Cockroaches are drawn to damp, dark spaces, including crawl spaces, storm drains, floor drains, and all types of pipes. Sewer pipes can offer both a source of water and decaying organic matter, so as cockroaches move about, they may try to invade sewer pipes in search of the most ideal habitat. It is a misnomer that these are simply “sewer roaches”, but because cockroaches take shelter in damp dark places, the sewer system is one of many ideal environments. The cockroaches are most active in seeking out water sources and shelter when the weather gets hot and dry.

City crews are continuously inspecting the sewer system as part of our ongoing maintenance program.  If a crew observes cockroaches or when a customer calls with a concern about cockroaches in the sewer system, we’ll come out to investigate. If our investigation confirms cockroach activity in the city’s sewer pipes, pest control treatment of our pipes and manholes will be scheduled.

City staff will investigate locations bi-weekly, typically on Fridays.

Yes. The city is committed to protecting public health and the environment. As part of that commitment, the city only uses products that are naturally occurring in the environment to treat for cockroaches.

If your p-traps and indoor plumbing are well maintained and regularly utilized, it is highly unlikely that cockroaches will enter your home through sewer pipes. Floor drains may provide access to cockroaches if left unused for some time. To prevent this, flush floor drains weekly to recharge the trap, or use closable lids or rubber stoppers.  More commonly, cockroaches tend to enter the property along the outside of plumbing, so make sure to seal any holes around pipes where they may enter structures.

There are an incredible number of cockroach species.  In our area, while the American cockroach is commonly found to invade sewers, storm drains, and other piping systems, local pest control companies also report finding Oriental, German, and Turkestan cockroach species.

Resource:  Cockroaches Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu)

The city has a proactive maintenance program to keep sewer pipes and sewer manholes in good working order.  Should you have any issues, call us first at 916-461-6177 anytime.  A city representative will come out to investigate. If the investigation confirms cockroach activity, the city will apply a product to treat for cockroaches.

Please allow 7-10 days from the date the city treated the sewer system for cockroaches before calling to report cockroaches.  While this method is effective, it may take several days to work completely.

The city does not address cockroach issues on private property.  If you see cockroaches on your property or in your home, please consider performing pest control treatment or contacting a pest management company, just as you might do for any other property-invading pest like ants, wasps, termites, or ticks.

You can help by eliminating potential food, water, and shelter sources that attract cockroaches, while also sealing cracks and crevices around your home.  Follow these tips to reduce cockroaches around your property:

• Seal cracks or other openings in exterior walls and foundation
• Pick up pet food between feedings
• Remove trash daily from home and keep lids closed on outdoor cans
• Create a rock barrier between mulch or soil and the home’s foundation
• Consider enlisting the services of a pest control company