5 Tips for Keeping Roaches Away

As we move into the later summer months, most of us are trying to seek the cool of the indoors as much as possible. Unfortunately, unwanted pests like the American cockroach are also in search of the cozy, cool temperature your home provides––where the temperature is 70 degrees or higher.

Besides sealing off entryways to your home, there are other things you can do to keep these unsightly pests out of your home. Our helpful guide lends a few tips for keeping cockroaches away.

Get to Know Your Pest: The American Cockroach

Although most Americans are familiar with cockroaches, it’s always helpful that you make a proper distinction, that way you know exactly what kind of pest you’re dealing with. The American cockroach is known for its color and shape; a reddish-brown outer shell with an oval-shaped body. They are also known as “palmetto bugs.” 

Habitat

The American cockroach prefers a warm, damp environment like flowerbeds or underneath mulch in the garden. They can be found underground in most sewer systems in America, and anywhere else you can find rotten, discarded food and trash. In homes, cockroaches can be found in basements, laundry rooms, garages, kitchens, and bathrooms. They can also be found in commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, and warehouses.

Diet

American cockroaches have a simple diet that consists of leaves, wood, and also fungi. Occasionally, cockroaches will eat smaller insects. Once in your home, they’ll likely feed on leftover food crumbs, rotten fruit, and even your dog’s food.

Signs You Have Cockroaches in Your Home

Every American household has had cockroaches at least once or twice, especially if the homes were in the South––where cockroaches are more prevalent. The most obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is seeing them in your home. They can run very fast and will fly if startled. 

Another less obvious sign you have roaches in your home is if you find roach droppings––which are often mistaken for mice droppings. 

Ways to Keep Roaches Out of Your Home

#1: Keep Your Home Clean and Mess-Free

It’s no surprise that roaches love messy spaces. If your sink is overfilled with smelly dishes and bowls, it won’t be long before a roach will catch the scent and hide in your home. In addition to keeping your counters clean and tidy, always seal food containers before putting them back on the shelves, including closing cereal boxes––where roaches can find easy access to your food.

Good sanitation is the best way to prevent cockroaches from invading your living space.

#2: Empty Your Trash

Cockroaches are scavengers and eat various types of materials including paper, clothing, dead animals, rotten food, and plant matter. A good way to prevent roaches from seeking out your home is to empty your trash when it becomes too full. 

#3: Limit Where You Eat

If your home has several designated eating spots, you could be putting yourself at risk for a roach infestation. When you limit your feeding areas to the dining room or living room, you can prevent roaches from seeking refuge in your bedroom. Remember, all it takes is a few crumbs.

#4: Vacuum Regularly

Since roaches come out at night, it’s a good idea to sweep and vacuum your kitchen before calling it a day. Also, consider vacuuming every two to three days to rid your home of left behind roach limbs, egg sacs, or dead roaches––all which contain pheromones that will attract other roaches. 

#5: Call a Pest Control Company

Sure, you can buy a can of Raid and call it a day if you want. But, having professionals come out to inspect your home can help you find areas you might have missed during your solo pest control inspection. Treatment may vary, depending on the type of infestation you have. A pest control agent can set you up for success with a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. 

If you have roaches, then you need a comprehensive pest control plan. Our pest control professionals have decades of experience in the extermination and prevention of common pests like the American cockroach. Call us today for a free estimate.