The Right Cockroach Plan Starts With Knowing What You Found
A large roach near a garage and small roaches living inside a kitchen are not the same problem. We inspect first so the treatment fits the pest and your home.
Free & no obligation · By appointment · Southern MD & Northern VA
The real question
Why the species matters
Cockroaches differ in where they live and how they move through a home. American, smokybrown, and oriental cockroaches are often linked to damp places or activity outside the living space. German and brown-banded cockroaches may establish themselves indoors.
That difference changes where we inspect and what we recommend. We do not assume that every roach problem needs the same product or treatment area.
Not sure what you’re seeing? An inspection tells you exactly what’s going on.
What cockroaches can tell us about the home
A roach sighting can point to moisture, shelter, a gap in the building, or conditions inside the home. It does not always mean a house is unclean. More important, treating the insect without understanding those conditions may leave the cause in place.
We examine the structure and the activity together. That includes the areas around the foundation, likely entry points, damp spaces, and places where the identified species may live.
How PFPC approaches cockroach concerns
- We identify the cockroach species as accurately as possible.
- We inspect for activity and the conditions that allow it to continue.
- We look outside first when the species and findings support that approach.
- We recommend focused interior work when the species lives inside or the inspection calls for it.
- We explain the plan and use only the amount of product needed for the job.
- We provide a written report with our findings, decisions, and areas treated.
Homes with dogs and cats
Food, water, and the way a household uses its rooms can affect pest activity. We take the needs of dogs and cats into account when planning where work should happen.
Your technician will explain the product-specific directions for any treated area. We do not make blanket claims about when every pet can return, because products and conditions differ.
What happens after the visit
Cockroach activity may need follow-up, and not every situation responds on the same schedule. We explain what to monitor rather than promise an instant result.
Your visit report is stored with your other PFPC reports in the customer app. If you see new activity, a Pest Problem Alert lets you upload a photo, add comments, and note whether it is inside or outside. This helps us make the next decision based on evidence.
Cockroaches and your protection plan
Coverage depends on the written terms of your specific service agreement. During your assessment, we will explain whether the recommended work is included in your plan or requires a separate service. We will not ask you to guess based on different pages of the website.
Reviews
Hear From Our Happy Customers
Hundreds of Google reviews across our verified service locations.
Excellent on Google
Josh F.
Google review · Sep 2026
Alex was great! Very professional and explained the whole process before doing any work. We had a wasp nest in our wall, getting in through a seam between our brick and siding. I thought it would be a costly problem, but it was taken care of in about 15 minutes.
Amy B.
Google review · Sep 2026
I am very pleased with the work of Planet Friendly Pest Control. I had a large wasp nest in the garage and they came out to treat it the same day! The process was clear and professional. I was told the price when I called and they didn't try to upsell me on a monthly or quarterly contract. As mentioned above, they came out the same day I called and they texted me when they were on their way. They treated the nest and then came back a week later to confirm it was taken care of and removed the nest. It's now been a couple of weeks since the initial visit and no sign of new wasps! I would not hesitate to use them again.
Cheryl P.
Google review · Aug 2026
Tech was very nice, explained what the chemical is designed to do.
Patrick H.
Google review · Jul 2026
I want to sincerely thank Planet Friendly Pest Control and its owner, Gene Wright, for their immediate response and action to deal with a hive of Bald Face Hornets who, unbeknownst to me, had taken home in a fair size shrub at the back of my house. As I attempted to trim the shrub, I was swarmed by Hornets and stung 8 or 9 times before I could get to safety. I left my tractor and tools in a hurry and was afraid to retrieve them until the bee issue was addressed. Again, PFPC responded quickly and allowed me to get my tools and continue my recovery from the bee stings. I considered the price to be very fair for the treatment of the issue at hand and the sharing of knowledge to avoid further such mishaps. I will only call PFPC when in need of pest control.
Betty E.
Google review · Jul 2026
Roger came out and killed hornets in large nest on our house. It was taken care of the day after I called for service.
Ken C.
Google review · Jun 2026
Planet Friendly has been doing our pest control for several years now. They are reliable, and perform a great service for us. We are notified by email when the appointment is confirmed. They are always professional and knowledgeable.
Nikole R.
Google review · Jun 2026
Really appreciate Roger coming out to the house to not only treat for common insects that like to make their way into the house (regularly scheduled maintenance), but also exterminate a hornet nest we found on our deck this last week. Great service, arrives on schedule (and sends a text with arrival time when he’s on his way), and most importantly - no critters coming inside my house - or hornets potentially stinging us. Recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control to anyone looking for an exterminator.
Kathleen M.
Google review · Jun 2026
Great service. No bugs in the house! They quietly and quickly get the job done, no hastle.
San D.
Google review · Jun 2026
Roger was very kind and professional. He did an excellent job attending to areas of the exterior of our home that required extra attention.
Patti W.
Google review · Jun 2026
Gene Wright came highly recommended by multiple neighbors. He came out the same day I called and showed great knowledge about our mouse problem! Gene was responsible, knowledgeable and a delight to deal with. We highly recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control.
Denise A.
Google review · Apr 2026
This is my third year using Planet Friendly to control ants in my home. I have yet to see an ant. What a relief. This is a real necessity where I live. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. The species, location, and other signs matter. An inspection helps us understand what the sighting means.
Possibly. We start with the species and the conditions. Some roaches live outdoors; others live indoors. We treat only the areas the findings support.
Moisture, shelter, food sources, and access points can keep supporting them. Lasting control depends on understanding those conditions.
We plan around the home and its pets, use focused treatments, and explain the product-specific precautions. Follow the technician’s instructions.
We confirm coverage using your service agreement and the findings at your home. We will explain any additional work before it begins.
Review your report and contact PFPC. Clients can also use Pest Problem Alert in the app to share photos and the location of the activity.
Trusted locally
Local Cockroach Control Experience You Can Trust
Gene Wright began solving pest problems in 1998. He founded Planet Friendly Pest Control in 2010 to provide a more thoughtful, inspection-driven approach for homeowners.
Planet Friendly Pest Control serves Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia with inspection-first, exterior-first pest control for homes with pets.
- Licensed in MarylandLicense #31162
- Licensed in VirginiaLicense #13372
- A+ BBB ratingNot BBB accredited
- MSPCA memberMaryland State Pest Control Association
- NPMA memberNational Pest Management Association
Cockroach Guides
Large and common, American cockroaches often need a professional. Our guide covers how to identify them and where they hide.
Read the full article: How do I deal with American cockroaches?They can fly, and they can carry bacteria inside. Our guide explains how to recognize them and what helps.
Read the full article: Why are smokybrown cockroaches a concern?They hide in dark, hard-to-see places. Our guide covers the signs of an infestation and the risks.
Read the full article: What should I know about brown-banded cockroaches?They hide in small spaces and spread easily. Our guide covers prevention and when to call for help.
Read the full article: How do I plan against German cockroaches?They look for water and often live in garages and basements. Our guide explains how to prevent them.
Read the full article: What should I know about oriental cockroaches?
Free & no obligation
Ready to find out what you're dealing with?
If you want a clear answer instead of guessing which product to use, begin with a free initial home assessment. We will identify the problem, explain the conditions behind it, and recommend a careful plan for your home.
If a covered pest returns while the customer's service is active, Planet Friendly Pest Control will return and address the problem at no additional charge.
- Free initial inspection
- No long-term contracts