Eliminating Cockroaches With Regular Pest Control
Believe it or not, the bigger roaches are easier to control, even if they are less appealing than the small ones.
Although no one likes to think about it, the fact is that most homeowners have had to call in pest control fo an infestation of cockroaches in their home at least once. Unfortunately, in areas of the country that are hot in the summer, most residents know all too well. Cockroaches love to live in dark, wet environments, yet they can go up to three months without food and up to one month without water! As a result, cockroaches are tough to eliminate, but not impossible. Following are some tips and facts about these pesky nuisances and how to control them.
Cockroaches thrive in wet areas of homes like the kitchen sink, laundry room, and even the bathroom. They also tend to come out in the dark or at night when people sleep, which is why they scatter when the kitchen lights come on at night. They are also looking for food.
Calling in a professional is the best way to handle a cockroach problem. They will most likely use a gel bait that the cockroach will eat and take back to the colony, where it will poison the other roaches. These baits are placed in damp areas of the home. The technician can also spray a white powder insecticide, which can pose problems for kids exposed to it, so it’s not the best solution.
Vacuum them up
Vacuuming any dead roaches before the technician arrives will help reduce the numbers and rid the entire house of them.
Fix any leaks
If the taps drip water, call a plumber to repair them, as cockroaches love these wet areas. Also, dry the sinks so that there isn’t standing water. The less water that puddles around, the fewer cockroaches will be able to survive. They will eventually move on to find another water source.
Homeowners wondering if cockroaches have taken up residence in their house should shine a flashlight under the sinks. Black sand-like particles, which are roach droppings, are a sure sign that cockroaches are hiding somewhere close.
Use over-the-counter roach treatments
Believe it or not, the bigger roaches are easier to control, even if they are less appealing than the small ones. Spraying insecticides can control these pests, as they will walk through and eat the insecticide and then carry it back to the colony, thus killing all of them.
Spray the chemicals in areas like cabinets, drains, kickboards, and any cracks or crevices. The insecticide should last at least a year before requiring retreatment.
Although dead bugs are no fun to look at, they are a sign that the treatment for pest control is working. Just vacuum up the dead ones. Try not to do any cleaning in the areas where the spray is other than sweeping with a dry broom.
Keep the home clean, especially the kitchen
The myth that cockroaches will never be a problem in a clean house is just that—a myth. Ensure no drinks or food is left sitting out. While it’s true that roaches do feed on crumbs and hang out around water sources, it’s not necessarily a dirty house that invites them. They can be brought in from many outside sources, so be mindful of what is brought into the home.
No matter how clean a house is, roaches may still be a problem until a professional insect control company treats the space for them.
Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!