Disgusting.
That is arguably how most people view cockroaches. These pests always make themselves at home in your living spaces, searching for food, and damaging your property.
The most common types of cockroaches in the US are American and German cockroaches. The German cockroach has a lifespan of up to 200 days, while the American ones can live up to 700 days.
Both cockroaches are active year-round, searching for water and food sources during night times.
If you’re determined to get rid of these roaches in your household, this ultimate guide to cockroach control will answer your questions about living free from these infamous critters.
How Do They Enter Your Home?
The following are the common entry points and hiding places of these sly pests at your home:
- Cracks and crevices
- Holes in vents and pipes
- Riding onto attractive items that you bring at home
What Attracts Roaches?
Prevention is always the best roach control. The poor sanitary condition of your home can attract these unwanted pests and provide them with food, water, and a longer lifespan.
Beware and avoid the following things that attract a cockroach:
- Cracks and crevices
- Leftover human and pet food (including crumbs)
- Stagnant water
- Dirty dishes in your kitchen
- Newspapers and cardboard boxes
- Excess moisture
- Garbage
What Are the Dangers of Cockroaches to Humans?
Cockroaches are no joke, especially when we speak about their dangerous impact on human health.
They yield allergens that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Excessive exposure to roaches is associated with the increased hospitalization of asthmatic children.
A single cockroach can contaminate walls, food, and even stored items. Their waste and saliva are full of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
They can also cause short circuits since they like the warmth of electronics.
How Do You Get Rid of Cockroaches?
There are many methods for getting rid of these pests. Follow these pest control and prevention tips to make your home less hospitable to roaches:
1. Practice Proper Sanitation
The best way to avoid attracting any pest is proper home sanitation. Keep your household clean and clutter-free by doing the following:
- Wash your dishes after meals
- Keep your kitchen clean and remove grease on your stove
- Clean food crumbs and spills right away
- Take out your trash every day
- Mop regularly
- Clear all newspapers and cardboard boxes lying around your home
- Seal all food and water containers
2. Get Rid of Their Access Points
Cockroaches can crawl under doors and cracks in your home’s foundation. Ask a professional to check and seal any possible creaks and holes such as your windows, doors, foundation, roof, attic, and any electric and plumbing line holes.
Use Traps and Bait Stations
You can use cockroach traps available in most supermarkets and stores. These devices contain scents and sticky substances to attract and catch roaches.
You can also set-up bait stations near trash cans at your home. Cockroaches usually misinterpret these chemical baits as a food source.
Once they ingest the insecticides, they will return to their nests and die.
3. Use Boric Acid
Boric acid is a known remedy for pest control.
Mix it with flour and sugar to make a dough, then place it near the favorite areas of your cockroaches at home. They will die once they feed on the dough.
This method is not advisable if you have pets at home since the acid is dangerous for them.
Pro Tip: Call a Professional Exterminator
While the above tips are effective in preventing and controlling cockroaches, they cannot 100% guarantee a pest-free home.
If the pest invasion at your home persists, call for a professional pest control exterminator to treat your household. They know how to completely get rid of cockroaches and other pests and teach you the right ways to keep them away.
Patriot Pest and Termite Control are qualified licensed and insured preventative pest control professionals with over 25 years of experience.
Give us a call to protect your home from unwanted pests today.