How to get rid of cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most resilient pests around. They are believed to be millions of years old, and there are over 4,000 types of cockroaches. And they love to invade our spaces, like restaurants, hotel rooms, homes and more. Research from the U.S. found about 14 million homes had roaches in the past year. According to the Canadian government, cockroaches have even been found in the north.

Why be concerned about cockroaches?

These pests can look ugly, and while they won’t damage buildings, they can spread disease and are a health hazard for those with medical conditions like Asthma. Cockroaches are attracted to buildings because they are warm spaces where these pests can reproduce. And because they are most active at night, it may be some time before you realize you have them in your home or business.

Cockroaches present a risk to humans because they will get into food sources and contaminate them. They are particularly attracted to sweet foods, like sugar and starches. These pests will walk on the food or preparation areas like countertops. They may even leave behind body parts or feces.

How to get rid of cockroaches

If you find cockroaches in your home or business, don’t worry. There are some steps you can take to get rid of them. Cockroaches thrive in warm and moist places like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s essential that you make some changes to prevent these pests from surviving in your space.

Remove food sources

While cockroaches have been known to survive for a month without food, it’s vital you reduce their food supply. That means taking steps such as:

• Cleaning up any spills quickly
• Do not leave food in pet bowls
• Seal up food in containers rather than in bags
• Clean the corners of your space, including behind the oven and other appliances
• Dispose of your garbage regularly
• Soak dishes rather than leave them overnight in the sink
• Vacuum regularly to remove food sources and any cockroach eggs hiding around your space
• Dehumidify your space and prevent moisture from building up

Set traps

You can buy cockroach traps to help you cull their numbers down. Alternatively, you can build your own trap for roaches. Here’s how:

1. Use petroleum jelly and put it inside a small jar
2. Put masking tape on the outside of the jar to provide grip
3. Place a small food particle inside, like a bread crumb
4. Once a cockroach climbs inside to get the food, it will be caught

It’s important to remember that killing cockroaches can be difficult. You’ll want to dump it in soapy water or freeze the jar for a couple of days.

Seal up entry points

Cockroaches can get into your home through small holes or openings like other pests. It’s vital to seal these entry points to prevent them from getting into your space. You can use caulking and mesh screens to keep cockroaches out.

Buy bait

You can get roach bait at local shops, which includes a chemical that can kill cockroaches. The roaches are attracted to the bait because it appears to be food. However, once they eat it and return to their nests, it will kill the roach. It’s effective because other cockroaches will eat the remains of the dead bug. This spreads the poison to the other insects and wipes them out. However, it’s important to be careful when using these baits. Children and pets can also be harmed if they come into contact with the poison. It’s best to hide cockroach baits in kitchen and bathroom cabinets or near your garbage can.

Liquid spray

If you’re looking to get rid of roaches overnight, you can try liquid spray. This chemical can be sprayed into entry points like cracks and crevices. If you know where cockroach nests are in your space, you can apply it there too. If you’re desperate to kill cockroaches fast, you can even use the spray on counters and your floor.

Baking soda bait

For a more natural approach to killing cockroaches quickly, use baking soda. Mix it with something sweet that will attract roaches, like sugar. Once they start eating it, they’ll die, and other roaches will eat them, ingesting the baking soda to their own demise.

Call a professional

Nothing can get rid of cockroaches as fast as calling an exterminator. While DIY techniques might help you reduce the number of roaches you have in your home or business, it is no guarantee. If you really want to kill cockroaches quickly, you need to call a professional.

Tips to prevent cockroaches from invading

If you’ve successful gotten rid of cockroaches, the next step is to make sure the pests don’t return. Here are some ways you can prevent cockroaches from infesting your home or business.

Remove cardboard and newspapers

Newspapers and cardboard boxes are breeding grounds for cockroaches. Don’t leave them lying around your home or outside of it.

Seal your garbage

Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids in your home or business. This makes finding food too challenging for cockroaches.

Reduce clutter

Anywhere that cockroaches can hide should be eliminated. Reduce the clutter, and you’ll be able to prevent roaches from taking hold in your space. It makes it harder for them to hide.

Fix plumbing issues quickly

Plumbing problems in your home or business can lead to leaks and increased moisture. This can attract cockroaches. To avoid this, fix any leaks and other plumbing issues quickly.

Inspect your landscape

Before cockroaches reach your home, they can initially be attracted by your landscaping elements, particularly if there is a water source like a birdbath or fountain. Food sources like birdseed or fruit trees can lure cockroaches onto your property. It can also help to remove any debris in your yard, including woodpiles.

Cockroaches in your space can be more than a nuisance. They present a very real health risk. If you think you have a cockroach infestation, follow these tips to get rid of cockroaches from your home or business.