Cockroaches are often associated with an unsanitary environment. While this is true most of the time, many homeowners who diligently keep their house clean every day often find a roach or two scurrying in their kitchen at night.
So why do cockroaches still infest a house even if it’s clean? Cockroaches are attracted to houses that have damp areas, grimy surfaces, cluttered and unused boxes, crumbs and leftover food, and overgrown gardens. Houses located in southeastern regions of the country are more prone to cockroach infestations than other places.
Nobody wants to see cockroaches in their houses because these pesky insects contaminate the food and cause different diseases. Many homeowners diligently clean their houses to prevent these pests from entering their homes.
However, even the cleanest homes might still be vulnerable to cockroach infestations. According to the survey by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), around 63% of American households have cockroaches in their midst. Here are a few possible reasons this is still a problem even for clean houses:
Cockroaches need water to survive. These pests invade houses in search of a stable water source. Leaking pipes and standing water inside the house is a paradise for roaches. Even the water left on the pet’s water bowl and the condensation from refrigerators or air conditioners are enough to invite roaches into the house.
Homeowners often find these pesky creatures in dark and damp places like the basements, bathrooms, and kitchen sinks. Make sure to inspect the house regularly to get rid of stagnant water or repair leaky pipes to avoid attracting cockroaches and other unwanted pests to the house.
Even if they regularly mop the floors and clean the house, many homeowners are bound to miss a few spaces every now and then. Cockroaches thrive in corners, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas where there are grime buildups.
Make sure to clean the space behind the refrigerator, stoves, ovens, and other appliances to avoid inviting cockroaches. Wiping off the spills and splatters as soon as they appear is a good practice to keep these pests out of the kitchen.
Cockroaches eat anything available to them, including trash, dead insects, leather, hair, glue, and cardboard. Unused boxes and piles of old magazines left in basements and attics are good targets when roaches are looking for food and shelter.
Since these kinds of clutter are also attractive for other house pests, it’s a good preventative practice to declutter the attic or basement every once in a while. Throw away items that are not needed anymore and hide all important documents in a safe.
Pests like cockroaches infest houses that have enough food sources. Although they’re opportunistic feeders, cockroaches are especially fond of food that’s high in sugar, starch, or protein. They collect crumbs of food in the pantry, the leftovers placed on the sink and dining table, or the discarded food in the trash can.
Aside from cleaning up the crumbs, all the food in the pantry must be stored in airtight containers to prevent the cockroaches from contaminating perfectly clean food. Ensure that all leftovers are placed inside the refrigerator. The dirty dishes in the sink should also be cleaned immediately.
Tending the garden and yard should also be included in the list of roach control and prevention practices. Cockroaches hide in overgrown grass and messy gardens. The standing water in the birdbaths and gutters also serves as a stable water source for them. Roaches also eat the compost, mulch, and woodpile in the garden.
The climate in the town or city you’re living in also affects the chances of cockroaches infesting the house. Southern regions in the US, such as Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are more likely to experience cockroach infestation than any other state.
This doesn’t mean that houses in these areas are unsanitary; cockroaches just prefer areas where the climate is warm and humid. If you spot a palmetto bug (American cockroach) in the house, make sure to inspect the house for indications of an infestation.
Most homeowners usually grab a can of insecticide once they spot a single cockroach in their home. However, most store-bought pesticides are made with harsh chemicals that are harmful to both the family and the environment. To keep the family safe while exterminating these pests, here are a few ways to get rid of cockroaches naturally:
While this might be the most obvious thing to do, many homeowners fail to clean their houses properly. Many neglected areas in the house serve as great shelters for different pests like cockroaches. Here are some of the best practices to ensure that all the areas in the house are squeaky clean:
Cockroaches fit even in the tiniest cracks and gaps on the wall. These pests utilize these holes to get inside houses for food, water, and shelter. They’re also attracted to damp places, which is why they stay near leaky drains and pipes.
Make sure to keep these pests out by inspecting the house for cracks and sealing them with caulk. Check the pipes, drains, and gutters around the house to see if there are leaks or standing water that might invite cockroaches. If there are plants inside the house, ensure that they’re not overwatered.
Boric acid is known as an effective home remedy for cockroaches. It’s highly toxic for almost all species of cockroaches, but mildly irritating for people and pets. Some homeowners sprinkle the boric acid on cockroach-infested areas, while others mix it with food bait.
Mix boric acid with sugar and flour to create a dough that attracts cockroaches. Place a few pieces of these poisonous doughs under appliances, at the back of cabinets, and near the cockroach nest to kill the pests.
Cockroaches are persistent creatures, which is why roach control should be left at the hands of a pest management professional. While DIY pest control might help reduce their population, it’s not enough to wipe out the entire colony.
Here at Positive Pest Management, our specialists are trained to perform quality and guaranteed extermination work. We utilize IPM-based methods and environment-friendly pesticides to get rid of the cockroaches on the property and keep them from returning. Visit our website now or call us at (800) 294 – 3130 for a free estimate.
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