Having cockroaches in your home is more than just an embarrassing problem that limits you from inviting people over, but it is a health risk to yourself and your family. This is because cockroaches infest food, Household Pesticides List and in doing so they leave behind waste containing bacteria such as salmonella, which can be harmful to your health. Also, cockroach infestations have been linked to allergies and asthma in children.
Because of these horrible risks, it is important that you apply an appropriate pest control method to ensure that the cockroach does not become a permanent guest in your home. Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that do not like to be seen (hence the scattering when lights come on). If you are able to spot a roach during the light of day, you can be sure there are more hiding in the dark that you are not able to see.
Cockroaches are naturally drawn to environments where they are the most comfortable. This will include areas that have a water source, food source and dark places to hide — i.e. your kitchen or pantry. However, there are certain approaches that one can take to make your home uncomfortable for cockroaches — and more satisfying for you.
Cut Off Essential SuppliesBy fixing a leaky pipe or dripping sink, you will help to not only conserve water, but to shut off the cockroaches’ water supply. Eliminate their food source by making sure no open food containers are easy to get to in your cupboards or pantry. Put pantry staples like pastas, grains, dried fruit and baking essentials in airtight containers. Get rid of food crumbs quickly from your counter tops, trashcans, floors and lingering dirty dishes.
Cut Off Their EntryYou can get rid of the roaches’ hiding places and entry points by sealing up cracks and crevices where cockroaches are thought to enter the home. Use weather-stripping and caulking to block up these nooks and crannies.
Beyond PreventionIf you are experiencing a full-blown cockroach infestation, then you will have to apply more than simple preventive measures to get them out of your home. Cleaning definitely helps, but roaches are persistent and can live a month or more without food, so do not expect them to leave because the kitchen was clean for one night. For cockroaches, traps are often needed to ensure they are fully exterminated.
Traps. Baited traps are beneficial because they lure the roach rather than rely on the bug to stumble upon the trap. Sticky traps also work well, as they provide you with clues as to major infestation locations so you can concentrate on a specific area of the house. Roaches mainly travel in dark places and close to walls, so placement of the traps in the general area of travel is your best bet for catching them sneaking around.
Chemicals. Chemicals can be used, but primarily as a last resort, especially if the infestation is in your kitchen. You do not want to run the risk of poisoning any food or surfaces where food is prepared. Always read the label before using any chemical substance, and make Bed Bug Repellent Lavender sure to avoid using it in places that can be accessed by children or pets. Boric acid is a pest control chemical that many use because cockroaches do not build up immunity to it the way they can to other poisons. Boric acid dries the cockroach out rather than poisons them.
By using the pest prevention methods described above and contacting a pest control expert if the situation gets beyond your control, you can make your home once again inhabitable for you and your family — and inhabitable for cockroaches.
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