How Roaches Enter Your Property
The most common way co*ckroaches enter a property is through cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors. co*ckroaches can also enter by hitching a ride on used furniture, packages, luggage, and virtually anything else you bring into your home.
It’s common to find roaches that won’t go away once they’ve established themselves in your house. This is because co*ckroaches can mate very quickly and typically travel in packs.
Therefore, taking preventative measures and knowing the signs to look for is the best way to protect yourself.
Common Signs of co*ckroaches
It can be challenging to tell if co*ckroaches are in your house initially without knowing some of the telltale signs of a co*ckroach infestation, including:
- co*ckroach droppings
- Foul, unexplainable odors in the home
- co*ckroach-shaped sheddings
- Smear marks on walls and surfaces
- co*ckroach eggs
- Seeing live co*ckroaches at night
Once you spot one of these signs, you’ll want to follow these nine steps accordingly to get rid of co*ckroaches immediately.
Photo by Jared Belson
9 Steps to Get Rid of Roaches
1. Keep Food Centralized
Prevention is the best action plan against a roach infestation, and you do not want to give co*ckroaches a reason to stick around. To prevent roaches from invading your space, be sure to wipe down counters, seal all garbage receptacles, and make sure to clean after every meal. It is also important to clean sinks, stovetops, and any other food prep areas. Remember, a clean home is a roach-free home.
2. Declutter Your Home
Keeping your home free of unnecessary clutter can help prevent co*ckroaches from lingering, as you will give them fewer places to hide. It is also a good idea to carefully inspect any cardboard boxes, packages or used furniture and goods before bringing them inside, as these pests have been known to cling onto these items and spread once they enter.
3. Get Rid of Standing Water
Leaky faucets and dripping pipes are a major attractant to co*ckroaches. The best way to keep pests away is by making sure everything is clean and dry. Check all bathtubs, sinks, and washing areas; ensure they aren’t leaking. Additionally, keep pet water dishes empty overnight and dry your toothbrushes. For added measure, keep these items sealed and dry.
4. Seal Up Entry Points and Hiding Spots
Next, prevent additional co*ckroaches from entering by sealing off any entrance points. Cracks, holes, and crevices are perfect hiding spots for roaches, so be sure to carefully inspect your home for any cracks in walls or windows where these pests could possibly enter. If you do discover any cracks or crevices, seal them up using a caulking gun. Keeping your yard clean and free of clutter and debris is also a good idea–the fewer hiding places you give roaches, the better.
5. Use an Insecticide
When used correctly, store-bought insecticides can be effective in killing co*ckroaches. These insecticides come in various forms and can be purchased at affordable prices compared to what you would expect to pay for professional pest control. However, it is important to note that these chemicals may not be as effective as what an exterminator would use. Be prepared to contact a professional if the roaches in your home don’t react to your insecticides.
6. Use Baits and Traps
If you happen to see a co*ckroach and want to act fast, try using traps bought at your local stores. For the best results, apply these traps to problem areas in your home where roaches are most likely to dwell, such as behind the refrigerator and underneath the sink.
7. Homemade Remedies
There are several DIY solutions you can try to kill the co*ckroaches in your home, with diatomaceous earth being one of the most popular substances. Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to humans but kills roaches upon contact by clinging to their exoskeletons and dehydrating them.
This substance is best applied to entry points, such as windowsills where co*ckroaches typically interact.
8. Use Natural Roach Repellents
Another way you can repel co*ckroaches is by using home remedies for roaches that offend their sense of smell. Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep co*ckroaches at bay.
Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid. The sugar acts as a lure while the boric acid kills. This method isn’t toxic, but it’s best to keep this concoction from kids and pets. [Learn More: What Smells Do co*ckroaches Hate?]
9. Seek out Expert Help
If your infestation is bigger than anticipated, consult an expert pest control specialist. They can detect a home infestation, employ specialized methods, and keep bugs from returning. Many use eco-friendly chemicals that specifically target co*ckroaches and are safe for you and your family.
