There’s hardly anything more disturbing than a roach infestation. Once you’ve managed to kill a few of them, more return the next day. The good news is that not only can you get rid of roaches, but you can also keep them from coming back. Let’s discuss five essential steps that homeowners must take in order to get rid of roaches once and for all.
Step 1: Start a Nightly Cleaning Routine
If you want to get rid of roaches permanently, the first step is to start a nightly cleaning routing. You see, roaches are attracted to food residue. This is especially the case when it comes to sugar, grease, meat, and cheese. They feast on all of the day’s leftovers. So take the time to wipe down your counter and stovetop every night. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Sweep your floors. Also, take out the garbage.
Step 2: Repair Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Roaches love moisture. So getting rid of them can sometimes be as easy as cutting off their water sources. You may have a leaky faucet or pipe that needs to be repaired or replaced. Check the sinks in your bathrooms and kitchen. Search through your garage and basement. Pay special attention to rooms that are normally dark as dark, moist areas are ideal for these insects. If your faucets and pipes are in good condition, consider your pet’s water bowl. You may consider emptying the bowl every night, before bed.
Step 3: Seal Cracks and Holes
If you want to keep roaches at bay, you should seal all cracks and holes. What many homeowners fail to realize is that roaches can crawl through even the tiniest of spaces. So it’s important that you identify their entryways and block them from coming in. You may notice cracks and holes in your baseboards, along the walls, in your pantry, and between the countertop and wall. Use caulk or a caulk gun to fill in the cracks. Why caulk? Well, it’s waterproof and roaches won’t be able to chew through it.
Step 4: Turn Down Your Thermostat
Roaches hate the cold. They typically thrive in hot and humid places. So try to keep your home as cool as possible. During the summer months, you can eliminate drafts of heat by sealing holes and cracks. At night, open all doors in your home so that the air can circulate freely. Cut down on the heat by switching from incandescent lights to CFL’s. Purchase insulated window films. You should also turn on the fans in your bathrooms after taking a hot shower. This can help to get rid of some of the humidity.
Step 5: Use Bait
Now that you’ve taken all of the necessary steps to keep future roaches at bay, it’s time to use bait to completely eliminate those that have already invaded your home. Roach bait is an insecticide. There are many recipes that you can create on your own. One of the most effective is a mixture of boric acid and powdered sugar. The sugar is what lures the roaches to the area and boric acid is what terminates them. Sprinkle this mixture behind your refrigerator, dishwasher, under the sink, and around any other problem areas.
If your home has been infested by roaches, then you know how big of a problem this can be. And not everyone is able to handle them on their own. If you suspect you have a roach problem, and you’re afraid of getting rid of them yourself, be sure you contact professionals. You don’t want to wait and let the problem get out of hand. Not only can these creatures be frightening, but they can also pose a health threat to your loved ones. The above steps outline the process for kicking them out of your life for good.
