Cockroach Control

When it comes to the most annoying insect pests, mosquitoes run a close second to the completely unhealthy and grotesque infestation of the cockroach. The thought of these scurrying irritants are just enough to send chills up and down your spine. Once cockroaches have made their presence known within a household, it is quite hard controlling the problem. While minor cases can be dealt with on the home front, serious situations call for heavy-duty methods of elimination from a professional. Understanding the Cockroach One of the biggest misconceptions associated with cockroaches in the home is that they only appear in unsanitary or unkempt households. Cockroaches are in search of food, water and shelter and they can find that in any home, no matter how clean, tidy or in disarray. The cockroach is known for carrying an assortment of serious diseases, such as salmonella and dysentery. They have also been associated with the development of stomach problems. This is because they seek out food sources and leave behind their feces and other secretions. Asthmatic individuals, especially children, have been known to suffer greatly from the presence of cockroaches. This is because they shed their skin, which eventually enters the air, triggering reactions in asthma sufferers. You may wonder how cockroaches enter the cleanest of homes, but it is a sad, but true fact that they can find their way into food and other packaged goods. While the best line of defense against a cockroach is through proper hygiene and sanitation, these small pests are able to locate the smallest amount of grease, sugar and other food items that have fallen behind and into crevices we normally cannot or do not think to reach during cleaning. These household areas include behind the dishwasher or inside a drain or in a tiny crack in the floor. Homeowner Remedies If you have seen a cockroach in your home, chances are quite high that this is not the only intruder you will have to deal with. Quick action is necessary to combat the spread of these pests. They have the ability to multiply at a rather scary rate. First, inspection of your home is needed. You must check all areas of the kitchen, including underneath the sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and microwave. Bathroom drawers and cabinets should be looked at. The basement and any crawlspaces in the home are also of importance. During this inspection, look for any live or dead cockroaches. Also have a vacuum ready to pick up any carcasses, feces or egg eggs that you may find. You may also place sticky strips about the house to identify areas of infestation. At night, flip light switches to catch cockroaches in your home. As they run from the light, watch where they scurry. After you have identified the points of infestation, now it is time to take action. First, take their food sources away by sealing all food containers, properly discarding food scraps and frequently vacuuming. Take away their water sources by fixing leaky faucets, and eliminating moisture throughout the home. The final step to taking action involves the use of various cockroach control products, which are sold in grocery stores and garden supply stores. On the market, there are many products to choose from, including dust, bait or spray approaches. Dusts might be slow to act, but they also offer long-lasting effects. The most popular kind of dust that homeowners use is called boric acid. Plastic traps and gels are some of the choices of baits to select. These options tend to work well in the kitchen. Gel baits prove most beneficial when placed inside cracks and crevices. The quickest way to get rid of a cockroach is to use a liquid or aerosol spray. This method can be used for individual eradication or for treating cracks and crevices. While indoor sanitation is important to prevent cockroaches, the outside of your home should also be of concern. Make sure that all garbage is properly sealed and discarded. Keeping a light on by your garbage cans will also deter cockroaches. Professional Help Since cockroaches feed during the night, this means that they sleep during the day. If you see a cockroach in daylight, this is a sign of a serious problem. Calling a professional is highly recommended. They will use heavy-duty and effective methods to eliminate your roach problem. They also know how to accurately pinpoint infestation sites and determine the best course of action. They hve cockroach food bait, insect growth regulators, permethrin dust and other products that aren’t available to the public. Usually service for a small to medium-sized home costs about $50 to $200. Before the professional leaves, he or she may give you tips on how to keep cockroaches out of the home. Covering cracks and crevices, cleaning up damp sections of your home, constant vacuuming for crumbs and speedy storage of leftover food will reduce your chances of attracting cockroaches to your home.