Cockroaches are disgusting. They’re dirty and they spread germs, but most importantly, they’re tough to get rid of. Cockroaches are resilient and hard to kill, but there are steps you can take to keep them out of your home for good.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Keeping a clean home is key to preventing cockroach infestations. |
| Sealing up cracks and crevices can help keep cockroaches from entering your home. |
| If you have a cockroach problem, using insecticides, baits, or traps can help eliminate the infestation. |
| Diatomaceous earth and boric acid are natural remedies that can be effective in getting rid of cockroaches. |
| Cockroach infestations can pose health risks to humans and may indicate unsanitary living conditions. |
Keep A Clean House
Cockroaches are attracted to and feed on a variety of foods. If you don’t want cockroaches in your home, keep the following items out of reach:
- Food waste. Keep food waste out of sight and clean up crumbs on counters, floors, stovetops and tables after meals.
- Dirty dishes. Don’t let dirty dishes sit in the sink for more than 24 hours—they may attract roaches looking for water or food sources.
- Pet food left out overnight can also attract roaches. Put pets’ bowls away at night; clean up pet droppings before bedtime each evening; and never leave bowls of pet food unattended if you have roaches already present in your home as they may come out when no one is watching!
If you want to prevent cockroach infestation, always keep your kitchen clean and free of food scraps. Check out our guide on how to avoid cockroaches to learn more about preventing cockroach infestations
Seal Up Food
Seal up food. Cockroaches love to feast on leftovers and scraps, so make sure they can’t get a taste of your delicious food by keeping it in airtight containers or plastic bags.
If you’re as conscientious about your family’s health as you should be, then you’ve been using these methods for years.
Keep garbage cans clean and closed tight. This step is especially important if your family has pets that are prone to leaving stray pieces behind (like cats).
It’s also important to keep the garbage can away from the walls, because roaches like to hide in corners—and if there isn’t one around, they’ll make one themselves!
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep food in airtight containers | Put food, especially dry goods like cereal and crackers, in containers with tight-fitting lids. |
| Store pet food properly | Do not leave pet food or water out overnight. Put pet food dishes in a shallow pan of soapy water overnight. |
| Clean up spills immediately | Roaches are attracted to spilled food and liquids, so clean up spills immediately and thoroughly. |
| Don’t leave food out | Don’t allow food to sit out for extended periods of time. |
| Dispose of garbage regularly | Garbage cans and bags should be sealed tightly and taken out of the house regularly. |
Check For Cracks And Gaps
Cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so it’s important to check pantries and other food storage areas for cockroach infestations.
When inspecting your home, look for cracks and gaps around pipes, vents, doorways, windows and other openings that may allow cockroaches to enter your home.
Cockroaches can squeeze through very small gaps. If you find one cockroach in your home there is likely more than one present.
Once the source of their entry is eliminated or reduced by sealing off all possible entry points with caulk or tape (see below) then clean up any debris in the home.
This will discourage future roach activity because it reduces hiding places for both eggs and insects alike!
Your bedroom should be a safe haven from cockroach infestation. Keep it clean and tidy to keep the creepy crawlies out of your sleeping space. Check out our guide on preventing cockroaches in the bedroom for more tips on keeping your bedroom bug-free.
Eliminate Their Water Supply
Cockroaches are known to be attracted to sources of water. They need water to survive and they like to hide in damp areas where they can find it.
That’s why you’ll often find cockroaches in your bathroom, kitchen or any other area with sinks and pipes.
To eliminate their water supply:
- Check for leaky pipes or other sources of water that could attract cockroaches
- Make sure there aren’t any cracks or gaps under cabinets where the roaches might be able to get behind them and have access to a source of water
Check For Entry Points
You must check the entry points of cockroaches. If you see any crack or gap around your home, then you should fix them immediately because these are the entry points where cockroaches enter your house.
There are many ways to find out about cracks and gaps that can be used by these pests:
- Look for holes in the foundation
- Check for cracks on walls inside your house
- Make sure there are no gaps under doors and windows
- Make sure there are no gaps around pipes that provide water supply in your kitchen or bathroom
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Seal cracks and crevices | Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows, baseboards, pipes, and other openings. |
| Check for holes in screens | Repair or replace any damaged screens on windows and doors. |
| Use door sweeps | Install door sweeps on all exterior doors to close any gaps between the bottom of the door and the threshold. |
| Watch for other openings | Check for and seal any other openings where cockroaches could enter, such as gaps around electrical outlets or air conditioning units. |
| Inspect packages and deliveries | Carefully inspect packages and deliveries before bringing them into your home to make sure they don’t contain cockroaches. |
Boric Acid Bait Stations
Boric acid is a toxic powder that roaches can’t resist, but it’s safe for humans and pets. You can find it in the pest control section of most grocery stores.
It comes in two forms: powder and gel, but the gel is not recommended because it has a tendency to leak out of its container onto surfaces where you don’t want it (like your countertop).
Boric acid works as a stomach poison when ingested by cockroaches. When a roach eats boric acid, its digestive system will be unable to process the poison effectively, so instead of getting digested and absorbed into the bloodstream like food normally does, the boric acid remains intact until it reaches their stomachs or intestines.
This causes dehydration within hours—and death within days—for any cockroach unlucky enough to have consumed this deadly dust!
Cockroach smell can be unpleasant and persistent. But don’t worry, our guide on getting rid of cockroach smell has got you covered with effective solutions to eliminate the stench.
Keep Clutter Down
Keep clutter down. Cockroaches can hide in small spaces and they’re attracted to dark, damp places.
Don’t let food sit out. Cockroaches get a lot of their nutrition from proteins, so if there is any food left over or on the counter at night, it will attract them.
Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Put away all dirty dishes or handwash them immediately after using them so that cockroaches don’t have access to any leftover foods sitting around on your counters!
Don’t leave food in the refrigerator overnight (or even most of the day). Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures who feed at night—so if there are open bowls of cereal or fruit sitting around while you sleep, they could come out at night and eat those things!
Don’t leave food in the pantry: If you keep anything edible stored inside this container then make sure it has tight-fitting lids so that nothing gets into those containers except what’s supposed to go into them!
Sanitize Your Kitchen Sponge
Sponges can be a breeding ground for cockroaches, so make sure you’re keeping it clean. To do this, put the sponge in hot water and let it soak for an hour before washing over with dish soap. Rinse well and let dry completely before putting it back into use.
This process should be done every two weeks to keep your sponge free of bacteria and bugs that would otherwise grow in between uses!
Cockroach traps can be effective in getting rid of unwanted insects in your home. Learn how to make your own DIY cockroach traps with our guide on how to make cockroach traps and take control of your home’s insect situation
Scrub The Floors Regularly
- Clean the floors regularly.
Use a mop and bucket to scrub the floors at least once a week, preferably more often if you live in an area with many roaches.
Hot water kills cockroaches, so it’s best to use as hot of water as possible when you clean your floors. Scrub everything from top to bottom: walls, ceilings and corners included!
If you don’t have a cleaning service that does this for you or if there’s just not enough time between cleaning schedules you may want to consider hiring an exterminator instead of trying DIY solutions on your own (like bug bombs).
Bleach or vinegar can be used as additional cleaners for hard surfaces like tile or grout lines; however these chemicals can damage carpeting over time so it’s best not use them unless absolutely necessary!
Trim Trees And Shrubs
The first step to controlling cockroaches is to keep your yard free of debris and clutter. That means no piles of leaves, sticks or other debris that would provide a food source for roaches.
If you have trees close to your home, trim them so they don’t touch the house or any other structures on the property.
Put Screens On Your Windows
Another way to keep cockroaches out is to use screens on your windows and doors.
Roaches can squeeze through very small spaces, so it’s important to caulk and seal cracks around pipes, electrical outlets, baseboards, doorjambs and window frames.
You can also try using a roach spray or trap in areas where you think the roaches are coming from.
Getting rid of cockroaches does not have to be complicated. Our guide on how to dispose of cockroaches explains simple methods for disposing of unwanted pests that are humane, effective, and convenient.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. All the information you need to know to get rid of cockroaches yourself! The best part is that these methods are all very inexpensive and easy to use.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be sure to keep your home free from cockroaches for years to come.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you on your quest to keep cockroaches out of your home:
Cockroach Control – University of Kentucky – A comprehensive guide to cockroach control methods, along with information on identifying different types of cockroaches.
How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Home – Smith’s Pest Management – Tips and tricks for eliminating cockroaches from your living space, including natural remedies and insecticides.
7 Remedies That Prevent Cockroaches and Bugs in Kitchen – Times of India – If you’re looking for natural ways to keep cockroaches out of your kitchen, this article has some great suggestions.
FAQs
What are cockroaches and how can I identify them?
Cockroaches are a type of insect that are typically brown or black and range in size from less than an inch to more than two inches. They have long antennae and wings, although some species are flightless. Common species of cockroaches include German, American, and Oriental cockroaches.
Why do I have cockroaches in my home?
Cockroaches can enter your home in a number of ways, including through small cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations, as well as through drains or pipes. They are attracted to warm, moist environments and can often be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with food and water sources.
How can I prevent cockroach infestations?
Preventing cockroach infestations involves keeping your home clean and tidy, sealing up cracks and crevices, and eliminating sources of food and water. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home can also help remove food crumbs and other debris that may attract cockroaches.
How can I get rid of cockroaches?
Getting rid of cockroaches typically involves using insecticides, baits, or traps. You can also try natural remedies like boric acid or diatomaceous earth. However, if you have a severe infestation, it may be best to call in a professional pest control company to help eliminate the problem.
Are cockroaches dangerous to humans?
While cockroaches themselves are not inherently dangerous to humans, they can carry disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. They can also trigger asthma and allergies in some people. Additionally, cockroach infestations can indicate unsanitary living conditions, which can be a health hazard in and of themselves.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
