How to get rid of cockroaches in your house
Not sure how to get rid of roaches? You're not alone. Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the world. They're also one of the most resilient insects on the planet and can colonize just about anywhere. Cockroaches can also carry diseases, making it essential to get rid of them as soon as possible.
If you want to determine the best way to get rid of roaches in your home, it's important to first come up with a plan. A licensed, professional cockroach control company can help and will collaborate with you to formulate the best plan of action. If you need help with how to get rid of roaches in your house, let Terminix help!
Understanding the type of roach in my home
Knowing how to get rid of roaches starts with understanding the different types of roaches that can invade your home. By learning about these pests and their habits, you can develop a more effective plan to eliminate them and prevent future infestations. Here are the most common types of roaches in the United States:
German cockroach
German cockroaches are tan or brown and between ½-1 inch long. They prefer humid places with easy access to food sources and water.
Oriental cockroach
Oriental cockroaches are around one inch long. They're known to be the worst smelling of cockroaches due partly to the chemicals they secrete.
American cockroach
American cockroaches are reddish brown and between one and a quarter to two inches long. These giant roaches have been known to carry pathogens that cause various diseases.
Brown-banded cockroach
The brown-banded cockroach gets its name from its light brown coloring and two easily identifiable brown bands around their wings and abdomen.
What attracts roaches to my home?
If you're struggling with how to get rid of roaches in your house, it's essential first to understand what attracts them. By identifying the factors that draw roaches to your living space, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate them. Here are some everyday things that attract roaches and how to get rid of them:
- Food and water sources: Roaches are attracted to food and water sources, so it's essential to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, spills, and standing water. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up any spills or crumbs.
- Shelter: Roaches seek out dark, damp places to hide. This could include cracks and crevices in walls, under appliances, and behind furniture. You can declutter your home, vacuum and sweep regularly, and seal up cracks and crevices with caulk to eliminate hiding spots.
- Warmth and moisture: Roaches thrive in warm, moist environments, so keeping your home dry and well-ventilated is essential. Fix leaky pipes or faucets and use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.
How roaches enter your home
Roaches are small, so they can enter your home in various ways. Blocking some of the most common entry points can help prevent an infestation. Here are a few entry points to look out for:
- Cracks and crevices: Cockroaches can squeeze through small openings, so inspect your foundation, walls, and pipes for gaps exceeding 1/16 of an inch and seal them.
- Hitchhiking on belongings: Used items like boxes, furniture, appliances, and grocery bags can harbor cockroaches or their eggs, so inspect them carefully before bringing them inside.
- Unsealed entryways: Gaps around doors and windows provide easy access for roaches, so regularly inspect weather stripping and door sweeps for damage and ensure doors close securely.
- Shared wall breaches: In multi-unit dwellings, roaches can exploit gaps or holes in shared walls to travel between units, so address this issue with your landlord or building management if you suspect it.
Contact a licensed professional for roach removal
While there are an impressive variety of DIY roach extermination methods, most are only partially effective. Cockroaches are highly resilient pests. They adapt to many natural and conventional repellants and treatments. For the most effective solution on how to get rid of roaches permanently, hire a professional cockroach control expert.
At Terminix, our technicians can identify and target the specific roach species with the most appropriate treatments. This includes baits and sprays applied directly to their hiding spots, eliminating the current infestation and disrupting future breeding cycles. Our technicians have the knowledge to completely address the roach problem, saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Cockroach prevention tips
One of the best ways to get rid of roaches is to prevent them from entering your home. Here are some steps you can take to help protect your home from these pesky pests:
- Keep your living space clean and free of clutter.
- Seal gaps and cracks to prevent entry.
- Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets to eliminate water sources.
- Dispose of garbage regularly and keep outdoor trash cans sealed.
- Install screens on windows and doors.
- Hire a professional pest control company.