There are very few things more exhausting than a cockroach infestation. Cockroaches are persistent pests that will make themselves at home in your kitchen, bathroom, and other living places as they look for food. Regrettably, they reproduce quickly and can spread infections. Let's dive in and figure out how to get rid of the cockroaches if you're weary of sharing your home with these disgusting creatures!
The Most Common Cockroaches Located In The United States
There are a few different cockroaches in Florida, but the German cockroach and the American cockroach are the most frequent. You'll probably have to deal with these two the most.
German Cockroaches are light brown in color and range in size from 1/2" to 5/8" in length. This is the most common cockroach species on the planet, with Florida being no exception to any species of cockroaches. The two dark, parallel stripes on the cockroaches' backs make them easy to spot. Infestations are likely to be discovered in household and commercial kitchens because they prefer warm, humid environments where food is easily located. Like most other cockroach species, they're difficult to kill, so having a professional pest control technician on your team can help you get rid of them.
The most common roaches infesting homes are American cockroaches, also known as Palmetto Bugs, which are darker and more prominent, measuring 1-1/2" to 2". These roaches feature a figure 8 pattern on the rear of their heads and are often reddish-brown. This species has wings and is capable of flying short distances. They can also bite, but unless they become diseased, their bites are harmless. American cockroach droppings in your home may be the first sign of an infestation. The ridges on the sides of these droppings are unique. For a good read on how to identify cockroach poop, check out this blog post.
What Draws Cockroaches to Your Residence?
Whatever bug you encounter, whether it's cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, termites, bed bugs, or rodents, they are all looking for food and water, which they may readily find in your home. Roaches, in particular, are attracted to warm, humid temperatures such as those found in Florida.
Roaches are attracted to the following items:
* The dishes in the sinks are filthy.
* Crumbs on the floor or the kitchen countertops
* Garbage
* Pet food that was strewn over the floor
* Moisture surplus
1. Dishes in the sink are filthy.
Cockroaches love dirty dishes in the sink because they often have leftover food on them. Cockroaches frequent homes for two reasons: they're looking for a safe place to live or looking for food. Allowing dirty dishes to sit in your sink provides nourishment for these bugs.
2. Crumbs on the floor or the kitchen countertops
Cockroaches will be attracted to crumbs left on your floor or your counters. The goal is to eliminate any potential food sources for these pests in your home. When you find crumbs on your counters, wipe them down and sweep the floor.
3. Garbage disposal
Garbage is another food source, so make sure to take it out regularly and keep your garbage can sealed to prevent access. Some garbage bags even claim to have a scent that keeps bugs away.
4. Pet food that was strewn on floor locations
Cockroaches love the discarded pet food on the floor. If your pet frequently doesn't finish its meal and leaves it lying about for later, consider using a sealable bowl or simply placing the bowl up high where it is not easily accessible.
5. Moisture in excess
Cockroaches require moisture to survive. Some of the most typical items that attract cockroaches in residential dwellings are dripping faucets or faulty shower doors and grout. Be sure to take care of any sources of excess moisture in your home!
How Do Roaches Get Into Your House?
Roaches are drawn to your house for many reasons (many of which are mentioned above), but hitchhiking is one of the main ways. To cause the start of an infestation, they must be able to get access to your home. Cracks and fissures in doors, windows, and other places of your home are the most common entry points for these sneaky pests.
This is how roaches get into your house:
1. Crevices and cracks
Vents and pipelines with holes
I've hitched a ride on item 1: cracks and crevices
Cracks and any gaps in your windows and doors are some of the most common entry points for cockroaches into your house. The most common issues we encounter with homes are improperly sealed doors and windows that do not close completely.
2. Vents and pipelines with holes
Another typical way for these pests to enter your home is through your vents and pipes. This is especially true with older vents that may have holes or fail to seal correctly. Check your vents for any potential entryways as you replace them, and keep a watch on waterlines and drains under your sink for any potential entryways.
3. Grabbing hold of stuff
Cockroaches have been known to hitch rides on things like old furniture if you're moving it into your home, though it's not that common. Be sure it's free of bugs when you bring that old table to your dining room from your garage.
Cockroaches and tips to get rid of them
There are a few different effective strategies for getting rid of cockroaches in your home.
Here's how to do it:
Make your home as spotless as possible.
Make use of traps.
Make use of baits.
Liquid Concentrates for Spraying
1. Do a thorough cleaning of your home.
Although it may seem extremely obvious, cockroaches are drawn to grease, dirt, and food. Cockroaches are continuously on the search for new food and breeding sources. Ensuring your home is clean is the most straightforward technique to get rid of roaches. Make certain to take the following steps to protect against cockroaches:
After each meal, wash, dry, and put away the silverware, dishes, and pans.
Clean up discarded crumbs and drink spills as quickly as you can.
Before going to bed, discard the trash in your home and bathrooms.
Any grease should be removed from the stovetop.
Food should be sealed in containers.
Clean your mops regularly.
2. Use traps from the store
The roach traps found in supermarkets or home improvement stores are one successful means of removing roaches. The device attracts cockroaches with a smell or other bait. When roaches inspect the bait, they get stuck in a sticky substance and are effectively confined inside. Because results vary and take two weeks or longer, traps should be regularly examined for dead roaches.
3. Invest in store-bought baits and baiting systems
Using store-bought cockroach baits is another well-known method of cockroach control. The insecticide is hidden as a meal source in the chemical baits. Cockroaches readily ingest the insecticide and die when they return to their nests. They are eaten by other cockroaches, which spread the insecticide throughout the remaining colony. Chemical baits are best placed near garbage cans, sinks, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Use Liquid Concentrates as a Spray
A liquid concentrate designed to discourage roaches is also sold in supermarkets. The liquid pesticides can be sprayed into cracks, crevices, and other spots where cockroaches like to hide and nest once the insecticide has been diluted. The same insecticide solution may mop the floor and wipe down the counters. Use caution if you have pets, fish, birds, reptiles, and children in the home! If you're looking for a speedy way to get rid of cockroaches, this is one of your most acceptable options!
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Roaches
We propose a few strategies if you want to get rid of roaches organically.
Here's how to naturally get rid of roaches:
Boric acid
Citrus oils
Baking soda
1. Boric Acid
Boric acid is an effective natural cockroach repellent. To make a dough, combine equal parts of boric acid, sugar, flour, and water. Place the prepared dough balls in the house for the cockroaches to consume. The cockroaches will be attracted to flour and sugar, but the boric acid will kill them. Place the dough where roaches are known to congregate, such as behind your cabinets, refrigerator, stove, toaster, microwave, and drawer backings. The boric acid kills the cockroaches, becoming food for more cockroaches. While this method effectively kills insects, it is incredibly harmful to pets. Avoid this at home if you have a furry pet.
The following are the advantages of utilizing boric acid:
Exceptionally effective
It only has to be used once.
Baking Soda
Cockroaches are killed by baking soda, which is similar to Boric acid. Combine baking soda with anything roaches are drawn to, such as sugar or onions, if you wish to utilize this method to get rid of cockroaches. Wait for this mixture to be placed in high-traffic locations. Once they start consuming the combination, you'll notice dead bugs.
Baking soda has the following advantages:
It's a common element in baking. It's very likely that you already have backing soda in the house!
One of the fastest ways to get rid of cockroaches is to use a vacuum cleaner.
Citrus Oils
Cockroaches are not killed by citrus, although they are deterred by it. If you wish to take precautions before cockroaches come, combine citrus acid with water and spray it in high-traffic areas. Because cockroaches dislike the smell, they will avoid this region. You may even want to leave some citrus peels in your kitchen to keep the aroma going.
Citrus has the following advantages:
Method of prevention
Cockroaches are deterred before they become a nuisance.
Call a Licensed Exterminator for help.
The truth is that roaches are tenacious critters, and even if you follow all of these DIY roach control strategies, you may still have a cockroach infestation. If you have tried these tried-and-true methods and they haven't worked, you'll need to hire a professional exterminator to treat your home.
Important Note: DIY treatments are not guaranteed to work, especially against pests that reproduce and spread quickly, such as cockroaches. It's usually advisable to work with a qualified and certified exterminator if you're serious about quickly getting rid of a roach infestation.
Cockroaches and How to Prevent Them
There are various methods for keeping roaches at bay, and we'll go through a few of the most effective ones that many people use to make their homes less inviting to these disgusting insects.
Here's how to keep cockroaches at bay:
Get rid of the newspapers and cardboard boxes.
Remove any clutter and seal any cracks.
Troubleshoot your plumbing problems.
Please don't give them any food.
1. Newspapers and cardboard boxes are out of the question for home storage.
Roaches adore newspapers and cardboard cartons. If you have these types of items lying around your house, you're attracting insects from the neighborhood. Because cockroaches love to reproduce in newspapers and cardboard boxes, it's advisable to get rid of them from your home.
2. Get Rid of the Clutter
One of the most effective roach-control tactics is keeping your home in good shape, especially for goods left lying around. There are fewer locations for roaches to hide during the day if your home is clutter-free. These bugs will have to work even harder to hide their presence now that they don't have any cover for their midday scurrying.
3. Install Door Sweeps and Seal Cracks
Roaches gain access to homes by crawling through gaps in the foundation and under doors. Because simple access places can be challenging to see, you may not even notice them, but an expert should be able to locate them for you. The following are some of the issues:
In the vicinity of windows and doors
Along the roof or foundation
Vents in the attic and crawl space
Electric, gas, and plumbing lines run through holes in the ground.
We recommend that you evaluate these problem areas at least once a year and seal any cracks or holes. Small gaps can be sealed with caulk, but more significant gaps, especially around pipes, should be filled with steel wool or foam. A tiny wire mesh can be used to construct a barrier over larger apertures such as chimneys or attic vents.
4. Inspect and repair any plumbing problems or leaks regularly.
Bugs are attracted to moisture because, like people, they require water to exist. Often, homeowners are unaware that they have moisture leaks or water problems that attract bugs. If you discover any leaks or problems with your plumbing, have them fixed as soon as possible. It is best to inspect your home's faucets, sinks, refrigerators, and appliances regularly to ensure they aren't leaking or producing excessive moisture.
5. Refrain from feeding the roaches
You're bound to attract a bug or two if you leave delicacies like uneaten dog or cat food sitting around. To prevent cockroaches from having easy access to food sources, we recommend installing a dog food dispenser and/or eliminating any food your pet doesn't consume straight away from the floor.
Pro Tip: Seek professional assistance from a pest control company.
Because roaches are such a common nuisance in Florida, prevention is only practical to a certain extent. The truth is that most homeowners will have to deal with a cockroach infestation at some point in their lives. You can do various things to make your house a hostile habitat for bugs; nothing beats hiring expert exterminators to prevent a pest infestation.
We provide the highest-rated pest treatment in Palm Coast to New Smyrna Beach, Volusia, and Florida Flagler County. Our pest control services are guaranteed and can protect your house from many pests throughout the year, including roaches! Our professionals can assist you if you are tired of sharing your home with cockroaches. Once employing our pest control services for cockroach control, please see the cockroach preparation video listed below for the most successful cockroach treatment.