info@getridofpests.com

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

An educational guide to help you get rid of unwanted Cockroaches.

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are known for being among the most resilient pests, which makes many people worry that they won’t be able to get rid of them and keep them away. While these pests are in fact hardy, you can get rid of them, particularly with the help of a professional. Unfortunately, cockroaches like living with people because of the easy access to food and water and they multiply quickly.

Signs You Have Cockroaches
The most obvious sign that there are cockroaches in your home will be actually seeing one of these creatures, but even if you don’t spot one, you can still get an idea that they are present. A professional will notice the shell casings from hatched eggs. They will also spot feces, which typically look like black pepper or ground coffee. In the case of a heavier infestation, you may smell a musty, pungent odor or hear them scurrying.



Fix Leaking Water
One of the biggest attractants for cockroaches is water and other sources of moisture. Because of this, if you have any leaky pipes, cockroaches will be likely to invade. By repairing any leaks you find, no matter how small and preventing standing water, even in the sink, you can encourage the cockroaches to skip your home and keep looking for somewhere to go.

Get Rid Of Hiding Spots
It makes logical sense that if you get rid of the roach’s shelter, it will leave and this method is definitely worth a try. The ideal spot for cockroaches is in a tight crevice or crack, like a dark wall void that is well hidden during the day. By eliminating as many of these spots as possible, you can encourage the roaches to leave and prevent more from coming. Use a caulk gun to seal any crevices or cracks. Use something sturdy with fine grates like copper mesh to seal the holes by wall and light fixtures or pipes. Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and put tape over holes in appliances and other items; the last step is typically only necessary in the case of extreme infestations.

Get Rid Of Bridges Into The Home
By making the direct perimeter around your home unappealing to cockroaches, they are less likely to consider entering. Make a “dry zone” by raking and turning mulch six inches or more from the building itself. At the same time, trim back trees, shrubs, and other plants so they don’t touch your home. Both of these steps will also create an ideal zone for spraying insecticides.

Make Bait With Boric Acid
If you have boric acid and sugar around, then you have everything you need to make an effective cockroach bait. Combine a part powdered sugar with three parts of boric acid. The sugar will attract the roaches and the boric acid will kill them. Just be sure to keep this mixture away from anywhere kids or pets can reach as it is irritating, although not toxic. Some ideal places to put this mixture to take care of cockroaches include under the sink, along cracks by the pantries and cabinets, and behind appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, and stove. An alternative to making the bait yourself would be buying a store-bought one.



Keep Your Home Cool
Having your home at a cooler temperature won’t kill the cockroaches, but it will make them less active. At the very least, it will greatly minimize the chances that the cockroaches will open up their wings and fly, something the average person is terrified to see.

Kill Them On Sight
Of course, you can also just go with the approach of killing any cockroaches you see, although they will likely keep coming. You could take care of them by stepping on them or use little bit of soapy water. This will suffocate the roaches since they breathe via their skin like the average insect does.

Other Homemade Remedies To Try
Although they won’t always work, there a range of home remedies, many of which are natural, that you can try to get rid of roaches. These may involve bay leaves, mint oil, mouth wash, cedar, lemon, bleach, coffee, and/or cucumber.

Prevent Cockroaches With A Clean Home
While it is possible to get rid of cockroaches, it is much easier to never let them get into your home in the first place. The simplest method of doing this is just to ensure your home is clean as this means there is nothing there to attract the pests. If the cockroaches can’t find water or food in your house, they have no reason to be there. While you won’t be able to completely get rid of all attractants, you can reduce them by getting rid of clutter, covering leftover food, and putting it away properly. Vacuuming and sweeping every day will also help your efforts.