Cockroaches, with their unattractive appearance, often evoke feelings of disgust in people. Some may even scream in horror at the sight of them. These pests can be found crawling everywhere, easily spreading bacteria and diseases that pose a threat to human health. With such a notorious reputation as the number one household pest, is there a way to prevent them from entering our homes or to eliminate them once they have infiltrated?
According to a report by the American magazine “Better Homes and Gardens,” there are two main approaches to protect your daily life from the intrusion of cockroaches. The first is to prevent cockroaches from entering your home, and the second is to remove any that have already made their way inside.
Sealing Entry Points:
Cockroaches can enter indoor spaces through cracks or small openings in doors, windows, or foundations. The best way to prevent their invasion is by avoiding it from the start. You can seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping and use caulk to seal cracks, preventing them from crawling into your house.
Cleaning Up Food Debris:
Cockroaches are attracted to food, including hard-to-detect crumbs. Regularly sweep and vacuum floors, eat in designated areas like the kitchen or dining room, and wipe down countertops or tables every night to thoroughly remove these food particles.
Storing Food in Sealed Containers:
Cockroaches can chew through flimsy packaging like cardboard and thin plastic used for storing various food items from grains and flour to chocolate bars. If you suspect cockroach activity in your home, transfer food to sturdy, sealed containers.
Paying Special Attention to the Kitchen:
Dirty dishes and food residue left in the kitchen sink are a primary food source for cockroaches. Wash dishes daily and avoid leaving them in the sink overnight. Trash should be emptied daily or kept in sealed containers. Any spilled or splattered food or drink during meals should also be cleaned up, and children should be taught to do the same.
Drying Damp Areas:
Leaky faucets and pipes attract cockroaches, so make sure to fix any water leaks. Check areas behind toilets, under sinks, and in the entire basement for dampness. If your basement is excessively damp, use a dehumidifier to dry it out.
Organizing Items:
A cluttered space can inhibit proper cleaning. Store kitchen items and small appliances in designated areas on countertops to streamline the space. Items that are not frequently used can be donated.
If you discover cockroaches already present in your home, immediate action is necessary, especially during warmer months when they are more likely to migrate and reproduce. Due to their rapid reproduction cycle, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Use a vacuum cleaner to collect them, move furniture away from walls if needed to vacuum thoroughly, and dispose of them by placing them in sealed plastic bags and promptly discarding them.
After an initial use of a vacuum cleaner to remove cockroaches, you can further eradicate them with the following methods:
Using Boric Acid:
Boric acid, also known as borax, is an effective method to kill cockroaches. Form bait by combining boric acid with powdered sugar and flour into small dough balls. Place these baits in areas where you have seen cockroach activity, like setting up bait traps.
Boric acid is generally harmless to humans and pets, but keep it away from indoor plants as it may harm them.
Using Baits:
Experts suggest that using cockroach baits is highly effective in eliminating them. These baits, containing insecticides, are placed in small plastic containers or in gel form for distribution. They are safe for the environment and pose no harm to pets or humans, but results may take time.
Place baits along walls or corners where cockroaches frequent. It may take several weeks to see results. Placing baits near the floor, drains, and damp narrow spaces is also effective.
Seeking Professional Help:
In cases of severe infestation, seeking assistance from professionals may be necessary. They will inspect your home and develop a pest control plan. Trained professionals know how to safely use insecticides.
If you live in a multi-unit residential building, it’s essential that your neighbors also take preventative measures against cockroaches to collectively eradicate these unwelcome guests.