Hey everyone,
I’ve been struggling with oriental roaches for months now, and it feels like nothing truly gets rid of them. I’ve cleaned drains, sealed cracks, used traps, and even tried a few DIY treatments. They’ll disappear for a while but always seem to come back after heavy rain or when the weather cools down.
At this point, I’m wondering if it’s worth calling a professional exterminator. Has anyone here gone that route? I’d love to know if pro treatment actually keeps them away long-term, or if it’s just another short-term fix.
I had the same issue last summer. Oriental roaches love damp spots, so they kept showing up near my basement drain. I finally had a pro come out, and honestly, it made a huge difference. Haven’t seen a single one in months.
@CrawlSpaceWatcher Same here. I used to see them in my laundry room all the time. The exterminator treated both inside and outside the house, especially around foundation gaps. Totally worth it in my case.
Before calling a pro, make sure you’re not dealing with a moisture issue. I fixed a small leak under my kitchen sink, and it actually reduced sightings a lot. Sometimes the problem isn’t the bugs, it’s what attracts them.
Good point, @BugTheory. I live on the first floor of an old apartment building and they come up from the pipes. I had to seal around the drain openings and set up traps in the utility closet. It didn’t eliminate them fully, but it helped.
If they’re coming back after rain, it’s likely they’re nesting outdoors. I sprayed around my foundation, window wells, and vents, and that cut the population down fast. A pro will do the same but probably more thoroughly.
I tried everything before calling pest control — powders, sprays, traps — nothing lasted more than a few weeks. The professional treatment cost me about $120, but they did follow-up visits, and it’s been clear for almost a year now.
Just be careful which company you go with. Some promise “lifetime guarantees” but only do one quick treatment. Ask if they use integrated pest management, that’s usually more effective and less harsh on the environment.
My experience was the opposite. Paid for a one-time pro visit, but the roaches came back after two months. They said I’d need a maintenance plan. I started doing my own regular checks and drying out my crawl space, that helped more.
Yeah, oriental roaches are stubborn. The real trick is controlling moisture and blocking entry points. Whether you go DIY or professional, if there’s still dampness, they’ll keep finding their way in.
Agreed. I think pros are worth it if the infestation is bad or spreading fast. For mild cases, consistent cleaning, sealing, and keeping everything dry can do wonders.