Cockroaches are among the oldest and most resilient pests to terrorize American homes. With over 69 species living in the U.S. alone, it is no wonder that these tiny insects are the subject of many extermination requests.
Roaches contaminate food and spread bacteria that harm your family and pets. Homeowners should use methods that prevent cockroach infestations from occurring at the earliest sign of activity. The pest control professionals at ORTEX provide you with seven tips on how to get rid of cockroaches in your home.
1. Identify High-Risk Areas
Cockroaches may be elusive, but they like to set up shop in predictable areas of the home. Finding their breeding ground is the key to successful extermination.
These insects enjoy moist environments, so check your kitchen and bathroom. Roaches will take shelter under sinks and in plumbing. They thrive in the dark, typically within walls and under furniture.
Cleaning up moisture and preventing leaks is a smart way to discourage roaches and other pests from infesting your home. It can be hard to find the exact spot where insects enter your property, but checking basements and other rooms that collect water will help you find where roaches settle.
2. Block Entryways
Any crack or hole in the house can be an entry point for cockroaches. Like other pests, roaches find their way into the building through vulnerable openings in the walls and floor. Caulking holes or using liquid concrete to seal cracks makes it harder for these insects to find a way inside.
Cockroaches tend to infest inside the walls of the home. By blocking your entryways, you are keeping dozens, if not hundreds, of these critters out of your living spaces. Consider using the most effective crack sealers for your home, so you do not need to worry about regular maintenance or repair.
3. Clear Away Food and Crumbs
Leftover food attracts roaches. One of the best ways to prevent these unwelcome visitors is to clean your floors and countertops of any excess food residue. Don’t forget to properly seal bags and containers as well.
Cockroaches find their way into cabinets and pantries if you do not adequately seal food. This practice will prevent contamination from insects and other pests. You will dramatically reduce the risk of food-related illness and roach infestations in your kitchen.
4. Bait
Knowing how to get rid of cockroaches with baiting methods can be an effective short-term solution. Roach bait comes in many different forms, but chemical insecticides are one of the most efficient options. You can find bait and traps at most local hardware stores.
Baiting will rid small numbers of roaches, but it may not be the best option for larger infestations. The American cockroach can lay up to 16 eggs, so you must work faster than they reproduce. Recruit an exterminator if the infestation appears too large to handle on your own.
5. Boric Acid
A boric acid ball is a simple home remedy that combats cockroaches. This doughy substance combines sugar, flour, and boric acid. The sweet smell attracts and kills cockroaches when consuming it.
Boric acid is most effective when placed in high-risk areas, like under sinks or in moist corners of the room. Be sure to keep pets and children away from this solution. Ingestion and prolonged exposure will cause poisoning.
6. Pesticides
Various other pesticides treat large cockroach infestations. Apply these pesticides to entry points, high-risk areas, and even the perimeter of your home. We recommend that you not use chemicals without the appropriate knowledge and safety equipment.
Check the labels on chemical bottles to ensure you can use them indoors. Store your pesticides and other roach killer products in safe locations. This method is a great way to rid your home of infestations but can also be toxic if left around the house carelessly.
7. Hire Pest Control Professionals
DIY methods work for some homeowners, but many do not have the time or tools to complete the job. Hiring a professional pest control company is the best way to solve your cockroach problem without the hassle.
ORTEX practices modern extermination methods that keep roaches out. Our experienced pest control crew can identify your intruders quickly and prevent them from overrunning your home. Whether it’s roaches, termites, or rats, we have the tools to help!
For more information about getting rid of cockroaches in your home, contact ORTEX in Clarksville, TN, today! Reach our office telephone at (931) 213-7181.
