Understand Why Roaches Are in Your Home

Before you can effectively remove roaches, it’s crucial to understand why they are there in the first place.

Roaches are drawn to…

• Food sources – Roaches will feast on crumbs, grease, food spills, & pet food.

• Water sources – Leaky pipes, standing water, & even water left in sinks or dishes attract roaches.

• Warm, dark environment – They love hiding in cracks, crevices, & behind appliances.

To get rid of roaches, you need to address these factors.

Clean Your Home Thoroughly

The first step in eliminating roaches is removing the things that attract them.

How you can keep your home less appealing to these pests…

• Clean up crumbs and food spills immediately – Focus on the kitchen, where food is most likely to accumulate. Wipe down counters, stovetops, and cabinets regularly.

• Take out the trash frequently – Don’t let food waste pile up in your home. Use a tightly sealed trash can.

• Eliminate moisture – Fix leaky pipes & faucets. Keep bathrooms & kitchens dry, and use dehumidifiers if necessary.

Seal Entry Points

Roaches can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing.

To prevent new roaches from getting in…

• Caulk gaps around windows, baseboards, & doors.

• Seal cracks in walls and around plumbing, electrical outlets, & vents.

• Install door sweeps to prevent roaches from entering under doors.

Use Roach Baits & Traps

Roach baits are an effective method of eliminating roaches, as they attract the pests and then kill them after they consume the bait.

• Gel baits – Apply small dabs of gel bait in areas where you’ve seen roaches, such as behind appliances, under sinks, & along baseboards. The roaches will consume the poison & return to their nests, spreading the poison to other roaches.

• Bait stations – These contain poison that roaches eat and carry back to their nests. Place them in areas where you’ve noticed activity.

• Traps – Sticky traps can help catch roaches & monitor the extent of the infestation. Place them in corners and areas where you suspect roach activity.

Use Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) are chemicals that stop roaches from maturing or reproducing. By disrupting their life cycle, IGRs prevent roaches from reaching maturity and reproducing, breaking the infestation cycle.

IGRs are especially effective when used alongside baits and traps. They can be applied in cracks, crevices, & areas where roaches are likely to hide.

Apply Insecticidal Dust

Boric acid & diatomaceous earth are natural insecticidal dusts that are safe for humans & pets when used properly. Apply them in hard-to-reach places like cracks in the walls, under appliances, & along baseboards.

These powders dehydrate roaches & damage their exoskeletons. When roaches come into contact with the dust, it sticks to them, & they eventually die from dehydration.

Call a Professional Exterminator

If your infestation is severe or persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call a professional exterminator.

A pest control expert can…

• Assess the severity of the infestation

• Use advanced tools and pesticides that are not available to homeowners

• Provide long-term treatments and prevention plans

A professional can also identify potential problem areas in your home that you may have missed.

Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve eliminated the current roach population, take steps to prevent a new infestation…

• Maintain cleanliness – Keep your home clean and free of food and water sources.

• Seal cracks and gaps – Ensure all entry points are sealed to prevent new roaches from entering.

• Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests, such as droppings or egg casings, to catch potential problems early.

Getting rid of roaches permanently requires a combination of cleaning, sealing entry points, using baits and traps, &, if necessary, enlisting professional help.