20 May 2016
 Categories: , Blog

Although the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that cockroaches (Blattaria dictyoptera) are not known to transmit diseases, they are an allergen source that can be a danger for anyone living with asthma. Should you spot a cockroach, or find evidence of them in your home, take immediate action to eliminate them. This is especially important since these pests are known for their rapid reproduction. 

Deny Them a Source of Food

Proper cleanliness and sanitation are essential when it comes to getting rid of cockroaches. This is the best way to remove any sources of food. Always wipe up any crumbs after meals and do dishes right away. Store loose food in containers, including any pet food if you have animals in the home. Also, check for plumbing leaks. Leaks provide a source of water for the pests. 

Deny Them Shelter

Remove any trash piles on your property that could serve as shelter for the cockroaches. Then move on to caulking any cracks or crevices that the bugs may be using to enter your home. Weather stripping will add further protection in addition to making your home more energy efficient.  

Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Dust food-grade diatomaceous earth everywhere you noticed cockroach activity. This organic substance is safe to use around children and pests, but is deadly to the cockroach. When this pest steps on the diatomaceous earth, its exoskeleton is pierced, which will cause the roach to dehydrate and eventually die. A light dusting is all you need and you can easily vacuum up the substance along with any dead cockroaches and reapply as needed. 

Roach Hotel

When the organic approach isn't enough to completely rid your home of bugs, set multiple roach hotels out where you've seen cockroaches, or in places the roaches would most likely visit. The pests will come and eat the bait inside the roach hotel. Once back at their home, they will die from the poison. Cockroaches are cannibalistic, so the live pests will eat the dead ones. This further spreads the poison, causing the death of even more roaches. 

Professional Pest Control Expert

If your infestation is extensive, you may require chemical treatments that should only be applied by a pest control expert. This is also, perhaps, the fastest way to rid your home of unwanted cockroaches. 

Trapping with glue strips won't eradicate the cockroaches, but it can be used to identify the species of roach, as well as how large of an infestation you have. To completely get rid of the pests, follow the steps above.

For pest control services, contact a company such as Affordable Pest Control Inc.