The Best Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

Getting Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

Cockroaches are among the most persistent and troublesome of pests, requiring regular prevention and control methods to keep them from invading your home. Here are the best ways to get rid of cockroaches in your home:

• Keep a clean house. Reduce possible food sources, like crumbs and food residue, by wiping down surfaces, vacuuming regularly, and washing dishes, food containers, and garbage cans often.
• Store food in sealed containers. Make sure that your pantry and other food storage areas are free of spilled food and sealed off as much as possible.
• Seal off entry points. Look for open entry points, such as holes, gaps, cracks, and drains, in walls and floors, and seal them with caulk. Homes with poor insulation or damaged foundations can provide many crevices for cockroaches to enter.
• Remove clutter. Removing objects that cockroaches can use for shelter, such as cardboard boxes, stacks of paper, and clothes that don’t fit in closets, is essential for cockroach control.
• Set up traps. Place cockroach traps or special insecticides in areas where cockroaches are frequently seen. You can purchase these from a home improvement store.
• Call a professional. If your home is overrun with cockroaches, calling a professional exterminator may be the best option.

How to Effectively Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

Keeping your home free of unwanted pests can be a difficult task. Cockroaches can spread germs and cause allergic reactions, so getting rid of them is important. But the task isn’t hopeless. With some planning, prevention, and patience, you can effectively get rid of cockroaches in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Cockroach bait
• Garbage cans with lids
• Home sealant
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Clean your house thoroughly. Remove any clutter and food (especially food in open containers).
2. Close off any potential entry points. Seal up small cracks and crevices in walls and floors. Check your doors and windows to ensure they are properly fitted and sealed
3. Place gel baits in areas where cockroaches may be living. Follow product instructions for dosage and placement.
4. Empty and clean out garbage cans regularly, and store them in a sealed, airtight container.
5. Clean all surfaces, floors, and structures regularly with a vacuum cleaner or mop. Furthermore, mop up any leaks or spills.
6. Check and clean drains, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Tips

• If you have pets, spray insecticides in areas not accessible to them.
• If you have potted plants, make sure you're not over-watering them. Moist places attract cockroaches.
• Keep appliances sealed and clean, paying particular attention to the area around the refrigerator.
• Use borax to spray doorways and other crevices that can’t be reached by conventional cleaning methods.