Cockroaches will begin to appear as the temperature rises. Since they are insects that prefer warm environments, having a home with high levels of humidity and enough food sources is a prescription for disaster. The positive news: You can manage cockroaches! Here are five unexpected methods you might employ to get rid of these bothersome insects and prevent their return the following year.
Remove food sources
Since they are scavengers, cockroaches will consume everything. They will discover whatever food you have set out for them and eat it.
Clean up spills on floors and counters. Cockroaches adore any crumbs or spills in your house, including food that has been accidentally dumped into the drain or onto countertops.
Pet food shouldn’t be left out overnight since it draws cockroaches. Toys for pets shouldn’t be left out where they might get soiled since doing so could increase roach activity in a location that would otherwise be secure (like under a couch).
Eliminate dampness and moisture
To eliminate dampness and moisture, you can use a dehumidifier or fan to dry out the area. You can also remove clutter and debris that attract roaches. To clean, disinfect your home by using an antiseptic spray in each room where there are insects or any other pests that may have been attracted by food scraps left behind on counter tops or tables where food is prepared for consumption.
Break up hiding spots
Cockroach traps are effective at catching cockroaches, but they can be tricky to set up and use. Here are some tips for breaking up hiding spots:
- Remove clutter from your home. Roaches like to hide in places where there’s plenty of food, water and shelter—and if you have too much stuff lying around, it will be harder for them to find their way back out when you’re ready for them again. Keep floors clean by vacuuming regularly or using a broom with an extension handle (this will help prevent dust bunnies).
- Use sticky traps instead of baits or sprays if possible. These are easier on your budget and won’t attract other pests like flies or rodents since they don’t need bait!
Seal cracks and crevices
Sealing cracks and crevices is one of the most effective ways to control cockroaches. Cockroach infestations are often caused by small cracks or crevices that allow the insects to enter your home. You can seal these areas with caulk, weatherstripping, and steel wool.
- Seal all openings in the foundation and garage: You should also seal any openings between walls around your house or garage because they provide pathways for cockroaches to travel between rooms if you don’t seal them off properly (see below).
- Seal all openings in walls: It may seem obvious that you need to seal up any holes or cracks in your walls—but it’s actually more important than you think! In fact, when we talk about “sealing” something here we’re talking about filling them back up with mortar so nothing comes out again (or at least not very much). This will help keep those pesky critters out of our homes as well as other spaces like attics where they could be hiding out waiting for their next meal!
Introduce predators into your home
- Set traps. Cockroach traps are designed to be placed in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, and inside cabinets, all of which are renowned cockroach breeding grounds. Cockroaches that have entered the trap from another area of your home will be pulled in after it is set up and baited with food or water (often sugar water).
- Make use of lure. Bait boxes may be obtained at any grocery store or hardware shop that offers pest control supplies to attract hungry roaches searching for something more substantial than just water. These are made up of protein-rich items such as peanut butter, tuna fish, and birdseed, as well as an attractant like mint oil or garlic powder.
- Use sprays/gels/powder. Sprays come in many different varieties depending on what kind of bug you want to kill off: sprays containing pyrethrins kill adult insects but don’t affect young ones; sprays containing DEET will kill both adults and eggs; gels provide longer-lasting control than liquid solutions because they’re absorbed into the skin rather than evaporating like liquids do when applied topically (it also helps keep things smelling nice!). Powders work similarly but aren’t quite as effective at killing off all types at once – so if there’s one particular species causing problems then go ahead!
Common cockroach types
- American Cockroaches
- German Cockroaches
- Oriental Cockroaches
- Brown Banded Cockroaches
Although it’s rare that you’ll find any of these cockroach species in your home, they may be a pain if you do. If you have an infestation, you should receive advice on how to get rid of them from a pest control business or your neighborhood exterminator.
Ways to kill cockroaches naturally
- Peppermint oil
- Dryer sheets
- Borax
- Vinegar, apple cider and lemon juice (1:2:1 ratio)
- Dish soap, borax and food grade diatomaceous earth
The following are some of the ways you can kill cockroaches naturally. These methods are effective in killing adult roaches but not so much on eggs or larvae. They will also work for spiders as well as other insects because they are all repellent to pests so there’s no need to worry about getting bitten while using them!
Perish The Pests
In addition to being an annoyance, cockroaches may transmit illnesses that are dangerous to humans. There are a few things you can do to keep cockroaches out of your house. The first is removing any potential food sources from their dwellings (like crumbs). The second suggestion is to spray pesticide around the house and yard to kill any roaches that may come into contact with it.
Using traps or bait stations outside your house to catch cockroaches by their legs as they enter and drown inside is another method of controlling cockroaches. Since most roaches aren’t very intelligent either, we’re convinced this strategy works brilliantly since once trapped inside these gadgets, there is no way out.
One of the most prevalent household pests is the cockroach. You shouldn’t be too harsh on them because they are also fairly resilient. But with these valuable pointers and techniques, you ought to be able to keep cockroaches out of your food and other valuables!
