Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. While it may be easy to get rid of them, if you don’t know what type of cockroach is infesting your home, you won’t be able to do anything about it.
The oriental cockroach is one of the most common types of roaches in homes across America and can cause a lot of damage if left to multiply and thrive. If you want to learn how to get rid of oriental cockroaches, then read on!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| If you suspect a cockroach infestation, it’s important to identify the species before taking action. |
| There are many effective ways to get rid of Oriental cockroaches, including natural remedies and chemical pesticides. |
| It’s important to prevent cockroaches from entering your home in the first place by sealing up cracks and crevices and eliminating their food and water sources. |
| Cockroach infestations can pose a serious health risk, so it’s important to take action promptly to eliminate them. |
| If DIY methods don’t work or you’re dealing with a severe infestation, it’s best to call in a professional pest control service. |
Identify The Problem
The oriental cockroach, also known as the water bug, is a brownish-black species of roach that is about 3/4 inches long. This species of roach has been found in areas as diverse as high-rise apartments and caves.
You can identify an oriental cockroach by looking for it’s distinctive features:
- Wings are absent
- Darker brown than American or German Cockroaches
- About 1/2 inch long, with coloration ranging from yellowish to dark brown with four dark longitudinal stripes on thorax (center part of body)
You can locate oriental cockroaches in your home using these signs:
If you suspect that your home is infested with cockroaches, it’s important to identify the species so you can choose the appropriate course of action. Learn about the most common species of cockroaches found in homes to identify if you have Oriental cockroaches, German cockroaches or another species.
Eliminate The Food Sources
There are several steps you can take to eliminate cockroach food sources. First, clean up crumbs and other food scraps from the floor, countertops, and other areas of your home or apartment where food is stored.
Second, make sure that all foods are kept in airtight containers or bags when not being eaten. Thirdly, clean the kitchen thoroughly once per week (and after every meal) using dish soap with bleach; this will kill any bacteria on surfaces that could attract roaches.
Finally, keep your garbage tightly sealed in a bin with a lid—this should go without saying as it’s crucial that there be no way for roaches to enter!
Eliminate The Water Sources
Besides eliminating the food sources, you have to make sure that there are no water sources for roaches. Roaches will not survive if they do not have water, so you must eliminate any water sources that are in your home.
Here are some ways to do that:
- Keep the sink drains clean and dry.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink for long periods of time – wash them immediately after use and put them away (or at least on a drying rack).
If possible, avoid washing dishes by hand at all; instead use an automatic dishwasher which will remove any remaining food particles and rinse off any detergent residue so that they can’t attract other bugs like cockroaches later on down the line!
Keep pet food stored securely out of reach from both human beings as well as large mammals such as dogs or cats since these animals often consider small insects like cockroaches delicious treats themselves!
Do not leave dirty pots or pans sitting around with water still inside of them even though this might seem counterintuitive since it’s easier just throw something away instead…but trust us here – doing this will guarantee infestation within hours so just don’t do it!
Cockroach infestations can be a nightmare to deal with, but there are many effective ways to get rid of them. Our comprehensive guide on 15 effective ways to get rid of cockroaches covers everything from natural remedies to chemical pesticides, so you can choose the best course of action for your home
Seal Cracks And Crevices In Your Home
There are a few ways to ensure that your home is sealed up against roaches. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure all cracks and crevices are sealed so they cannot enter your home.
Use caulk or spray foam on larger openings, such as those around pipes and cables. Sealant can also prevent roaches from entering through small holes or gaps in the foundation of your house or apartment building.
For any areas where it’s not possible to seal up every gap with caulking, try using a long, thin object like a bobby pin or toothpick to reach into more narrow spaces where you cannot easily apply sealant yourself.
| Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows. | Cockroaches can enter your home through small openings, so it’s important to seal these off. |
| Fill gaps around pipes and vents with expanding foam. | Cockroaches can travel along pipes and vents to enter your home, so it’s important to seal off these areas as well. |
| Install door sweeps under exterior doors. | This will prevent cockroaches from entering your home through gaps underneath doors. |
| Repair any damaged or torn window screens. | This will prevent cockroaches from entering your home through gaps in window screens. |
| Check the exterior of your home for any holes or cracks and seal them off. | Cockroaches can enter your home through gaps in your home’s exterior, so it’s important to seal these off as well. |
Vacuum To Trap Cockroaches
If you have an upright vacuum cleaner, use the crevice tool attachment to get into tight spaces and along edges. Use the hose attachment for hard-to-reach areas.
And if you have a high-powered vacuum cleaner, use both attachments at the same time!
Do Not Leave Pet Food Out On The Ground At Night
Cockroaches are an excellent food source for cockroach species. If you feed your pets at night, you’re likely to see the pests around their food bowls.
This may help explain why cockroaches seem to be attracted to pet food and litter in general, as they are notorious for scavenging for scraps of food at any given time.
It’s important not only that you don’t overfeed your pet, but also that you pick up after them so that no matter what time it is, there will always be a clean place for them to eat without attracting unwelcome guests.
If you’re looking for natural ways to control cockroaches, look no further than our guide on cockroach control: natural remedies vs chemical pesticides. This guide explains the pros and cons of both methods and provides a list of natural remedies that are effective against cockroaches.
Use Boric Acid
- Boric acid is a natural insecticide that’s safe to use around humans and pets.
- It works by absorbing water from the roach’s body, eventually killing them through dehydration.
- As an added bonus, it will also kill fleas and other insects in your home as well!
Deploy Sticky Traps
You can use sticky traps to help you identify where the roaches are living. A good place to put them is on a window sill or in an area where you have seen cockroaches.
The traps will capture the roaches and provide you with an easy way to spot their presence, as well as track their movements.
| Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Place sticky traps near areas where cockroaches are likely to congregate. | This includes dark, moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. |
| Check the traps regularly and replace them as needed. | Sticky traps lose effectiveness over time as they become covered in dust and debris. |
| Use non-toxic, pesticide-free sticky traps if you have pets or small children. | These traps are safe to use around pets and small children and are effective at trapping cockroaches. |
| Consider using larger glue boards for larger areas. | If you have a larger infestation or larger areas that need coverage, larger glue boards may be more effective. |
| Place traps in areas where cockroaches are likely to travel, such as along walls and in corners. | Cockroaches prefer to travel along walls and in corners rather than out in the open, so placing traps in these areas will increase their effectiveness. |
Remove Their Hiding Place
Cockroaches are known to be very secretive, and they will hide under furniture, in cracks and crevices, and underneath shelves.
If you want to get rid of them once and for all, you’ll have to thoroughly clean your home of any possible hiding places.
Remove clutter from the floor so that there aren’t crumbs or other food sources available for the roaches. Clean up any spills on the floor with a disinfectant cleaner such as Clorox Wipes if necessary.
Also be sure to eliminate their hiding spots by removing boxes or bags that could provide shelter under your bed (cockroaches like dark places). Finally, place sticky traps near areas where cockroaches commonly congregate in order to catch them before they sink into deeper parts of your house (or get away).
Cockroach infestations can not only be unsightly, but they can also pose a serious danger to your health. Check out our guide on the dangers of cockroach infestations to learn about the potential health hazards of cockroach infestations and how to prevent them.
Use Diatomaceous Earth Powder To Get Rid Of Roaches Fast
The next step is to use diatomaceous earth powder to get rid of cockroaches fast. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven effective in killing insects and other pests, including roaches.
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains from diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms that died millions of years ago and left behind a hard outer shell with razor-sharp edges. The sharp edges cut through the exoskeleton of the insect and cause it to dehydrate and die within three days.
Clean Your Sink Drains Regularly
One of the most effective ways to get rid of roaches is to clean your sink drains regularly. This will ensure that there are no food sources for them or their eggs.
You can use a drain snake to clean your drain, but you can also use a bleach solution, or even an enzyme-based cleaner in some cases.
You should not use chemicals that are not recommended by your pest control professional as they may be harmful if used incorrectly and could create an environmental hazard in your home!
Guarantee Success With A Pest Control Professional
If you want to guarantee success, hire a pest control professional. A professional will be able to identify the type of oriental cockroach that’s infesting your home.
They also understand how best to kill them with minimal risk to pets and people, if necessary. You can trust that they’ll use methods that are nontoxic for humans and other animals in the home. This is especially important if there are kids or pets around!
If you have a large infestation, hiring an exterminator might seem like an obvious choice. However, it may not be as cost effective as you think since these workers charge per hour instead of per job (like other professionals).
They also tend not specialize in insects alone—they usually offer services related to rodents or other pests too—which could mean taking longer than expected just because they’re unfamiliar with dealing specifically with Oriental cockroaches.
If you don’t feel comfortable handling this problem yourself but don’t want to spend out on hiring someone else either then make sure before hiring anyone what kind of guarantee they offer so there are no surprises later down
Preventing cockroaches from entering your home in the first place is much easier than getting rid of them once they’re inside. Our guide on how to keep cockroaches out of your house provides practical tips on how to make your home less attractive to cockroaches and prevent them from entering your living space
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to get rid of oriental cockroaches in your home. The key is to first identify where they are coming from and then eliminate those sources.
You can do this by following the steps outlined above, such as sealing cracks and crevices where they may be nesting or laying eggs.
Another good idea would be hiring an experienced pest control professional who specializes in oriental roaches so they know exactly what needs to be done when trying to eradicate them from your property.
Further Reading
Oriental Cockroach Control: Learn more about effective Oriental cockroach control methods with Solutions Pest & Lawn.
How to Get Rid of Oriental Roaches: Ortho provides tips and advice on getting rid of Oriental cockroaches and other pests.
How to Identify and Get Rid of Oriental Cockroaches: Brody Brothers Pest Control guides you through the identification and elimination of Oriental cockroaches.
FAQs
What are Oriental cockroaches?
Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are a common species of cockroach found in homes and buildings throughout the United States. They are typically larger and darker than other cockroach species, with a distinct shine to their bodies.
What do Oriental cockroaches eat?
Oriental cockroaches are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of organic matter, including decaying plant matter, garbage, and even other insects.
Do Oriental cockroaches pose a health risk?
Yes, Oriental cockroaches can pose a health risk by spreading bacteria and other pathogens. They can also exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms.
How do I know if I have an Oriental cockroach infestation?
Some signs of an Oriental cockroach infestation include strong musty odors, shiny black droppings, and dead cockroaches found throughout the home.
How can I get rid of Oriental cockroaches?
Effective Oriental cockroach control methods include removing their food and water sources, sealing up cracks and crevices, using cockroach baits and traps, and calling in a professional pest control service if needed.
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!
