Cockroaches are unwelcome guests in everybody’s houses. These critters can bring a lot of different diseases that can harm you and your family. Known to be more active in summer, cockroaches are known to the world as one of the most resilient species. Getting rid of an infestation is tough and needs time and effort to be successful.
It is important to check for cockroach infestation regularly. Cockroaches are known to carry diseases that can be fatal to people who have asthma and allergies. Allergens and proteins that come from faeces, saliva, eggs, and bodies of cockroaches can trigger the condition of people who have asthma and allergies. What’s even more horrifying is the possibility of getting infected by E.coli and Salmonella from cockroaches that crawl in places where food preparation is critical. Once a symptom of infestation was seen, it is recommended to check your house to assess damage and further action. You can call for service or go online to see who offers pest control services like moxieservices.com.
PLACES TO CHECK FOR COCKROACH INFESTATION
In general, cockroaches favour dark and warm places to thrive in. They are all experts in hiding during the day and become more active in the night. Here are the places where they usually hide during the day.
- Under the kitchen appliances
You can usually find cockroaches hiding in the back of the oven, refrigerator, and microwave. If you have countertop appliances such as toasters, they can hide in those places too. Don’t forget to check where you hide your plates and cups, as well as your pans and other kitchen equipment. It is natural for cockroaches to hide near or in the kitchen itself because of the food scraps that they can find.
- Pipes and drains
Pipes and drains are good hiding places for cockroaches because it is dark and moist. A lot of food scraps also fall in the drainage. Remember that cockroaches like places which are dark and has a lot of moisture so it is important to check for leaks on pipes and your faucets. The earlier you spot them, the better.
- Under the furniture
Imagine this: you’re relaxing on your couch during the weekend when suddenly you spot one or two cockroaches near your food. Cockroaches can live under and in the back of your furniture. If you want to get rid of all the cockroaches, better check every piece of furniture for a horde of cockroaches.
- Electronics
Electronics, especially those old and dusty ones, can be a home for cockroaches. This is especially true for electronics that are no longer being used. If you have old electronics at your home, you might want to consider selling them or making a better enclosure for them. Gaming consoles can even be infected by cockroaches. Some repair shops even charge a fee called “roach fee.”
- Closets and cabinets
Closets and cabinets are where you store things that are valuable to you. However, these places are also dark and warm, a wonderful place for cockroaches. If your cabinets and closets start to smell like cockroaches, it is time to get the flashlights and check the back of your closets.
DO IT YOURSELF: WAYS TO PREVENT COCKROACH INFESTATION
- Examine every corner of your home
The first step in preventing a cockroach infestation is to check all the places where they can stay in your home. All the places mentioned above are the usual places where they stay. However, since homes are not the same, you might have other unmentioned location where they can hide. It is also important to note the importance of a clean home to prevent infestation.
- Set traps to prevent cockroaches entering your home
There are pet and kid friendly traps you can use to make those cockroaches meet their end. The most popular way is to make a gel bait station with poison (if you don’t have a pet at home). A poisoned cockroach can die and be eaten by other cockroaches, spreading the poison. You can use caulk and seal cracks and other places where they can be found to prevent them from coming back.
- Proper use of Boric Acid Powder
Boric acid is toxic to cockroaches. However, improper use of Boric Acid powder can lessen the effectiveness. One of the most popular ways to use Boric Acid powder is by mixing it with flour and let the cockroaches feast on it.
WHEN TO CALL A PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL?
If the cockroach infestation is way beyond your control, or if you cannot make the preventive measure in your house alone, it is better to call for a pest control professional. Pest control professionals are equipped with tools that are proven to get rid of cockroaches.