Winning Roach War in Multi-Family Properties and Gaining Independence Over Pests.

For Floridian multifamily property owners and leasing teams, this year has been an active year for roaches. A roach infestation can lead to resident dissatisfaction, negative reviews, and even lease terminations. Knowledge of the difference between American and German cockroaches, may better equip you with resident communication and outline preventative measures. Ultimately we recommend a Multi-family Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach through WellTech Pest Solutions.

Do you want to gain independence over pests? Read On!

American vs. German Cockroaches: Know Your Foe

While both American and German cockroaches are common pests, understanding their differences is crucial for effective treatment.

American Cockroaches ( Periplaneta americana )

• Appearance: Often referred to as the “palmetto bug”, these are the giants of the roach world, often exceeding 1.5 inches in length. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their head. They have wings and can fly, though they often prefer to scurry.
• Habitat: American cockroaches prefer warm, damp, and dark environments. In multifamily properties, you’ll commonly find them in basements, crawl spaces, sewers, boiler rooms, and around drains. They often enter units from plumbing pathways.
• Behavior: They are primarily nocturnal and will scatter when disturbed. They are often found in larger groups but don’t typically form dense aggregations within living spaces like German roaches.

German Cockroaches ( Blattella germanica )

• Appearance: Much smaller than their American counterparts, German cockroaches are typically ½ to ⅝ inch long. They are light brown to tan with two parallel dark stripes running down their back, just behind their head. They have wings but rarely fly; they are much more likely to run.
• Habitat: These are the true indoor pests. German cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments close to food and water sources. This means kitchens and bathrooms within individual units are their favorite bunkers. They can often be found in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, in cabinets, and even inside electronics.
• Behavior: German cockroaches are notorious for rapid reproduction, leading to quickly escalating infestations. They are also nocturnal but are more likely to be seen during the day in severe infestations, indicating a high population density.

Addressing Residents When Roaches Are Found

Discovering roaches in a resident’s unit can be a sensitive issue. Transparency, empathy, and swift action are key.

1. Listen Actively and Empathize: Acknowledge the resident’s discomfort and frustration. Validate their concerns, “I understand how unsettling it is to find pests in your home, and we take this very seriously.”
2. Explain the Process: Clearly outline the steps your property will take to address the issue. This includes scheduling pest control treatments, advising on resident preparation (e.g., clearing cabinets), and follow-up procedures.
3. Educate, Don’t Blame: While resident cooperation is vital for effective treatment, avoid accusatory language. Instead of saying, “You need to clean your apartment,” try, “To help our pest control team be most effective, we kindly request you prepare your unit by…” Provide clear, written instructions on preparation.
4. Emphasize Proactive Measures: Inform residents about the preventative steps they can take, such as promptly cleaning up spills, storing food in airtight containers, taking out trash regularly, and reporting leaks.
5. Follow Up: After treatment, check in with the resident to ensure the problem is being resolved and to address any lingering concerns. Regular communication builds trust.

Preventing Roach Colonies from Expanding and Returning

Prevention is the cornerstone of effective pest management in multifamily properties.

• Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks and crevices in walls, around pipes, and under sinks. Install door sweeps and seal around windows. Roaches can squeeze through incredibly small openings.
• Manage Moisture: Fix leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and any sources of standing water promptly. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
• Waste Management: Ensure dumpsters are tightly sealed and emptied frequently. Encourage residents to use trash cans with lids and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Food Storage: Advise residents to store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Regular Cleaning and Inspection: Implement a robust cleaning schedule for common areas. For units, encourage residents to maintain cleanliness. Conduct regular inspections of vacant units and common areas for early detection.
• Landscaping: Trim bushes and trees away from the building to reduce harborage points. Ensure proper drainage around the foundation.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Multifamily Properties

Because WellTech exclusively serves the multifamily environments of properties throughout Florida we have the experience of customizing “app-roaches” to eliminate these pests and minimize their return. Because one roach is more difficult to battle than the other, we all need to understand the tactics to use for victory. Since our strategy is multi-family vs a one home – one family approach, we are more effective in winning the roach war. 

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC leverages Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to provide a comprehensive and sustainable solution. IPM is not just about spraying chemicals; it’s a holistic approach that prioritizes long-term prevention and minimizes risks.

1. Thorough Inspection and Identification: WellTech Pest conducts detailed inspections of individual units, common areas, and exterior perimeters to identify the specific type of roach, the extent of the infestation, and entry points. This is crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategy.
2. Targeted Treatments: Instead of blanket spraying, IWellTech Pest Solutions focuses on targeted treatments. This might include baiting in sensitive areas (like kitchens and bathrooms), crack and crevice treatments, and the application of insect growth regulators (IGRs) that disrupt the roach life cycle. The type of treatment will vary based on the roach species and the severity of the infestation.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation: WellTech Pest Solutions conducts ongoing monitoring to assess the effectiveness of treatments and identify any new or recurring activity. This might include using sticky traps to track populations.
4. Education and Collaboration: WellTech educates your leasing and property management team to work collaboratively with residents to implement preventative measures and ensure long-term success.
5. Documentation and Reporting: WellTech Pest provides detailed documentation of services performed, findings, and recommendations. This helps track progress and identify areas needing improvement.***
6. Reduced Pesticide Use: WellTech Pest aims to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides by utilizing a combination of strategies, focusing on the least toxic and most effective methods. This is safer for residents, pets, and the environment.

By understanding the nuances of American and German cockroaches, communicating effectively with residents, implementing robust preventative measures, and partnering with a WellTech Pest Solutions, you can effectively manage and prevent roach infestations, ensuring a healthier and more satisfying living environment for your residents.

***WellTech Pest is switched over to a new application with a more digitally detailed approach between technicians and properties as of July 1st, 2025. If you are a current customer, please contact us on how to access the portal.