Pest Library
Cockroaches
German cockroaches indoors; larger species from outside and drains.
Overview
German cockroaches are the small tan species that live indoors year-round, hiding in warm, humid spaces near food and water. They reproduce quickly and are frequently introduced through groceries, appliances, packaging or shared walls in multi-family buildings.
American and Oriental cockroaches are larger and are more often associated with basements, floor drains, sump areas and sewer connections, moving indoors when conditions outside get wet or cold.
Why they're common in the Hudson Valley
- Older housing stock, apartment buildings and mixed-use village properties can allow movement between units.
- Damp basements, floor drains and sump pits are common in the region and support the larger species.
- Winter concentrates activity in heated, humid interior spaces such as kitchens and utility rooms.
Signs of activity
- Insects scattering when a light is turned on at night
- Pepper-like droppings in drawers, cabinet corners and along hinges
- Shed skins or small brown egg cases in cabinets and behind appliances
- A musty odor in a heavily infested area
Where you'll find them
- Behind and under refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves
- Cabinet corners, drawer tracks and under sinks
- Bathroom vanities and around plumbing penetrations
- Basements, floor drains, sump pits and utility rooms
Why it matters
- Cockroaches contaminate food-contact surfaces and are a recognized indoor allergen and asthma trigger.
- German cockroach populations grow fast and rarely resolve with over-the-counter sprays alone.
- In multi-family buildings, treatment usually needs to address more than one unit to be effective.
Prevention
- Clean grease and crumbs from under and behind appliances
- Store food in sealed containers and empty trash regularly
- Fix leaks and dry sinks at night — roaches need water
- Break down and discard cardboard promptly
- Seal gaps around pipes and behind cabinets
- Keep floor drains and sump areas maintained
When to get an inspection
- You have seen roaches more than once, especially small tan ones
- Store-bought sprays reduce sightings temporarily but do not stop them
- You live in an apartment or attached home
- You are finding droppings or egg cases in cabinets
Cockroaches in the kitchen or bathroom?
If the activity keeps coming back, an on-site inspection is the reliable next step.