German cockroaches favor warm, humid spaces near food and water — kitchens, behind appliances, under sinks — and McKenney's a coastal-influenced climate with real hurricane season exposure and generally milder winters than inland Virginia keeps them active most of the year. American cockroaches, larger and reddish-brown, prefer basements, drains, and utility rooms. A mix of historic colonial-era homes along the James River and newer suburban and coastal development, many on crawl spaces given the high water table.
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.