Cockroaches are a common nuisance in many households. They breed quickly and can be a pain to get rid of if you don’t handle the problem early enough. They’re gross and embarrassing, and no home or business owner wants to find one. Thankfully, there are a couple of things you can do while you wait for cockroach control services to help. This blog post will go over some easy tips on making sure cockroaches stay away from your home or business for good.
Reasons for Roaches
Many people wonder why roaches choose to live in their home or business. It’s a common belief that roaches only infest filthy buildings, but they’re just after a food source. Roaches will eat just about anything, and they stay near people because we keep a steady supply of food on hand. Below are just a few places where roaches will find food — and that you should keep an eye on if future infestations are a concern.
Dirty Dishes
Roaches will eat anything, and that includes leftover crumbs on dirty dishes. Keep your sink clear of old food and you’ll take away a potential roach buffet. Keep it dry to eliminate water sources as well.
Piles of Garbage
Garbage can attract roaches too! They aren’t picky. All the food that remains in your trash cans is like a buffet for the pesky pests. Make sure you always put your garbage in sealed bags and take it out regularly to discourage them from hanging around your home.
Food Spills
Keep food in airtight containers, up off the floor. If you spill food or drinks, clean it up promptly. Cockroaches are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. They’ll wait until darkness sets in to come out and devour any food debris and crumbs that are dropped on the floor. Make sure to clean up pet food as well!
How Can I Keep Roaches Away?
Cockroaches can be tough to control, especially when you wait too long to address your roach infestation. The best option with the best results is to call a professional exterminator, but many homeowners tend to try some DIY options before reaching out to a professional. Here are some DIY preventative measures you can try to suppress their numbers — while keeping in mind that professional treatment plans will always be the more effective choice for your pest issues.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is one of the most effective ways to get rid of roaches if done correctly. All you have to do is sprinkle it on areas where they are likely to gather, including your countertops and trash can lids. Be sure to keep the boric acid dry as it gets less effective when it’s wet. It’s also not safe to use around pets or children.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural alternative to boric acid. It is a reliable cockroach killer that can help control your cockroach problem. You can simply spread it on the ground and mix it with sugar to act as cockroach bait.
Storebought Sprays
Insecticide sprays are a quick way to kill cockroaches but won’t last for long as the bugs actively avoid them. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for ingredients with residual effects, like these:
Deltamethrin – It’s an effective compound that will keep killing roaches for months. It’s also safe to use in the kitchen as it does not leave any residue on food surfaces or cabinets.
Cyfluthrin – This compound works by gradually paralyzing pests after they ingest it. It is less toxic to humans than other compounds and can be used indoors and outdoors.
Insect Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulators are a type of pesticide that will prevent roaches from breeding, thus minimizing the number of cockroaches in your home. Remember that these compounds can take up to two weeks before they’re effective. Also, it is not recommended for people with pets as it is toxic to them. You can pair this method with any of the above to increase effectiveness.
Peppermint Oil
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of roaches, then peppermint oil can be a good option to try. It has a strong smell that will repel roaches and is also relatively safe around pets and kids. Ensure your home is adequately ventilated when using this method, as inhaling peppermint fumes can harm your health.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is another compound that you can use to get rid of roaches naturally. It has a very strong smell, so make sure your home is properly ventilated before spraying it around. You need to reapply neem oil regularly as it will only be effective for up to two weeks.
Bay Leaves
Cockroaches hate the smell of bay leaves. You can scatter them around your home to keep roaches at bay as they try to find a way out from where you’re scattering the leaves. It is also safe for pets and kids — just don’t use the leaves in your cooking afterward.
Professional Cockroach Control Services
Of course, calling in the professionals is always going to be the best choice. If you want to save time, money, and effort on DIY pest control, call a professional for help. A reputable company will have the right equipment and products needed to protect your home from roaches and provide specialized treatment. They’ll figure out what type of roach you’re dealing with and then choose the most effective treatment option for you.
The five most common species of cockroach in the US are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, and the smoky brown cockroach. Cockroach pest control services know the best ways to get rid of these pests and keep them from coming back.
Is it Hard to Get Rid of Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are one of the most resilient creatures on earth, which makes them difficult to exterminate completely — especially with DIY methods. However, it is possible to suppress their population with various methods. The fastest way to deal with your roach problem would be to contact your local roach exterminator. Professionals have better methods and tools for taking care of the problem faster than doing it yourself, and you get the peace of mind that comes with having experts in the pest control industry handle your pest problem.
How Much Does Cockroach Control Cost?
The cost of pest control depends on the type of cockroach and size of your home, as well as the severity of the cockroach infestation. Effective pest control will also require additional services after the first application, especially for severe infestations.
Call Us Today!
If you notice a few of these persistent pests around your home or business, it’s time to contact Anteater Pest Control. We have been in the cockroach control industry in Phoenix AZ for decades, and we know all the remedies for the pest issues in your home. Visit our website or give us a call to book an appointment.