care of the issue. He was always professional, polite and handled everything with care. Kudos!! I appreciate him and the service that you provide.

    Michelle W.

    Had a great experience with David - he was polite, personable, and able to find where the mice were coming in within 5 minutes. He put all the traps down and followed up on time to ensure they didn't return - highly recommend them!

    Nicholas K.

    This company is great! The company I work for has been using them for years, and I have been using them recently for my home. David is so friendly when he comes in to my office, and Larry was great when he came to my home. Lisa is always the best too! So friendly on the phone!

    Andy R.

    We have a mouse or two and Larry was amazing. On time, professional. He even went into my attic through a very small, inconvenient entryway in the top of a closet. He educated me about mice and inspected every inch of my place, inside and out. The office staff was great, too!

    Rene L.

    We purchased a house that has had termite damage in the past. The original structure was built in 1890, and has been added onto over the years. Previous owners had repaired the termite damage, and had contracted with 1st Response to continue to maintain termite control stations and inspect for any new activity. We have continued with that existing service since purchase. Every tech that comes out is wonderful. Office staff is great as well. Everyone we have dealt with has been personable, kind, attentive and professional. Jason and Justin have been our most recent techs, and they are both great guys.

    Patricia M.

    Best customer service ever! From the dispatcher to the technicians. They were super kind and accommodating to our health needs, more than willing to wear an N95 mask that we provided. Engaging conversation and thorough inspection. Even when 1 thing was missed, they apologized and made everything right. Their service was fast, but effective. The price is reasonable for all of the services you get and they were very understanding and accommodating when it came to the initial payment. I wish we had found them years ago, but if anything good can come from a mouse, it's having First Response on your side. 100%, 10 out of 10, highly recommend!

    Izetta T.

    Holy smokes! They are the best! Like seriously, if you need creepy crawly help or help with other things that scurry about, they are your people. They are incredibly kind, friendly, and understanding. They have a lot of patience and explain things thoroughly. Can't say enough good things about them. We have been using them for a couple years now and have had continued reliable and excellent service.

    Krista K.

Common Types of Roaches in Ohio

In Ohio, you can find several species of roaches, both native and introduced. Here are some common types:

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica):

  • Small, light brown or tan in color with two dark stripes on their backs.
  • Commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with food sources.

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana):

  • Large, reddish-brown roach with a distinctive yellowish figure-eight pattern on its head.
  • Typically found in dark, damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and sewers.

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis):

  • Shiny black or dark brown roach with a more robust appearance than the American or German cockroach.
  • Prefers damp, cool environments like basements, drains, and sewer systems.

Brown-banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa):

  • Smaller than the German cockroach, light brown with two prominent light bands across its wings and abdomen.
  • Tends to infest warm, dry areas like bedrooms and living rooms.

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach (Parcoblatta pennsylvanica):

  • Light brown with a dark border around the head and thorax, and wings extending beyond its abdomen.
  • Typically found in wooded areas, but can occasionally enter homes.

Smokybrown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa):

  • Dark brown or black in color, with wings that extend beyond the abdomen.
  • Prefers outdoor environments but can be attracted to lights and enter buildings.

Turkestan Cockroach (Blatta lateralis):

  • Medium-sized, light brown or reddish-brown roach with a distinct dark stripe along the thorax.
  • Usually found outdoors, but can infest structures and greenhouses.

Keep in mind that while some roaches may primarily be outdoor species, they can still find their way indoors, especially in search of food, water, or shelter. If you suspect a roach infestation, it's important to take action to prevent further proliferation. 

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroach infestations can be a serious issue as they can spread diseases and trigger allergies. Here are some signs of a cockroach infestation:

  • Fecal Droppings: Cockroach droppings look like small, dark, and cylindrical specks. They may resemble ground coffee or black pepper.
  • Egg Casings (Oothecae): Cockroach eggs are encased in small, oval-shaped casings called oothecae. These casings are usually brown or reddish in color.
  • Musty Odor: A strong, musty or oily odor may be present in areas where cockroaches are concentrated.
  • Visible Cockroaches: Seeing live cockroaches during the day is a clear sign of an infestation, as they are primarily nocturnal creatures.
  • Shed Skin: Cockroaches molt as they grow, leaving behind shed exoskeletons. These are often found near hiding spots.
  • Smear Marks: Grease and dirt on the bodies of cockroaches can leave smudge marks on surfaces they come into contact with.
  • Hiding Spots: Cockroaches prefer dark, tight spaces. Check behind appliances, in cabinets, under sinks, and in cracks or crevices.
  • Bite Marks or Damage: In severe infestations, cockroaches may nibble on food, paper, or even fabric, leaving small holes or bite marks.
  • Noises: While not as common, some species of cockroaches can produce faint rustling or clicking sounds.
  • Increased Allergies or Respiratory Issues: Cockroach droppings and shed skin can trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in some individuals.
  • Droppings in Unusual Places: Finding cockroach droppings in areas where food is stored or prepared is a clear indication of an infestation.
  • Fast Movement: Cockroaches are known for their swift, darting movements when they're disturbed.

If you suspect a cockroach infestation, it's crucial to take action promptly. This may involve a combination of thorough cleaning, sealing entry points, and using cockroach traps or baits. Professional pest control services are the best way to deal with severe infestations.


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Preventive Pest Management Plans


Frequently Asked Questions About Cockroaches

cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are known for being one of the most adaptable creatures living throughout the world and are difficult pests to control. Those species that have adapted to living near people are dangerous and unwelcome pests.

Cockroaches have a flattened, oval-shaped body and six legs covered in spines. Their long antennae are usually the same length or longer than their body, and some species have fully developed wings and are capable of flight. Whether winged or not, cockroaches are not known as great fliers. Most species of roaches avoid light and scurry into the darkness when lights turn on. Cockroaches come in various colors, including black, mahogany, and brown, with a variety of identifying markings.

Some of the most common roaches living throughout Greater Columbus and Central Ohio include German cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are dangerous and damaging pests. They carry on their body and legs a wide number of bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites and contaminate food, utensils, dishes, and the surfaces of homes that they crawl over. They transmit E. coli and salmonella, and other pathogens that make people ill. Also, their shed skins and excrement aggravate allergies and trigger asthma attacks — especially in young children. Cockroaches are scavengers that feed on and damage many non-food items like books, clothing, furniture, toothpaste, and wallpaper.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

You have a cockroach problem because cockroaches have discovered sources of food on your property. Things like trash cans, compost piles, pet food, and outdoor eating areas can attract cockroaches to your yard. Once in your yard, they will likely find their way into your house while foraging for more food. Things like spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes act as food sources for hungry cockroaches.

People also introduce cockroaches indoors on potted plants, delivery boxes, or used appliances or electronics that harbor these pests.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Where cockroaches prefer to live depends on their species, as shown below:

  • German Cockroaches

German cockroaches like to live inside. They are a significant pest concern in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and food is prepared or stored anywhere else. These roaches prefer warm, humid environments, and you'll often find them in kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are sometimes called "water bugs" because they prefer to live in very damp areas. Outside, they live around sewers and under piles of debris. Inside, these roaches hide in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms around toilets and bathtub drains.

  • American Cockroaches

American cockroaches mainly live outside but do move indoors while foraging for food. Outside, they live around sewers and drains. They also live in flower beds, under mulch, and behind tree bark. Inside, these moisture-loving pests hide in warm, dark areas in kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.

  • Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Brown-banded cockroaches prefer to live in dry locations that are very warm — above 80 degrees. Inside, these cockroaches live under furniture and in the upper parts of the kitchen or bathroom cabinets. They also invade electronics.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Get rid of cockroaches from your Ohio home or business by trusting the experts at 1st Response Pest Management. We are a locally-owned and family-operated pest control company. Our goal is to provide all of our customers with peace of mind and pest-free homes and businesses through our effective residential and commercial pest control services.

Learn more about protecting your Greater Columbus or Central Ohio area home or business from cockroaches and other pests with the help of 1st Response Pest Management and our eco-friendly approach to pest control. Reach out today and speak with one of our helpful professionals!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Prevent problems with cockroaches by putting into place the following cockroach prevention measures:

  • Partner with the pest control experts here at 1st Response Pest Management.
  • Keep cockroaches from finding their way into your home by sealing any gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.
  • Place weather-stripping around all windows and doors.
  • Replace torn window or door screens.
  • Reduce excess moisture both inside and outside your home.
  • Make sure outdoor trash cans and compost bins have tight lids.
  • Pick up uneaten pet food.
  • Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.
  • Inside your home, store all food, including your pet's food, in airtight containers or the refrigerator.

What to Expect from Your Cockroach Control Service

When you call 1st Response Pest Management for cockroach control in Columbus, we will inspect your property and perform an assessment. We may recommend an insecticide treatment, insect traps, or both. We will also advise you on how to prevent cockroaches from coming back.


Contact 1st Response Pest Management at (614) 591-7767 and we will schedule an appointment to come out and inspect your property.


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