Creepy Crawlies: Kicking Cockroaches to the Curb

There are approximately 450 species of cockroaches in Australia and 4,000 worldwide. These brown insects are typically the size of a thumbnail. They can carry diseases and cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. To rid your home of these nuisances, follow this guide. You may also need to call your local professional pest control company.

How Cockroaches Get into Your Home 

Before discussing how to eliminate cockroaches, you should understand how and why they come into your home. It’s a common misconception that cockroaches only live in dirty homes. Clean houses are just as likely to experience cockroach infestations.

Cockroaches can get into your house through plumbing and drains. You can also carry them into your home inside grocery bags, luggage or cardboard boxes. They are attracted to food that you have left out, dirty dishes sitting in the sink and crumbs on the floor. Also, they can’t resist moisture, such as leaky pipes, a wet bathmat on the floor or your pet’s water dish.

Pointers for Preventing Cockroaches 

To avoid a cockroach problem, you can take the following steps:

• Clean Up: This may seem obvious, but the easiest way to keep cockroaches from invading your space is to keep it clean. Cockroaches are attracted to food residue, especially grease, so be sure to wipe your counters and stove top each night with an antibacterial kitchen spray. Also, wrap up leftovers and put them in the fridge, sweep the floors, and never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Fix Leaks: Cockroaches love leaky pipes and moisture. Most can survive months without eating, but they need water. By fixing leaks, you’re cutting off their water source.
• Remove Rubbish: Empty your rubbish bin often and keep a lid on to seal it.
• Seal Cracks: Be diligent and take the time to seal all the cracks and holes in your home. Cockroaches can fit into the smallest of spaces, so caulk the inside of your pantry, baseboards and between your countertops and walls.
• Keep Cool: Some species of cockroaches have wings, and a warmer environment makes it easier to use their muscles to fly. By keeping your home cooler, they will be forced to remain on the ground.
• Quick Fix: Make a solution of soap and water to spray on cockroaches when you see them. The soap will get on their skin and suffocate them. Just remember, they’re fast. 

Easy Ways to Eliminate Cockroaches 

Do you already have cockroaches? Here’s what you can do to remove them:

• Bait: This is considered “do it yourself” pest control. Purchase two to four tubes of bait gel or bait dust. Place them where you find cockroach feces, which look like ground black pepper. Look behind appliances, inside drawer frames, and around cracks and crevices. The cockroaches will eat the bait, killing them. A full elimination may take up to five weeks.
• Traps: An eco-friendly alternative to bait, cockroaches are attracted to the entrance, simply go inside the clear box, and get trapped.
• Insecticide: Most stores stock insect sprays that are safe for humans and pets. Purchase one and use it in the crevices of your home to stop cockroaches in their tracks. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter sprays don’t kill eggs.
• Professional Pest Control: Sometimes, you need to leave it to the professionals. If cockroaches are taking over, call a pest control company. They can evaluate the issue and proceed with the best solution. Also, many companies have options for ongoing maintenance to keep pests away.

When it comes to cockroaches, prevention is easier than elimination. If you suspect you might have cockroaches, don’t waste time and decide which removal methods work best for you and your family. The sooner they’re gone, the sooner your family can return to living in a happy, healthy environment.