Cockroaches are many people’s worst nightmare. They are one of the most persistent and unhygienic pests you can encounter, and they can quickly become a serious problem if left unchecked. They are unsightly insects that also pose health risks because they can carry diseases and cause allergic reactions. Taking prompt action is important to protect your home and your family’s health. Here are a few ways to get rid of cockroaches and prevent them from returning:

Know What Attracts Them

Cockroaches, like most pests, are searching for food, water and shelter. They especially like damp environments, and you may often find them in bathrooms and kitchens for this reason. There are a few things that attract cockroaches to people’s homes, including:

• Pet food – Since pet food is a cockroach attraction that is often overlooked, you may not have realized it was a concern. Consider sealable pet food containers and bowls.
• Dirty dishes in the sink – Leftover food remnants, especially in a damp area, are exactly what cockroaches are looking for. Avoid leaving dirty dishes out for prolonged periods.
• Crumbs on the floors or counters – Crumbs are another common source of food roaches are attracted to. Wipe down counters and sweep floors after preparing a meal to remove crumbs from accumulating.
• Garbage and spills – The odor from garbage and spills can attract cockroaches looking for food. Make sure your garbage can is securely sealed, trash is taken out regularly and any spills are cleaned up.
• Excess moisture – Cockroaches thrive in damp environments. Make sure to address any points in your home that may be causing excess moisture.

Clear Out Clutter

Cockroaches are known to seek shelter in dark, hidden spaces, making cluttered areas of the home an ideal hiding spot. Piles of dirty clothes, old papers and boxes give cockroaches the perfect place to nest and multiply. Reduce the number of areas where cockroaches can hide and breed by regularly decluttering your home. Keeping a clean, organized living space is one of the most effective ways to deter cockroaches.

Properly Store Your Food

In their search for food, cockroaches find that our leftovers, crumbs and improperly stored food make the perfect meal. Store food in airtight containers to keep it secure and inaccessible to cockroaches. Never leave food out overnight, especially in the kitchen, as small crumbs and spills often entice them. Regularly check the pantry for expired food and discard what’s no longer needed. Keeping excess spoiled food can attract cockroaches and motivate them to stick around.

Remove Water Sources

Cockroaches are attracted to moist, humid environments. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, standing water and damp surfaces are major attractions for cockroaches. To reduce water sources and moisture in your home, fix leaks and wipe down sinks and tubs after use to eliminate standing water. Consider using a dehumidifier in high-moisture areas of the home like basements and bathrooms.

Seal Entry Points

Cockroaches enter your home through small cracks and crevices. Check the perimeter of your home for cracks in the walls and foundations, gaps around windows and doors, and holes around vents and pipes. Blocking these entry points is key to preventing an infestation. You can use caulk to seal cracks and door sweeps to close gaps beneath the doors.

Use Bait

Bait stations attract cockroaches, and they then often carry the poison back to their nests. This helps eliminate the infestation at its source. The key to using bait effectively is putting them where roaches are likely to be found, such as under sinks, behind appliances and in other dark corners of the home.

Call the Professionals

While these methods of getting rid of and preventing cockroaches are helpful, they should be used in combination with professional pest control treatments for the best results. Pest control technicians have the equipment and knowledge to properly assess and treat cockroach infestations effectively and safely. 

At Pro-Staff, our expert team provides reliable pest control services that you can trust to keep your home safe from these unwelcome visitors. Call us at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online today to schedule your free inspection!