Cockroaches in your Sarasota home? You’re not alone. The warm, humid climate makes this area a magnet for roaches of all kinds—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and dark spaces where they can hide and multiply.
Why Roaches Love Sarasota Homes
With palm trees, older homes, and moisture-rich environments, Sarasota offers the perfect mix of shelter and food for roaches. Even the cleanest homes aren’t immune. Once inside, they’re fast to spread and tough to control without expert help.
One Roach Means Many More
Seeing one roach during the day? That usually means the rest are hiding nearby—under appliances, behind cabinets, or in your walls. Roaches reproduce quickly and contaminate surfaces with bacteria. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
What Makes Our Approach Different
We don’t just treat visible roaches—we track down where they’re nesting and cut off the source. Using targeted treatment methods and local insight into Sarasota’s roach species, we eliminate infestations at the root. No guesswork. No generic sprays. Just results that last.
Take the First Step Toward a Roach-Free Home Now!
You don’t have to live with roaches. Call (941) 241-3591 to speak with a Sarasota-based roach exterminator and schedule your inspection today. Fast action now means fewer problems later.
Pete Diffendal2025-03-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, knowledgeable and solution oriented. Adam was quick to address our issue and explain our options, highly recommend.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Pete! We're glad Adam could provide quick and effective pest control solutions. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Margo Gentile2025-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We like the new spider 🕷 treatment.
Owner's reply
Thanks you Margo! It was a pleasure helping you and Gene with your 🕷️ spider control. Georgie Mygrant2025-03-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam did a fantastic job on our dogs fleas. I would recommen him 100%! Very prompt and kind, and polite. Thank you Adam.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Georgie, it was my pleasure to help you and Glen with your Flea Treatment in Bradenton. Safe travels! Magdalena Ocampo Morales2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nosotros estamos usando los servicios de este grupo para fumigar y para las hormigas y es la primera vez en cuatro años que podemos disfrutar de nuestra propiedad sin ser espantados por los mosquitos y las hormigas, estamos felices con sus servicios
Owner's reply
Thank you, Magdalena! We're thrilled to hear our pest control services helped you enjoy your property without worries. Cheers to a pest-free space! Gloria Siddiqui2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best pest control, we have a lake and a large lot. Waves pest control has taken care of our mosquito and ant problem, Adam and the waves team has taken care of them!
Owner's reply
Thank you, Gloria! We're thrilled to hear Waves Pest Control effectively tackled your mosquito and ant issues. Your satisfaction means the world! Dr. Brenda Yanofsky2025-03-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome. Reliable. On Time Courteous. Best service ever Adam continues to provide service of excellence. Appreciate his work ethic and concern for my well being.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Brenda! We're thrilled you found our pest control services awesome and reliable. Your support means the world to us! Kim Soto2025-02-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam was on time & very knowledgeable about his business. He was also Very professional. I’m glad we found him.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Kim! We're thrilled Adam impressed you with his pest control expertise and professionalism. We appreciate your support! Adam Benetti2025-02-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best rodent control service. Was detailed, professional and prompt.
Owner's reply
Thank you for your review! Pat Conklin2025-02-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So happy to have found Wave Pest Control. Adam is so knowledgable and professional. Looking forward to working with him.
Owner's reply
Thanks Pat! Enjoyed meeting you and helping with your termite control issues. Looking forward to a great partnership!
Finding a reliable roach exterminator in Sarasota, FL isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your home from one of the most persistent pests in the area. Roaches thrive in Sarasota’s tropical heat, sneaking into kitchens, bathrooms, and baseboards where moisture and food are easy to find.
Why Roaches Keep Coming Back
It’s not just the weather. Sarasota homes—especially those near water, shaded yards, or with aging foundations—offer easy entry points. Once inside, cockroaches hide behind appliances, in dark cabinets, and even inside walls. They’re resilient, fast to multiply, and quick to adapt.
Baiting the Right Way
Baiting is a highly targeted strategy. We place small bait stations in common roach pathways—under sinks, behind refrigerators, in cabinet corners. These roaches then carry the bait back to their nests, slowly reducing the colony over time. It’s not instant, but when done right, baiting works deep into the infestation and prevents future flare-ups.
Roach Insecticide That Works for Sarasota Homes
In homes with heavy infestations—or where cracks and gaps offer endless hiding places—we use specialized insecticide treatments. Waterproof gel formulations work best for our local humidity. These are applied along baseboards, plumbing lines, and behind walls—where roaches move but people and pets don’t. The goal is control without disruption.
A Smarter Strategy: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Roach control is never just one treatment. We combine multiple methods into a single strategy designed for Sarasota’s environment. That means:
Sealing gaps and entry points around the home
Fixing leaks and reducing indoor moisture
Keeping kitchens, drains, and pet food areas clean
Using baits and traps where activity is high
Treating only the areas that need it, keeping your home safe for people and pets
This approach doesn’t just chase roaches—it removes their reasons for staying.
Time to Talk to a Roach Exterminator in Sarasota, FL
If roaches are taking over your kitchen, bathroom, or garage, it’s time to act. Call (941) 241-3591 today to schedule a local inspection and get rid of roaches—for good.
When roaches show up in your Sarasota home, a surface-level fix won’t cut it. A targeted plan is what clears them out—and keeps them from coming back.
Thorough Inspection Inside & Out
We begin by inspecting the areas where roaches hide and thrive. That includes behind kitchen appliances, under sinks, and around laundry rooms or water heaters. In Sarasota, we also check places with higher humidity—near A/C units, pool decks, and shaded patios. These zones are often overlooked, but they’re a magnet for cockroach activity.
Identifying the Species Before Treating
Not all cockroaches are the same. Sarasota homes frequently see German cockroaches indoors and American or Florida Woods cockroaches entering from outside. Knowing which species you’re dealing with helps us choose the right approach—so nothing is wasted and every step counts.
Strategic Treatment That Targets the Source
Once we know where they’re hiding and what kind they are, we treat with a combination of baits, gels, dusts, and insect growth regulators. These are placed in the exact spots where roaches travel—not just where you happen to see them. This method disrupts their routines, breaks up breeding, and begins wiping out the infestation at its core.
Full Exterior Defense for Sarasota Homes
Cockroaches often start outside, especially in a warm, coastal climate like Sarasota’s. We apply a barrier around your home—targeting cracks, entry points, mulch beds, and other moist spots where roaches gather before making their way indoors.
Follow-Up Makes the Difference
Roach control doesn’t always stop after one visit. Depending on the level of infestation, we schedule follow-up treatments to track progress and reapply products where needed. This ensures that both the visible and hidden parts of the problem are addressed over time.
Keeping Roaches Out After Treatment
We’ll also show you simple ways to make your home less inviting to roaches—like reducing moisture, sealing gaps, and storing food properly. With these tips and regular care, your home stays roach-free long after the initial treatment.
Talk to a Roach Exterminator in Sarasota, FL Today!
Don’t let roaches take over your space. Call (941) 269-0886 to book a local inspection and get a customized treatment plan built for Sarasota homes.
Pete Diffendal2025-03-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, knowledgeable and solution oriented. Adam was quick to address our issue and explain our options, highly recommend.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Pete! We're glad Adam could provide quick and effective pest control solutions. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Margo Gentile2025-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We like the new spider 🕷 treatment.
Owner's reply
Thanks you Margo! It was a pleasure helping you and Gene with your 🕷️ spider control. Georgie Mygrant2025-03-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam did a fantastic job on our dogs fleas. I would recommen him 100%! Very prompt and kind, and polite. Thank you Adam.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Georgie, it was my pleasure to help you and Glen with your Flea Treatment in Bradenton. Safe travels! Magdalena Ocampo Morales2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nosotros estamos usando los servicios de este grupo para fumigar y para las hormigas y es la primera vez en cuatro años que podemos disfrutar de nuestra propiedad sin ser espantados por los mosquitos y las hormigas, estamos felices con sus servicios
Owner's reply
Thank you, Magdalena! We're thrilled to hear our pest control services helped you enjoy your property without worries. Cheers to a pest-free space! Gloria Siddiqui2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best pest control, we have a lake and a large lot. Waves pest control has taken care of our mosquito and ant problem, Adam and the waves team has taken care of them!
Owner's reply
Thank you, Gloria! We're thrilled to hear Waves Pest Control effectively tackled your mosquito and ant issues. Your satisfaction means the world! Dr. Brenda Yanofsky2025-03-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome. Reliable. On Time Courteous. Best service ever Adam continues to provide service of excellence. Appreciate his work ethic and concern for my well being.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Brenda! We're thrilled you found our pest control services awesome and reliable. Your support means the world to us! Kim Soto2025-02-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam was on time & very knowledgeable about his business. He was also Very professional. I’m glad we found him.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Kim! We're thrilled Adam impressed you with his pest control expertise and professionalism. We appreciate your support! Adam Benetti2025-02-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best rodent control service. Was detailed, professional and prompt.
Owner's reply
Thank you for your review! Pat Conklin2025-02-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So happy to have found Wave Pest Control. Adam is so knowledgable and professional. Looking forward to working with him.
Owner's reply
Thanks Pat! Enjoyed meeting you and helping with your termite control issues. Looking forward to a great partnership!
Catching a cockroach problem early makes all the difference. Sarasota’s heat and humidity allow roaches to stay active year-round, so spotting the warning signs can help you act before things spiral.
Seeing Roaches During the Day
Cockroaches usually hide in the dark. If you’re spotting them in daylight—especially in open or well-lit areas like your kitchen or bathroom—it may mean the infestation has already grown beyond hiding.
Droppings That Resemble Coffee Grounds
Small, dark specks that look like ground pepper or coffee dust around drawers, under sinks, or in pantry corners are likely cockroach droppings. These tend to accumulate in areas where roaches are most active.
Egg Casings in Hidden, Humid Areas
Cockroach egg cases—called oothecae—are small, brown, and oval-shaped. In Sarasota, the humidity helps these thrive in quiet, moist spots like behind your fridge, under bathroom sinks, or tucked away in cabinets.
That Damp, Musty Smell
A lingering, musty odor—especially in kitchens or bathrooms—can be a sign of an established infestation. Roaches release pheromones that worsen as the population grows.
Smear Marks on Surfaces
Roaches leave behind dark, greasy smears as they travel along walls and baseboards. These often show up near water sources or tight corners they use to move through your home.
Finding Shed Skins
Roaches molt several times as they grow. If you see thin, papery skins—usually light brown or tan—it’s a strong sign that they’ve settled in and are reproducing nearby.
Food Package Damage
Tiny chew marks or holes in boxes, bags, or food containers in your pantry can point to cockroach activity. If your dry goods look tampered with, it’s time to take action.
Time to Call a Roach Exterminator in Sarasota?
If you’re spotting any of these signs in your Sarasota home, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call (941) 269-0886 to speak with a local roach exterminator and get a plan in place to clear your home—for good.
If you’re dealing with unwanted roaches, early detection is everything. Sarasota’s warm, humid weather creates the perfect storm for year-round activity. A regular inspection routine can help you catch issues before they grow.
Start in the Kitchen
Roaches love kitchens. Check behind and under your stove, fridge, and dishwasher. Look inside cabinets—especially the dark corners—and along baseboards. The space around your garbage can is another hot zone.
Don’t Skip the Bathroom
Bathrooms stay moist, making them another favorite hiding spot. Peek under sinks, behind toilets, and around pipes. Cracks or loose caulking can become entry points or nesting areas.
Take a Look at Living Areas
Warm electronics attract cockroaches. Inspect around TVs, behind bookshelves, under couches, and near power outlets. Even a cluttered corner can be just cozy enough for them to hide.
Inspect Utility & Storage Areas
Your laundry room and garage should be on your checklist. Roaches often settle near washers, dryers, and cardboard boxes. If you’re storing pet food or old newspapers, check there, too.
Don’t Forget the Outside
Roaches in Sarasota often start outside. Look around your porch, patio, and the base of your home. Moist mulch, leaf piles, or debris near the foundation can attract them before they sneak indoors.
Use a Flashlight
Dark, tight spaces are cockroach favorites. Shine a flashlight along cracks, under appliances, and behind furniture. It’s one of the simplest tools you can use to uncover hidden movement.
Watch for the Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for droppings, egg casings, shed skins, and grease marks—those are early signals of a bigger issue. Spotting one can mean many more are nearby.
Set Glue Traps for Proof
Place a few sticky traps under sinks, behind toilets, and inside cabinets. Check them often. Traps won’t solve the problem alone, but they’re great for spotting activity.
Try a Nighttime Check
Cockroaches are most active at night. Flip on the lights quickly in your kitchen or bathroom after dark—you might catch them moving if they’re around.
Schedule a Sarasota Roach Inspection Today!
Routine inspections can help, but if you’re spotting signs, it’s time to take the next step. Call (941) 269-0886 to speak with a local roach exterminator in Sarasota and get a tailored treatment plan in motion.
Pete Diffendal2025-03-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, knowledgeable and solution oriented. Adam was quick to address our issue and explain our options, highly recommend.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Pete! We're glad Adam could provide quick and effective pest control solutions. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Margo Gentile2025-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We like the new spider 🕷 treatment.
Owner's reply
Thanks you Margo! It was a pleasure helping you and Gene with your 🕷️ spider control. Georgie Mygrant2025-03-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam did a fantastic job on our dogs fleas. I would recommen him 100%! Very prompt and kind, and polite. Thank you Adam.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Georgie, it was my pleasure to help you and Glen with your Flea Treatment in Bradenton. Safe travels! Magdalena Ocampo Morales2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nosotros estamos usando los servicios de este grupo para fumigar y para las hormigas y es la primera vez en cuatro años que podemos disfrutar de nuestra propiedad sin ser espantados por los mosquitos y las hormigas, estamos felices con sus servicios
Owner's reply
Thank you, Magdalena! We're thrilled to hear our pest control services helped you enjoy your property without worries. Cheers to a pest-free space! Gloria Siddiqui2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best pest control, we have a lake and a large lot. Waves pest control has taken care of our mosquito and ant problem, Adam and the waves team has taken care of them!
Owner's reply
Thank you, Gloria! We're thrilled to hear Waves Pest Control effectively tackled your mosquito and ant issues. Your satisfaction means the world! Dr. Brenda Yanofsky2025-03-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome. Reliable. On Time Courteous. Best service ever Adam continues to provide service of excellence. Appreciate his work ethic and concern for my well being.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Brenda! We're thrilled you found our pest control services awesome and reliable. Your support means the world to us! Kim Soto2025-02-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam was on time & very knowledgeable about his business. He was also Very professional. I’m glad we found him.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Kim! We're thrilled Adam impressed you with his pest control expertise and professionalism. We appreciate your support! Adam Benetti2025-02-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best rodent control service. Was detailed, professional and prompt.
Owner's reply
Thank you for your review! Pat Conklin2025-02-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So happy to have found Wave Pest Control. Adam is so knowledgable and professional. Looking forward to working with him.
Owner's reply
Thanks Pat! Enjoyed meeting you and helping with your termite control issues. Looking forward to a great partnership!
If you’re dealing with cockroaches, knowing which kind has made its way inside your Sarasota home can make a big difference. Each species has its own habits, preferred hiding spots, and challenges—and understanding the difference helps guide the right treatment strategy.
Smoky Brown Cockroach
These roaches are frequent visitors around Sarasota, especially near heavily shaded or wooded areas. Smoky Browns are around 1.25 to 1.5 inches long, with a shiny, dark mahogany color and full wings. They’re strong fliers and often drawn to porch lights or bright indoor spaces. They usually stay outside in mulch or leaf piles, but during dry stretches, they’ll search for moisture indoors—often showing up in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
American Cockroach
Big and bold, American cockroaches can grow up to 2 inches long. They’re reddish-brown with a pale yellow pattern behind their head. These pests thrive in damp areas and are often spotted in basements, sewers, or near plumbing. Sarasota’s humidity allows them to stay active all year, especially in older homes with crawl spaces or close to the bayfront.
Australian Cockroach
While not as common as others, Australian cockroaches still show up in Sarasota’s warmer, moisture-prone spots—like near greenhouses or pool decks. They look similar to American roaches but have distinctive yellow markings on their thorax and wings. They fly well and can be found near exterior lights or slipping in from the garden after heavy rains.
German Cockroach
This small species causes big problems indoors. German cockroaches measure less than an inch and have two dark stripes on their head. You’ll typically find them in kitchens, under appliances, or inside bathroom cabinets. They’re fast breeders and a common issue in apartments or condos throughout Sarasota, especially where food and moisture are easy to access.
Florida Woods Cockroach
Locals often refer to this one as the palmetto bug. Native to the region, Florida Woods cockroaches grow up to 1.5 inches long and are dark brown or nearly black. They prefer staying outdoors in shady, damp spots like under palm trees or in woodpiles, but they’ll wander inside when it gets too dry or too hot outside. While they’re not aggressive, their size and sudden movements can be unsettling.
Not Sure Which Roach You’re Seeing? We Can Help!
Whether you’re spotting one or several, Sarasota’s warm weather means cockroach problems can escalate fast. For expert identification and treatment, call (941) 269-0886 to speak with a local roach exterminator in Sarasota, FL and schedule your inspection today.
Working with a roach exterminator in Sarasota, FL, is a smart step—but long-term success comes from stopping roaches before they settle in. Sarasota’s warmth and moisture make it easy for these pests to thrive year-round, so keeping your space less inviting to them is key.
Block Their Way In
Roaches squeeze through even the smallest cracks. Walk around your home and look for gaps near pipes, vents, windows, and door frames. Sealing these with weatherproof materials like caulk or foam can help cut off common entry routes.
Tackle Moisture Issues
Roaches are drawn to water as much as food. Fix leaky faucets, clear clogged drains, and use fans or dehumidifiers in damp spots like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages. Sarasota’s humidity makes moisture control an ongoing priority.
Store Food Smarter
Keep pantry items in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs, spills, and grease—especially around stoves, sinks, and pet bowls. And skip leaving food or dishes out overnight, even if it’s just dog kibble on the porch.
Keep It Clean, Keep It Clear
Roaches love hiding in clutter. Vacuum under furniture, sweep floors regularly, and don’t forget behind appliances. Limit cardboard storage, especially in garages or closets where humidity lingers.
Yard Work That Helps Indoors
Roaches don’t just start inside—they often arrive from your yard. Trim back vegetation, remove leaf piles, and keep firewood away from your home’s foundation. Moist mulch and shaded debris are perfect hiding spots for roaches.
Handle Trash With Care
Use bins with tight-fitting lids and empty them often. Wash out garbage cans and recycling bins every so often to remove sticky residue that can attract pests.
Inspect What Comes Inside
Groceries, boxes, and deliveries can bring more than just supplies. Peek inside packaging before you put things away. Roaches have no problem hitching a ride from a warehouse to your pantry.
Don’t Forget the Outdoors
Birdbaths, overwatered flowerpots, and clogged gutters can all collect standing water, which is attractive to roaches. Keeping these dry can help reduce activity around your home.
Consider Natural Deterrents
Scents like mint, bay leaf, and citrus can be unappealing to cockroaches. Tucking a few leaves around baseboards or planting mint near your foundation won’t solve an infestation—but it might help keep one from starting.
Get Ahead with Regular Checks
Roaches don’t announce their arrival. A quick monthly walk-through with a flashlight—checking under sinks, behind the fridge, or in utility rooms—can catch a problem early.
Want Year-Round Protection? Let’s Talk.
If you’re serious about prevention—or need help getting a handle on an active infestation—call (941) 269-0886 today. A local roach exterminator in Sarasota can build a prevention plan that fits your home and Florida lifestyle.
Pete Diffendal2025-03-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, knowledgeable and solution oriented. Adam was quick to address our issue and explain our options, highly recommend.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Pete! We're glad Adam could provide quick and effective pest control solutions. Your recommendation means a lot to us! Margo Gentile2025-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We like the new spider 🕷 treatment.
Owner's reply
Thanks you Margo! It was a pleasure helping you and Gene with your 🕷️ spider control. Georgie Mygrant2025-03-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam did a fantastic job on our dogs fleas. I would recommen him 100%! Very prompt and kind, and polite. Thank you Adam.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Georgie, it was my pleasure to help you and Glen with your Flea Treatment in Bradenton. Safe travels! Magdalena Ocampo Morales2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nosotros estamos usando los servicios de este grupo para fumigar y para las hormigas y es la primera vez en cuatro años que podemos disfrutar de nuestra propiedad sin ser espantados por los mosquitos y las hormigas, estamos felices con sus servicios
Owner's reply
Thank you, Magdalena! We're thrilled to hear our pest control services helped you enjoy your property without worries. Cheers to a pest-free space! Gloria Siddiqui2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best pest control, we have a lake and a large lot. Waves pest control has taken care of our mosquito and ant problem, Adam and the waves team has taken care of them!
Owner's reply
Thank you, Gloria! We're thrilled to hear Waves Pest Control effectively tackled your mosquito and ant issues. Your satisfaction means the world! Dr. Brenda Yanofsky2025-03-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome. Reliable. On Time Courteous. Best service ever Adam continues to provide service of excellence. Appreciate his work ethic and concern for my well being.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Brenda! We're thrilled you found our pest control services awesome and reliable. Your support means the world to us! Kim Soto2025-02-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam was on time & very knowledgeable about his business. He was also Very professional. I’m glad we found him.
Owner's reply
Thank you, Kim! We're thrilled Adam impressed you with his pest control expertise and professionalism. We appreciate your support! Adam Benetti2025-02-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best rodent control service. Was detailed, professional and prompt.
Owner's reply
Thank you for your review! Pat Conklin2025-02-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So happy to have found Wave Pest Control. Adam is so knowledgable and professional. Looking forward to working with him.
Owner's reply
Thanks Pat! Enjoyed meeting you and helping with your termite control issues. Looking forward to a great partnership!
In Sarasota, the usual suspects are American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and Florida woods cockroaches (often called palmetto bugs). German roaches tend to infest kitchens and bathrooms, while American and Florida woods roaches often start outside and make their way in looking for food or moisture.
You might notice droppings that look like black pepper, an oily or musty smell in closed areas, smear marks on walls, or even catch one darting across the floor at night. Roaches are nocturnal, so if you’re seeing them in daylight, the problem could be more serious than it appears.
Yes. Roaches can trigger allergies and asthma, especially in kids and older adults. They carry bacteria on their bodies and legs, which they can spread across kitchen counters, food, and utensils. Their droppings and shed skins also contribute to poor indoor air quality.