Cockroach control exterminators locate, treat, and help prevent roach infestations in homes and businesses. Effective roach control matters because these pests spread allergens and bacteria, multiply fast, and can be tough to eliminate without a plan. Use Pest Crews to browse local cockroach exterminators, compare services and prices, and contact providers directly.

Freedom Pest Control

58 Pulaski St Unit Business 2, Peabody, MA 01960

Freedom Pest Control is a pest management company serving Boston, MA, with over 30 years of experience since 1994. They provide a wide range of pest control services including ant, rodent, bed bug, termite, mosquito, and wildlife removal. Their approach involves thorough inspections and customized treatment plans to address the root causes of infestations. The company also offers specialized services such as stinging insect control and eco-friendly mosquito and tick management. With a focus on safety and effective solutions, Freedom Pest Control helps homeowners protect their properties from various pests.

5.0

403 Reviews

Mosquito Joe of Andover-Peabody

28 Teal Rd, Wakefield, MA 01880

Mosquito Joe of Andover-Peabody provides eco-friendly pest control services in Boston, MA, specializing in mosquito, tick, rodent, ant, cockroach, and commercial pest management. Their science-driven approach includes creating protective barriers and targeted treatments to prevent infestations and protect outdoor spaces. The company offers year-round pest control with flexible service plans tailored to seasonal pest activity. Mosquito Joe emphasizes environmentally responsible methods and supports both residential and commercial clients in maintaining pest-free environments.

5.0

349 Reviews

Pest Assassins

51 Winchester St, Newton, MA 02461

Pest Assassins is a licensed pest control company serving Boston, MA, and the surrounding Massachusetts and Rhode Island areas. They provide pest elimination and prevention services for homes and businesses, addressing common local pests such as termites, ants, bed bugs, rodents, and mosquitoes. Their approach includes thorough inspections, tailored treatment plans, and ongoing maintenance to manage seasonal pest challenges effectively. Pest Assassins is veteran-owned and has been serving the region since 2011. They offer contract-free services and emphasize environmentally responsible pest management practices.

5.0

114 Reviews

Green Planet Pest Control, Inc

boston

Green Planet Pest Control, Inc is a pest control company based in Boston, MA, offering eco-friendly pest management solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Their services include treatment and control of ants, termites, rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs, bees, wasps, and more. The company emphasizes low-impact, environmentally responsible methods and employs an entomologist with advanced certifications to ensure effective pest elimination. Established in 2009, Green Planet Pest Control brings over 20 years of industry experience to its work, providing warranties on most services and using kid- and pet-friendly approaches.

5.0

105 Reviews

Bug Bully Pest Control - Concord, MA

191 Sudbury Rd Unit 26, Concord, MA 01742

Bug Bully Pest Control - Concord, MA offers comprehensive pest management services in Boston, MA, specializing in controlling ants, mice, mosquitoes, roaches, termites, and other pests. Established in 2006, the company provides both residential and commercial pest control solutions tailored to each client's needs. Their Quad Defense System targets critical zones around properties to prevent and eliminate infestations effectively. Bug Bully is fully licensed in Massachusetts and offers services within 24 hours of contact, focusing on safe and eco-friendly treatment methods.

5.0

94 Reviews

See more providers in Salem, MA

Cockroach control is the process of identifying the roach species, reducing conducive conditions, and using targeted treatments to eliminate active infestations and prevent future ones. Depending on the situation, pros may combine baits, insect growth regulators (IGRs), residual sprays, dusts, and exclusion (sealing entry points).

Roaches are resilient. Species like German cockroaches live where people live-inside kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas-so lasting results require more than a one-time spray. A good plan attacks the population at multiple life stages and removes food, water, and harborage so they can't rebound.

Why cockroach control matters

• Health and hygiene: Roaches can carry bacteria and trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children and older adults.
• Rapid reproduction: A small problem can turn into hundreds of roaches in weeks.
• Food and property risks: They contaminate food, leave stains and odors, and damage packaging and soft materials.
• Reputation and compliance: For restaurants, multifamily housing, and healthcare facilities, roaches can lead to complaints, poor reviews, or health department citations.

If you see roaches during the day, find egg cases (oothecae), or notice a musty odor, it's time to take action.

How professional cockroach extermination works

Most providers follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach-using precise, least-disruptive tools first and escalating only as needed.

• Inspection and identification

  • Locate hot spots: under sinks, behind appliances, inside cabinets, around dishwashers, laundry rooms, and utility chases.
  • Determine species: German, American, Oriental, brown-banded, or smoky brown. Species dictates strategy.

• Treatment plan

  • Baits and gels placed in discreet, high-traffic areas so roaches carry poison back to the colony.
  • IGRs to disrupt reproduction and break life cycles.
  • Non-repellent residuals and dusts (e.g., in wall voids, outlets, and cracks) for long-term control.
  • Sanitation and exclusion steps to remove attractants and seal entry points.

• Follow-up and monitoring

  • Sticky monitors to gauge activity.
  • Return visits to re-bait, adjust placement, and verify decline in counts until the problem is resolved.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose a cockroach exterminator

Finding the right pro is about fit, not just price. Here's what to look for:

• Licenses and insurance

  • Confirm state licensing for structural pest control. Ask for license numbers and proof of insurance.

• Experience with your roach species and setting

  • German roach cleanouts in apartments differ from treating American roaches in basements or sewers.

• IPM philosophy and product transparency

  • Ask which baits, IGRs, and residuals they use and why. Pros should share product labels/SDS on request.

• Follow-up schedule and warranty

  • Cockroach work typically requires at least one follow-up. Understand what's included and how long the guarantee lasts.

• Communication and preparation guidance

  • Clear prep checklists and post-treatment instructions are a sign of a professional operation.

• Local references and reviews

  • Read recent feedback and look for consistent results across similar properties.

Pest Crews is a directory to help you discover options. Contact providers directly to evaluate credentials and choose the best fit for your needs.

Typical costs and what affects them

Cockroach control pricing varies based on species, severity, property type, and service frequency. Expect:

• One-time treatment (light activity, smaller homes): roughly $150-$300.
• Moderate infestation with 1-2 follow-ups: generally $250-$500.
• Heavy German cockroach cleanout (multiple rooms, multiple visits): $400-$800+ depending on scope.
• Ongoing prevention plans: often $45-$75 per month or $120-$300 per quarterly visit, with roach coverage included.
• Multifamily or commercial accounts: priced per unit, per visit, or via custom proposals; volume can reduce per-unit costs.

Factors that raise or lower cost:

• Severity and spread of infestation
• Size, clutter, and sanitation conditions
• Species (German roaches often require more visits and precision baiting)
• Building type (single-family vs. multifamily vs. food service)
• Number of follow-ups and length of warranty
• Access challenges and after-hours requirements
• Regional labor and material costs

Tip: When comparing quotes, make sure the number of follow-ups, type of products, and warranty terms are clearly stated so you can compare apples to apples.

Timeline: from first call to follow-up

• Same day to 72 hours: Initial inspection and first treatment for most residential jobs.
• 7-14 days: Follow-up visit to re-bait, adjust placement, and assess progress.
• 3-6 weeks: Additional service if activity persists, especially for German roaches.
• Ongoing: Preventive service or periodic checks to keep populations from rebounding.

You should see a noticeable drop in sightings within 7-10 days, with continued improvement after follow-ups. Large or cluttered spaces, shared-wall buildings, and chronic moisture issues may extend timelines.

Key products, methods, and components

A thorough roach program blends tools to hit different life stages and behaviors:

• Bait gels and stations

  • Attract roaches to consume and transfer bait back to the colony. Placement and rotation matter to avoid bait aversion.

• Insect growth regulators (IGRs)

  • Interrupt molting and reproduction so populations collapse rather than bounce back.

• Non-repellent residuals

  • Low-odor sprays that roaches cross without detecting, ensuring delayed action and better transfer.

• Dusts for voids and cracks

  • Borate, silica, or other labeled dusts applied in electrical boxes, wall voids, and appliance cavities.

• Monitors and inspections

  • Glue boards show where activity is highest and verify declines over time.

• Sanitation and exclusion

  • Fix water leaks, seal gaps around pipes, caulk cracks, and remove clutter to reduce harborage.

Ask your provider to explain what they're using and where, and to share labels for any products applied inside your home or business.

Prep checklist to get the most from your treatment

Doing a little prep before service helps baits work faster and keeps residues where they're most effective.

• Clear kitchen and bathroom counters; store small appliances away temporarily.
• Empty and wipe cabinet interiors if your pro requests it (common with German roaches).
• Deep-clean grease and food debris around the stove, oven, and refrigerator.
• Pull appliances slightly to allow access to sides and backs.
• Fix drips and moisture issues under sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
• Reduce clutter-especially cardboard-near kitchens, laundry, and utility rooms.
• Take out trash nightly; use tight-fitting lids.
• Secure pet food in sealed containers and pick up bowls overnight.
• Cover aquariums and turn off air pumps during treatment if instructed.
• Plan to stay out during and shortly after interior treatments as advised on the product label.

After treatment, avoid heavy cleaning of treated cracks/crevices and don't use over-the-counter sprays near bait placements, which can repel roaches and reduce effectiveness.

Smart ways to compare quotes on Pest Crews

• Scope clarity

  • Which rooms and areas are included? Are common areas or adjacent units part of the plan?

• Visit cadence

  • How many follow-ups are scheduled, and what will happen at each visit?

• Products and resistance management

  • Which bait actives will be used first and how will rotations prevent bait shyness?

• Warranty terms

  • How long is coverage, what triggers a reservice, and are callbacks free?

• Total cost vs. first-visit price

  • Confirm whether the quote includes all planned return visits.

• Communication

  • Will you receive a service report with notes, product names, and next steps after each visit?

Questions to ask before you hire

• Which roach species do you suspect, and how does that change the plan?
• How many visits do you anticipate, and on what schedule?
• What prep do you need from me before the first visit?
• Which baits/IGRs/residuals will you use, and are they safe for kids and pets when used as directed?
• Do you provide product labels/SDS and digital service reports?
• What's your warranty and callback policy?
• How will you handle shared-wall issues or neighboring units if I'm in an apartment or condo?
• What sanitation or exclusion steps will you address vs. what's on me?

Signs you may need professional cockroach control

• You see roaches during daylight (a sign of heavy pressure).
• Pepper-like droppings in cabinets or along baseboards.
• Oothecae (egg cases) in drawers, under sinks, or behind appliances.
• Musty, oily odor in kitchens or bathrooms.
• Smear marks along walls near moisture sources.
• Shed skins and tiny nymphs after dark when lights are flipped on.
• Continued activity after DIY sprays or traps.
• Neighbor complaints or multiple units reporting sightings.

DIY vs. pro: when each makes sense

• DIY can help with light, localized activity and prevention: cleaning, sealing cracks, placing a few bait stations, and using monitors.
• Professional help is smart when you see daily activity, have German roaches in multiple rooms, live in shared-wall housing, manage a commercial kitchen, or have health sensitivities. Pros bring targeted products, species know-how, and the follow-up cadence to finish the job.

Even if you start DIY, consider a professional inspection to identify species and hot spots. The right diagnosis saves time and frustration.

Apartment, condo, and commercial considerations

Shared walls and utility chases let roaches move between units. In these settings:

• Coordinate with property management to treat adjacent units and common areas.
• Emphasize sanitation standards for tenants, staff, or kitchen crews.
• Use door sweeps, escutcheon plates, and sealed utility penetrations to limit movement.
• Set service schedules that minimize downtime (e.g., pre-opening for restaurants).
• Maintain simple logs: where activity is found, what was applied, and when follow-ups are due.

Clear communication across all stakeholders is the fastest path to lasting control.

Safety, pets, and eco-friendly options

When label directions are followed, modern baits and non-repellent treatments are designed to be used safely in homes and businesses. If you have infants, pets, aquariums, or respiratory sensitivities:

• Ask about targeted baiting and crack-and-crevice applications first.
• Request low-odor, non-repellent formulations and IGRs as the backbone of the plan.
• Review labels/SDS and re-entry intervals.
• Keep pets and family members out of treated areas until products are dry.

Remember: "eco-friendly" doesn't mean ineffective. IPM prioritizes sanitation, exclusion, and precision placements so you use less product overall while getting better results.

Frequently overlooked tips

• Don't spray over-the-counter repellents near bait placements; they can make roaches avoid the bait.
• Fix slow leaks and condensation-the best "roach food" is water.
• Store cereal, flour, and pet food in sealed containers.
• Empty the toaster crumb tray and wipe under the microwave regularly.
• Reduce cardboard storage; use plastic bins with lids.
• Keep monitors in place even after the problem is gone-they're an early warning system.

Pest Crews helps you quickly find and compare local cockroach exterminators so you can solve the problem with confidence. Explore providers near you, request a few quotes, and choose the pro that fits your home, budget, and timeline.

Frequently asked questions