German cockroaches favor warm, humid spaces near food and water — kitchens, behind appliances, under sinks — and Irvine's a climate with minimal rainfall much of the year and a real, if short, wildfire season in the surrounding hills keeps them active most of the year. American cockroaches, larger and reddish-brown, prefer basements, drains, and utility rooms. Stucco and wood-frame homes dominate here, spanning post-war tract housing to newer suburban subdivisions.
We start with an inspection to identify the species and the source — sanitation issue, moisture problem, or entry point. Treatment centers on gel bait placed in cracks, voids, and under appliances, not broadcast spraying, since German cockroaches in particular have developed resistance to many surface sprays. A follow-up visit confirms the bait is working and the population is dropping.