Cockroach Control in Central Florida

• German cockroaches – Small, fast roaches that infest kitchens and bathrooms, hiding in cracks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets.
• American cockroaches (“palmetto bugs”) – Large roaches that can fly or glide and often come in from sewers, mulch beds, and damp crawlspaces.
• Smokybrown cockroaches – Dark outdoor roaches that are attracted to moisture and often invade attics, soffits, and rooflines.

Each species behaves differently and nests in different places, so identification is key. Gato technicians use that information to choose the right combination of methods for your specific roach problem.

Why DIY Roach Sprays Don’t Solve the Problem

Over-the-counter sprays may kill the roaches you can see, but they rarely reach hidden harborages deep inside walls, behind cabinets, or in ceiling voids. Spraying surfaces can also make roaches avoid treated areas, pushing them deeper into the structure without ever touching the main population.

Gato Lawn & Pest Control designs cockroach treatments around long-term elimination, not temporary knockdown. We rely on professional-grade baits, dusts, and non-repellent products that roaches encounter and carry back to their nesting sites, helping to wipe out entire colonies over time instead of just chasing them around the kitchen.

Our Cockroach & Palmetto Bug Treatment Process

1. Inspection & species identification
We inspect kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, laundry rooms, garages, and exterior areas to find droppings, egg cases, smear marks, and hot spots. We identify the roach species and level of severity.

2. Sanitation & exclusion recommendations
Your technician will show you food, water, and clutter sources feeding the infestation and suggest realistic steps to improve conditions.

3. Targeted baiting and crack-and-crevice treatment
We place roach baits in strategic locations and treat cracks and voids behind appliances, cabinets, and plumbing penetrations where roaches live and breed.

4. Exterior treatment and harborage reduction
We treat foundation zones, entry points, and outdoor harborage sites like mulch beds, voids, and utility penetrations to stop roaches from migrating inside.

5. Follow-up for heavy infestations
Severe or long-standing infestations may require one or more follow-up visits. We monitor results and adjust the strategy each time.

Keeping Roaches Away Long-Term

Long-term roach control combines professional treatments with good sanitation and exclusion practices:

• Fix plumbing leaks and moisture problems
• Store food and pet food in sealed containers
• Reduce cardboard and paper clutter, especially in kitchens and storage areas
• Keep trash cans sealed and emptied regularly
• Trim vegetation and mulch away from the foundation

When you pair these steps with Gato’s ongoing pest control plan, you dramatically reduce the chance of seeing roaches and palmetto bugs return.