Cockroaches are among the most common household pests. Roaches are highly resourceful insects that may live, consume, and reproduce in your home without being noticed. Even if they barely bite, they can bring health concerns for people living in a roach-infested home or apartment.
Do not be alarmed if you suspect there are cockroaches in your home. The presence of these pests does not mean that your home is filthy. They can usually locate food and water without any difficulty, even if you often clean and keep your home tidy. This enables them to survive in a variety of settings. Sometimes, cockroaches can be persistent, and you may need a roaches exterminator.
What Draw Roaches to Your Residence?
Cockroaches commonly stay in cracks and crevices in the kitchen or bathroom, where they easily access food scraps in the trash bins. They also love to hide in damp and dark crawl spaces where they can quickly multiply. Cockroaches are attracted to:
1. Pieces of food on the floor or countertops
Roaches are drawn to crumbs left on your floor or your countertops. It would be best to remove any potential food sources for these pests in your house. When you find crumbs on your countertops, wipe them off and sweep the floor thoroughly.
2. Pet food left on the floor
Cockroaches are attracted to pet food on the floor that is often left uncleaned. Consider investing in a sealable bowl if your pet frequently does not finish its meal and leaves bits of pet food strewn all over the floor. You can also place the bowl in a sealed-off area where it’s not easily accessible by roaches.
3. Unwashed dishes that are left in the sink
Cockroaches like dirty dishes left in the sink because they often have leftover food on them. They are in your house for two reasons, mainly to get food and find a safe place to live. Leaving unwashed dishes in your sink means giving these bugs a reason to keep coming back to your kitchen.
4. Garbage and waste bins
Trash is another common source of food for cockroaches. Make sure to take the garbage out regularly and keep your garbage cans sealed to prevent access. You can also use scented trash bags that claim to keep these pests away from feasting on your garbage.
5. Moisture abundant areas
These insects require moisture to survive. Some of the usual things that attract cockroaches in residences are dripping faucets or cracked shower doors. Always check areas that can create excess moisture in your home.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Roaches
There are multiple effective strategies for preventing cockroach infestations at home. These natural methods are harmless to humans and easy to do. Here’s how you can naturally eliminate cockroaches:
1. Baking Soda
Cockroaches are quickly and easily killed by baking soda. Mix baking soda with anything roaches are interested in, such as sugar or onions, if you wish to utilize this method to eradicate these pests. Put this mixture in places where cockroaches live. You’ll notice it works effectively when you see dead roaches.
2. Boric Acid
Similar to baking soda, boric acid is also an effective natural roach pesticide. Combine equal parts of boric acid, flour, and sugar to make dough balls and set them around the house for cockroaches to eat. It would be more effective if these balls are placed in areas where they come together as a group, like the back of refrigerators, stoves, and cabinets and drawer backs.
The roaches are only attracted to the flour and sugar, but the boric acid in the balls will kill them. While this method is very efficient at killing roaches, it is extremely harmful to pets. Do not do this at home if you have a pet.
3. Citrus extract
Citrus doesn’t kill cockroaches, although they are deterred by it. If you wish to prevent cockroaches from coming back, combine citrus acid with water and spray it in areas where they pass by. Once sprayed, these areas will be avoided because they dislike the smell of citrus acid. Leaving citrus peels in your kitchen can enhance the effect.
Call a Professional Roach Exterminator
Keeping your home free from pests can sometimes be tiresome, and it would be helpful to hire a roaches exterminator. They will be able to provide fast and effective ways to rid your house of these pests. Get in touch with them today for a pest-free house!
