Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait: A Kitchen Survival Guide from Faith Pest Control

Hey there, neighbors. Fred Talley here from Faith Pest Control.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you just walked into your kitchen, flipped on the light to grab a glass of water, and saw something scurry across the counter. That sinking feeling in your stomach? I get it. We take a lot of pride in our homes here in Jasper, and seeing a roach feels like a personal insult.

But before you go out and buy every bug spray on the shelf at the hardware store, let’s take a breath and talk about a game plan. Here is exactly what you should do if you spot a “uninvited guest” in your kitchen.

1. Identify Your Enemy

Not all roaches are the same. Up here in North Georgia, we usually see two main types:

• The Smokeybrown or American Roach: These are the big ones (sometimes called “palmetto bugs”). They usually live outside and wander in by mistake.

• The German Cockroach: These are smaller, light brown, and have two dark stripes on their heads. These are the ones to worry about. They live indoors, multiply faster than you’d believe, and love your kitchen.

2. Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before

Roaches aren’t just there for the scenery; they’re there for the buffet. To get them out, you have to starve them out.

• Wipe the crumbs: Check under the toaster, inside the microwave, and in the cracks of the stove.

• Dry it up: A roach can live for a month without food, but only a few days without water. Fix that leaky faucet and don’t leave standing water in the sink overnight.

• Seal the snacks: If it comes in a cardboard box (like cereal or crackers), move it to a sealed plastic or glass container.

3. Clear the Clutter

Roaches love cardboard and paper. It’s like a luxury hotel for them. If you have a stack of paper grocery bags or old Amazon boxes tucked between the fridge and the wall, get rid of them. You’re removing their “hiding spots” and making them feel exposed.

4. Be Careful with the “DIY” Sprays

I’ve seen it a thousand times: a homeowner buys a “bug bomb” or a heavy-duty spray and soaks the kitchen. The problem? If you have German roaches, those sprays often just scatter them. They’ll run deep into your walls or into your electrical outlets, making the problem much harder for a professional to fix later.

Fred’s Pro Tip: If you see one, don’t just spray it and walk away. Try to see where it’s running to. That’s the entry point we need to seal or treat.

When to Call in the Pros

If you see one roach during the day, it usually means there are a lot more hiding in the shadows. At Faith Pest Control, we don’t just “spray and pray.” We look for the source, use baits that the roaches take back to the nest, and make sure they don’t come back.

We’re your neighbors, and we want you to feel comfortable in your own kitchen again. Whether you’re in Jasper, Ellijay, or Blue Ridge, we’ve got your back.

Stay safe, stay dry, and keep those counters clean!

The post Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait: A Kitchen Survival Guide from Faith Pest Control first appeared on Faith Pest Control.