Cockroaches (commonly referred to as roaches) are more than annoying, they also carry bacteria that may make your family sick. If you suspect you may have roaches in your home, call a professional to eradicate the problem and keep your home pest free. At the same time, you should also consider ways to prevent cockroaches from invading and infesting your home.
Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts that may help you keep roaches at bay.
1. DO Recognize the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
The most obvious way to detect you have roaches is visually seeing them. Because cockroaches are nocturnal by nature, you may be most likely to find them scurrying around during the nighttime hours or after dark. If you also find small dark-colored specs or droppings on floors or countertops, this is another sign you may have roaches in your home. Additionally, musky odors may also indicate a roach infestation.
If you note any of these signs, contact an exterminator at once.
2. DON’T Leave Standing Water Around the Home
Cockroaches are attracted to standing water and damp places. To prevent an infestation, wipe out your sinks after each usage. Also, don’t leave other water sources around the house. You might also want to avoid keeping many plants around the house, as the moisture may attract pests. Lastly, be sure to mop up spills and messes on counters or the floor as soon as they occur.
3. DO Check Your Home for Leaks
Because cockroaches and other pests are looking for damp places and water sources, you need to check your home for leaks. Look under the cabinets, sinks, and toilets. Also, ensure that your large appliances, such as the refrigerator and washing machine, are not leaking. If you note any leaks in the home, have them repaired quickly.
4. DON’T Leave Trash Receptacles and Pet Food Dishes Unsecured
Keep all trash containers and compost bins tightly closed with a lid. This will help prevent roaches in your home or garage. You should also keep the trash containers clean and free of crumbs and food debris. In addition, be certain your containers are not left damp and wipe them with a cloth as needed.
If you have dog and cat food and water bowls exposed, you may be inviting pests into your home. Consider an alternative such as automatic pet dispensers that only dispense food and water when activated. At the very least, don’t leave food dishes out on the floor day and night.
5. DO Examine Your Home for Small Cracks, Open Spaces, and Crevices
Roaches can squeeze through small cracks and crevices and find an easy entry into your home. Check all rooms, including the interior walls. Also check your garage for possible entry points. If you note small cracks around bathtubs and sinks, caulk them up to provide a seal and some protection.
If you need help, a professional can look over your home and find and seal any possible entry points.
6. DON’T Provide a Cozy Living Environment for Cockroaches
Did you know that cockroaches love to hide away and breed in dark cozy places, like cardboard boxes? Roaches also burrow in newspapers and other materials, and sometimes find papers as a food source. To prevent cockroaches, go through your home, including the attic and garage, and remove these items as much as possible.
If you are concerned about roaches, discard all old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes that may be lying around.
Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you may find roaches in your home, especially during warmer weather. If you notice you have a pest problem, contact a professional to get the problem corrected.
