Are there more cockroaches in Modesto this year? Here’s how to keep those pesky bugs away

Summer heat in the Central Valley brings out more than just the AC, house fans, sunscreen and swimsuits - it brings out cockroaches, which thrive in warm environments. Even so, Modesto residents wonder if the bugs are more plentiful this year than ever.

Stephen Tajia, owner of Next Generation Pest Control, says no.

“We see a rise in roach calls this time of year because this is the time of year they (cockroaches) love to come out,” Tajia said.

Tajia said it all comes down to water. When the bugs’ water source dries out, they move closer to the home searching for a new source. Cockroaches love dark, humid places and especially love front yard landscaping beneath planters and river rocks. They’re also attracted to the kitchen.

Tajia said residents overwatering their yards are more prone to cockroach sightings.

Cockroaches are commonly found in trash cans, sewers and any damp, dark area. The roaches have a seasonal developmental cycle and full-grown roaches often emerge in warm seasons.

How to avoid the bugs

Tajia advises residents to keep up with routine maintenance - checking for broken sprinkler heads, throwing out cardboard and fixing plumbing leaks.

In the kitchen, he emphasizes cleanliness. Wiping countertops, sweeping regularly and taking out the trash often can eliminate the food sources roaches search for.

Sealing all entry points can also help prevent roaches. Cracks, holes and gaps around the home exterior, especially where pipes enter, can be sealed with caulk.

How to safely eliminate the bugs

Once roaches are in the home, action should be taken quickly because the hot summer months accelerate their reproductive cycle.

At-home solutions can be effective, though regular pest control visits are recommended, Tajia said.

Gel baits

Gel baits come in a syringe for easy placement in areas the roaches frequent. Indoxacarb, designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as a “reduced-risk” pesticide, is the active ingredient. The insecticide disrupts the roach’s nervous system and leads to its death.

Indoxacarb can spread throughout the colony and kill multiple bugs when one roach eats it. The baits are pet friendly though it should be monitored to ensure pets allow the roaches to eat it first.

Glue traps

Glue traps can be effective in trapping roaches, though should not be used as the only solution. The size of the trap limits the number of roaches it can attract. Once the roach steps onto the glue trap, it becomes stuck and will eventually die.

These traps are not toxic to pets but can be painful to remove if stuck on fur or paws.

Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a silica powder derived from fossilized remains of diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms. It absorbs the roaches’ oil and moisture, causing them to dry up and die.

Similar to gel baits, the powder should be placed in common areas. The powder is pet-friendly though it can irritate if inhaled in large amounts.

Boric acid is a common roach remedy. Sprinkled on common surfaces, the powder clings to the roach’s body and is then ingested, killing the roach. While it is effective in killing adult roaches, boric acid does not harm the eggs and will not stop an infestation, according to Orkin Pest Control. This method is not recommended for homes with pets and small children.