Practical Pest Control Tips That Really Work

The cockroach is one of the most common pests in residential environments. There are different species around the country but you can recognise them by some of their universal characteristics. These insects have an oval-shaped body that is generally low-lying and flat. The colour can range from black to brown and the sizes will depend on the variety and age of the specific cockroach. The pest prefers to reside in warm and humid environments, particularly those with a readily available food source. You will often find cockroaches in kitchens and bathrooms because they feed on rotting garbage, food spills and even faecal matter. Therefore, the insects can spread a range of pathogens including salmonella, streptococcus as well as staphylococcus. Here are some guidelines to help prevent a cockroach invasion in your home.

Clean the House Thoroughly

Cockroaches require constant sustenance, so you should ensure that there are no easily accessible food sources in your home. The kitchen is the most vulnerable area because it contains fresh and waste food materials. You can prevent an invasion by ensuring that all the surfaces are clean. Take out the garbage regularly because the rotting material will initially attract the pests. Vacuum the floors and carpets thoroughly and do not allow spills to remain overnight. You should also wipe the kitchen counters, cabinets and the area below sinks because they are perfect hiding spots. In addition, clean other susceptible areas including near the drains, around water heater and the bathroom surfaces.

Seal the Hiding Spots

Cockroaches do not always hide in apparent places because they will be vulnerable to human intervention. They will hide in cracks and crannies in the floors, within cabinets and in most wooden surfaces with fissures. This can undermine your cleaning efforts, so you should seal the potential hiding spots. Ideally, you should caulk the areas with commercial products to create an impenetrable seal. For example, there are silicone materials sold in caulking guns for easy DIY application. You can also engage a handyman if you are uncertain about your skills.

Limit Cockroach Contact

The best way to prevent cockroach invasion is to stop the insects from entering your residential premises. You should avoid bringing these pests from areas such as garages and sheds. For example, they will often hide in cardboard boxes and scamper away when the box is placed in the house. If you must move materials into your home, use easy-to-clean plastic boxes. In addition, close up all openings on exterior walls, roofs and floors which could allow admittance.

If you cannot complete any of these tasks, consider hiring pest control professionals for professional pest treatment against cockroaches.