What Is the Best Method of Cockroach Control?
While many people think that cockroaches are a pest that only live in older homes, the truth is that any dwelling could become a residence for these household pests. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent an invasion, as well as several methods of dealing with a cockroach infestation should it occur. The best approach to cockroach control is one that makes the home as inhospitable to roaches as possible.
It is a good idea to proactively do everything possible to limit the opportunities for cockroaches to enter the home in the first place. This means taking steps to secure the building by closing off small ports of entry. Caulk and weather-strip around all windows and doors, as this will help seal the tiny cracks where the roaches could enter. In like manner, seal the areas around water pipes, both inside and outside the building. By limiting easy access to the home, the task of effective cockroach control is made much simpler.
If cockroaches are already in the home, then it is possible to use several methods to eliminate them. The first task is to cut off the food and water supply. Repair leaky drains and faucets, so the roaches cannot make use of dripping water. Store food items in sealed containers before placing them in the pantry. Never leave food out overnight, as this is an open invitation for the roaches to feed.
Even dirty dishes can undermine your best efforts at cockroach control. Make sure all dishes are washed and put away before bedtime. If dishes must be left until morning, place them in the sink and cover them with hot soapy water. Cockroaches tend to steer clear of water containing dishwashing liquid.
Keeping your space clean is important to cockroach control. Crumbs must be cleaned away, or else those small particles will encourage the uninvited pests to remain in the home. Make sure the kitchen, dining room, and any other area of the home where residents consume food of any kind is free of all types of crumbs.
There are several methods of cockroach control that can be employed to rid the home of an infestation. One of the most common is to call an exterminator and arrange for monthly pest control treatments. However, there are a few other methods that may work, depending on the extent of the invasion.
One time-honored method of cockroach control involves the use of boric acid. By combining the acid with a small amount of flour and water, it is possible to make small pellets or balls that can be left in areas where the roaches have appeared. The cockroaches consume the boric acid and die in a short period of time.
A cockroach trap is another way of managing cockroach control around the home. These traps usually include some sort of cockroach bait that is secreted in a small boxy container. Roaches enter the container in search of the bait and become trapped, where they eventually die. This type of cockroach trap has been around since the latter part of the 1960’s and remains one of the more popular methods of taking care of a mild roach problem.
Cockroach repellent is also a popular option. Usually sold in a pump spray container or as an aerosol product, the repellent can be sprayed into nooks and crannies where roaches are likely to collect. One disadvantage of this form of cockroach control is that the ingredients in the repellent are sometimes toxic to pets. If products of this type are used, they should be applied carefully, and kept out of the reach of young children as well as pets.
Written by Malcolm Tatum
