Cockroaches are one of the most common insect infestations in the United States, including the Southeast and North Carolina. There are several different types of roaches – some more commonly found in North Carolina homes than others – but generally homeowners do not want to deal with any of them. This is where Triangle Pest Control comes in! If you need help, we offer reliable roach extermination services as part of our home pest control packages. Below are some tips on how to prevent cockroaches from invading your home in the first place – and how to deal with them if they do show up.
How to Prevent a Roach Infestation
The conditions in a kitchen drain are conducive to cockroaches: damp, dark, cool, with easy access to bits of food and water. Discourage roaches from hanging out in this area, and coming further into your home, by pouring boiling water down the drain often. This kills any insects, as well as eggs, that may be hiding. You do not necessarily have to boil water specifically for this purpose – excess water from making tea or coffee works just as well. It is also a good idea to avoid leaving food and dirty dishes in the sink.
Roaches can also come in from bathroom plumbing. Plugging up bathroom drains is an effective preventative measure to keep these insects from entering your home. Leaks can also be a problem as cockroaches need to drink and are attracted to even tiny amounts of water. This is a good reason to make sure all leaks are fixed in timely manner.
Cockroaches are attracted to food of all kinds – including any food left in the garbage. Make sure all of your garbage cans are closed tightly enough to keep any pests from getting in, and that no garbage is left for too long before being taken out. Also use caution when eating or drinking anywhere in your home, and always clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
In addition to food that humans eat, roaches can and will also eat paper and even the glue used to bind pages. This is why it is not advisable to leave stacks of papers, newspapers, or magazines lying around. Always put magazines and newspapers into containers removed from the floor and recycle all papers as soon as you are finished with them.
How to Get Rid of Roaches
If you are wondering how to get rid of roaches that are already in your home, the first thing to do is find out how they are getting in. You can use caulk to seal any cracks that you see in baseboards, etc. where insects might be able to get through. Remember that roaches can squeeze through some very tiny spaces. There are also some openings – like drains – that you will not be able to seal permanently.
Cockroach traps are also widely available, and usually work for capturing at least a few of these insects. There are several different types of roach traps, and they should be placed close to where cockroaches have been spotted, or where you suspect they have been congregating.
The question of how to get rid of roaches has plagued many a homeowner, or home renter, but the most effective way to deal with cockroaches or any infestation of household pests is by using a reputable, professional pest control service. A pest control service will find work with you to find the root of your problem, figure out the best solution, and ultimately eradicate your pest problem before it becomes a serious pest catastrophe.
If you’ve spotted roaches in your home, or are worried they might be present, give us a call today!