Everything You Need to Get Rid Of Cockroaches
no matter how diligent at taking out the trash, scrubbing floors, and dishwashing, will eventually end up encountering a roach or two. If you’ve started to notice more unwanted roommates, don’t panic. There are plenty of solutions to eradicate the pests.
To start, it is essential to “remove any source of food, any source of water, and any clutter,” in your apartment to make it harder for the roaches to live and thrive
This includes dog and cat food, which Linares calls a “roach magnet” that people often overlook. We spoke to Linares and two other pest control experts about the baits, traps, and insulation tools you’ll need to prevent and get rid of cockroaches.
“One of the ways to control these things is to repair structural gaps that cockroaches like to hide in.” Since roaches harbor in cracks and crevices, you want to seal up any openings you spot using a spackling paste or any kind of silicone caulking
adding that they use thousands and thousands of them every year. Not only do they collect insects, but “they also help you monitor situations and zero in on where you need to look.” Since roaches do not move that far from where they’re hatched, if you pick up a sticky trap and it’s filled with cockroaches, you’re generally in the right spot
American Cockroaches
What is An American Cockroach?
The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches and a major pest in the United States. It’s also commonly known as the water bug, the Bombay canary or the palmetto bug. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America.
What Do American Cockroaches Look Like?
Adult American cockroaches average between 1.4” to 1.6” (35-41mm) in length, but they can grow to exceed 2”. American cockroaches are reddish brown in color with a yellow band that outlines the area behind their head. Both males and females have wings and can fly short distances.
Do American Cockroaches Bite?
American cockroaches have the ability to bite, although they rarely do. If a bite occurs, it should not be problematic unless it gets infected
Signs of an Infestation
There are four telltale signs of an American cockroach infestation. First, homeowners will see the fast-moving insects themselves usually fleeing to dark areas. Second, American cockroaches leave behind droppings in the dim areas in which they hide. These small droppings are blunt on the ends and have ridges on the sides. They are often mistaken for mouse droppings, so it’s important to contact a licensed pest control professional for proper identification.
Another sign of an American cockroach infestation is the presence of egg capsules, which are about 8 mm long and dark-colored. Egg capsules are sometimes glued to a surface near food sources, and can be found in basements, laundry rooms and kitchens, as well as behind appliances or underneath cabinets. Lastly, the American cockroach will produce a pheromone that some people describe as having a “musty” smell. People with sensitive noses may notice this odor around the house.
Get Rid of Cockroaches
To get rid of cockroaches, you must take away their:
Food
Keep food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
Paint cabinet shelves and drawers with enamel and keep them clean.
Rinse all recyclables clean and take them out every few days.
Put garbage in tightly covered containers and keep them outside.
Wash dishes, tables, counters and stove tops every day.
Store flour, sugar, cereal, pasta and crackers in tightly covered plastic or metal containers.
Hiding Places
Clean out junk and clutter from storage shelves, drawers and closets.
Don’t use shelf paper.
Get rid of unused furniture, appliances, food and clothing.
Do home repairs: fill in cracks, seal openings around pipes, and remove chipped paint using care not to make dust if paint contains lead.
Remove or repair loose wallpaper and plaster.
Basic steps:
Remove clutter.
Vacuum well and often. Clean floors, furniture, walls, cabinets, moldings, baseboards, etc. Sponge mopping floors is very useful, too.
Wash hard washable surfaces with cleanser (ammonia and water works well).
Dust out of sight spaces with boric acid powder. Dust and seal any cracks and openings closed with caulk.
Use roach baits near hiding places like behind pictures and wall hangings, under sinks and undersides of furniture.
Check for roaches that may still be there with (sticky) glue traps.
KEEP THEM OUT.
Place screens (insect mesh) in windows.
Vacuum (or sweep), then sponge mop kitchen floor every week.
Be sure to mop up all the water.
Seal cracks and openings with caulk:
where the wall and the ceiling meet;
where the wall and the floor meet;
baseboards;
door and window moldings;
splash board at sink;
inside cabinets.
Add draft sweeps to bottoms of outside doors.
Encourage everybody who lives in the building to work together.
Complete guide for cockroach control
Cockroach infestation is a common household complaints and an ongoing concern. Whether it is because of the phobia and pest fear, or the health risks it causes to our safety, cockroach is definitely an unwelcome pest in every home.
What are the different kind of cockroaches commonly found in a home?
German Cockroach
German cockroach are brownish in colour with 2 black stripes
They usually hide around cartons or card boxes, piles of items, food area and furniture.
Likes dark, humid and warm environment
Favourite hot spots include the kitchen, sinks and kitchen cabinets, appliances, garbage or waste bins
An indoor house-pest that is commonly brought in from external activities such as shopping bags or groceries
American Cockroach
These cockroaches are reddish-brown in colour
They are commonly associated with food preparation and consumption spaces
Key risk areas include restaurants, cafes, canteen, kitchens
Prefer warm and moist environment
Typically brought in through sewers and drains and pipe ducts
What causes a cockroach infestation?
Where do cockroaches come from? Cockroaches seek warm and shelter to hide and breed and home is one good choice of location. Because they require food supplies and water or moisture to survive, it is no wonder home and kitchen is their number 1 favourite hot spot. Here is a list of common causes of cockroach problemWhere do cockroaches come from? Cockroaches seek warm and shelter to hide and breed and home is one good choice of location. Because they require food supplies and water or moisture to survive, it is no wonder home and kitchen is their number 1 favourite hot spot. Here is a list of common causes of cockroach problem
Poor hygiene and sanitation such as uncleaned dishes, dirty wash sinks and surfaces with food debris
Undisposed waste bin or garbage
Water spills and moistures that are not wiped dry
Unsealed or uncovered food ingredients or supply
Cross infestation reasons by bringing them in from exterior areas
Allowing cockroach entry via unmanned cracks, gaps and crevices in the home
Lack of awareness in detecting and spotting potential signs of cockroach infestation
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cockroaches’ presence in business environment poses a real threat of food contamination, damage to stored items and business reputation. Additionally, the health hazards associated with this disease-spreading pest are a real concern for homeowners too.
If you have identified a cockroach problem in your home or business, professional cockroach control service can provide an effective solution for this unwanted pest. Professionals know the best control solutions to combat cockroach infestations and help reduce the risk of re-infestation.
A cockroach infestation in your home or business can cause a lot of health risks as they are carriers of pathogens that may cause food poisoning. Their droppings and molted skin can cause skin reaction to sensitive people and in some cases, may trigger asthma attack when the allergen is inhaled or contaminated in food. Besides that, some of the business impact cockroach infestation can cause are contaminating stocks and damaging business reputation. Any disruption to the business operations and breach of hygiene regulations may result in loss of revenue and customer’s trust.
