How to Get Rid of Roaches: A Comprehensive Guide for a Pest-Free Home
How to Get Rid of Roaches: A Comprehensive Guide for a Pest-Free Home
Dealing with roaches in your home can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. These pests are not only gross to look at, but they can also carry diseases and cause damage to your property. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for getting rid of roaches and preventing them from returning. In this article, we'll explore important steps to eliminate roaches from your home, so you can enjoy a pest-free living space.
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There are over 4,000 species of cockroaches, but only about 30 of them are considered pests. The most common of these found in your home are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, oriental cockroach, and the brown banded cockroach. Did you know over 60% of homes have roaches? if you see one roach, there are definitely more, these guys like to live in groups.
It’s very important to identify the type of roaches you have in your home and to understand why they are there. In general, Roaches are attracted to your home for 3 main reasons:
Food
Water
Shelter
How do you know if you have roaches in your home?
1. Seeing live roaches: Roaches are nocturnal insects, so you may not see them during the day. However, if you spot a roach scurrying across your floor or countertop, it's a clear sign that you have an infestation.
2. Finding roach droppings: Roach droppings look like small, dark specks and can be found in areas where roaches are active, such as near food sources or in dark corners.
3. Smelling a musty odor: Roaches emit a musty odor that can be particularly strong in areas where there are large numbers of them.
4. Discovering egg casings: Roaches lay egg casings that are brown in color and look like small capsules. These casings can be found in areas where roaches are active.
Now let’s look at the steps to making your home roach free:
Step one: eliminate food and water sources.
The best way to eliminate roaches is to get rid of their food and water sources. This should always be the first step. The most common areas for roaches to live in are your bathroom and your kitchen.. Basically anywhere there is water and food that is easy to get to. Check for leaky sinks, and make sure you are not leaving any food out, not even a crumb. Roaches can live off a single crumb for about 2 weeks.
Clean every surface. I like to use disinfectant spray on every surface while dealing with an infestation, simply because roaches leave dropping everywhere at night. It’s gross. Always disinfect especially before cooking. Here’s my favorite disinfectant I currently use: Lysol All Purpose spray
Step Two: Caulk and reseal everything
Caulking the cracks and crevices in your home from doorways and windows to your counter tops will help eliminate the pathways the roaches can squeeze into. Roaches are very good at hiding in crevices. Resealing is definitely a must so that you are able to control the pathways roaches can take to get to food and water, this will come in handy for the next steps. I apply it as thick as I can in every crack and crevice that needs to be resealed.
Here is my favorite resealant to use here.
Step four: Boric Acid
Boric acid is a highly effective and affordable way to eliminate roaches from your home. It works by damaging the roaches' exoskeletons and dehydrating them, ultimately leading to their death. Unlike some other insecticides, boric acid is relatively non-toxic to humans and pets when used properly. Additionally, it can be used in a variety of forms, including powder, tablets, and bait stations, making it a versatile solution for roach control.
I like to buy the powder and line it along where my walls meet my counter tops. Make a border under sink cabinets, behind ovens, fridges, and in pantries. This definitely makes a huge difference quickly.
This is what I use to keep roaches out of my home: Hot Shot Roach Kiling Powder
Step five: roach traps
Along with boric acid, it’s a good idea to add traps in your kitchen and bathroom. Place these in areas where you have seen roaches or roach droppings. Typically the smell will draw the roaches to it depending on the trap, and they will take the poison back to their nest.
I like to buy Combat roach bait traps, and I place these in corners on the counters, under the sink, behind the stove, and behind the fridge. I replace these every three months.
Step 6: Roach Spray
This step is always the last step for me. I do this last because this is the one I do inside my home and outside. I buy Harris Roach Spray because it lasts for 18 months, it is also repellent for flies and ants for up to 5 months as well.
Spray a border in the perimeter of your kitchen and bathroom, under the sinks, behind with fridge, and behind your oven. When you spray outside to the whole perimeter of your home. Wait for it to dry before you allow anyone to go back inside your house.
If you continue to see roaches, repeat all of these steps. Stay consistent. Roaches can take awhile to fully be eliminated. Continue to keep your home free of open food containers and water sources.
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