It’s safe to say that cockroaches are some of the most dreadful pests for many NEPA homeowners. From their creepy appearance, tendency to lurk in the shadows, and the many diseases they carry, cockroaches are some of the most disgusting household pests you could ever encounter.
To avoid countering these creepy pests, it pays to invest in proper cockroach prevention strategies. Here are some of our best tips for preventing cockroaches and what to do if you spot one in your home.
What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home?
To prevent cockroaches, it’s important to know what attracts them to your home in the first place.
Cockroaches are typically attracted to homes where they can access food and water sources. Leaving dirty dishes in your sink, not taking your garbage bags out to the dumpster, and having a lot of excess clutter in your home can also attract these pests.
In addition, standing water from leaks or excess humidity can also be huge attractants for cockroaches. If you’re worried you have an active infestation, learn about common signs of cockroaches.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
Preventing cockroaches can save you money and spare you from the emotional trauma of spotting these gross insects in your home.
Keep Your Home Clean
Keeping your home clean and tidy is one of the most important ways to keep cockroaches away. Since cockroaches are attracted to food and water, removing these resources from your home will make these pests less likely to invade your space.
Seal Entry Points
Cockroaches are experts at squeezing through even the tiniest cracks and crevices to gain access to a home, so sealing these entry points can make it more difficult for them to get inside. You can do this using a store-bought caulk or sealant.
Store Food Properly
Food not sealed or stored properly can attract cockroaches to your home, so be sure to tightly close all food and beverages before putting them away. You should also refrain from leaving snacks like chips and cookies out on the counter where cockroaches can reach them.
Eliminate Water Sources
Cockroaches are attracted to damp areas, which is why they are commonly found in basements and bathrooms. To prevent these pests from invading your home, assess whether you have any standing water or water sources that may be attracting them.
Declutter Regularly
Excess clutter in the home makes it easier for cockroaches to hide, so be sure that you regularly declutter your home to prevent these pests. This includes removing old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and any other random junk you may have lying around your home.
Use Cockroach Baits and Traps
Store-bought cockroach baits and traps may be effective in a pinch. However, it is important to note that store-bought solutions will not be highly effective in the long run. The best way to get rid of these pests and ensure that they are really gone is to enlist the help of a professional exterminator.
Fix Leaks and Moisture Issues
As mentioned earlier, cockroaches are attracted to damp places and standing water. Fixing any leaking pipes and areas of your home with high moisture can effectively eliminate these pests. Running a dehumidifier in your basement is a great way to remove moisture from a space.
Maintain Outdoor Areas
A lawn with overgrown grass or untrimmed foliage can be more appealing to cockroaches, as it gives them more places to hide. To prevent cockroaches from invading your property, be sure to regularly cut your grass and maintain the bushes and trees in your yard.
Use Natural or Chemical Repellents
Using natural or chemical repellents, such as Raid or diatomaceous earth, can be effective in killing any cockroaches you see in your home. Some home remedies, such as essential oils, may be effective in keeping cockroaches away.
Consult a Pest Control Professional
As mentioned earlier, the only true way to get rid of cockroaches for good is to hire a pest control professional. An experienced exterminator will be able to inspect your home to determine the level of the infestation you’re dealing with and create an aggressive plan of action to get rid of these pests.
FAQs
What kind of clutter attracts cockroaches?
Some of the most common types of clutter that attract cockroaches include paper products like cardboard and newspaper, garbage, and old lumber.
Are cockroach baits and traps effective?
While cockroach baits and traps may work to kill a few of the cockroaches in your home, they are typically not effective enough to target every single cockroach. The only way to truly get rid of cockroaches for good is to hire a professional exterminator.
Should I use chemical sprays to get rid of cockroaches?
While it may be tempting to use a store-bought chemical spray to kill the cockroaches in your home, these sprays are usually not the most effective and can be dangerous to use in the home, especially if you have pets or small children.