Cockroaches are one of the most unpleasant pests we can meet in our homes. They can find their way inside through different small cracks and holes, and once they settle and start to breed, it’s really hard to get rid of them, no matter what you do. Cockroaches are one of the most durable and hard to kill creatures known to mankind. Even if you behead it, it can still live, walk around and die out of hunger a few weeks later. This is what makes them a little too scary for many people. And many people stumble upon the problem where they can’t get rid of the entire colony in their homes and the problem keeps reappearing.
The trick to a home free of cockroaches is to learn how to keep these pests away. Prevention is the best way to go here because once they settle even pesticides cannot guarantee their full eradication. So, let’s check step by step guide to effective cockroach control in Melbourne.
Clean your home thoroughly
If you want to avoid having cockroaches in your home, you should think more about the hygiene of the place you live in. Everybody knows that cockroaches are attracted to the smell of food lying around. So they will come to every home that has crumbs on the floor and food particles all over the surfaces. This is why the first step to a cockroach free home is to clean all the surfaces very thoroughly and regularly. You can pay special attention to the kitchen counter and the sink. These are the places where food is being prepared and cooked, so it’s understandable that there will be some particles left. You should always clean them and don’t leave any food out overnight.
The dirty dishes are also a big problem when it comes to keeping cockroaches away. If you really want to keep these creatures at bay, you should make sure to wash all the dishes right after they have been put in there. Otherwise, the smell of food will be like a magnet for them. You should also avoid leaving the dirty dishes in the sink overnight because this is the time when cockroaches usually come out to look for food and a place to nest in.
The garbage is also one of the biggest reasons cockroaches come to our homes. If you want for them to stay away, you should empty the trash can every single day, or just buy some better trash cans, which are impenetrable. Fighting the cockroaches is a war, and if you want to win it, you should be very well prepared.
Keep the pet food away
If you have pets in your home, you should make sure that the food you give them is not just lying around day and night. Pour only the amount you know your pet will eat. Try to keep the food somewhere closed for the night and clean the pet plate regularly, because the smell can also attract the cockroaches. You should also consider not keeping your pet’s water overnight because it will practically invite the cockroaches to your home.
Maintain the microwave properly
The microwave is a very important part of someone’s home, and if it’s forgotten, it will lure the cockroaches inside in no time. The microwave from the outside is not dangerous all by itself, but on the inside, there are many small food particles, which are noticed by the pests right away. This is why you should clean the microwave very thoroughly from the inside. And do it regularly, otherwise, after some time you won’t be able to clean the buildup in the crevices.
Get rid of the paper clutter
Newspapers, old magazines and cardboard boxes, if you store such items, you’re basically inviting the roaches in. They love to hide and breed in such items, and the fact that they are usually left unattended for months makes them the perfect home. Make sure to clear all these items from your home every few months, never allow them to pile and gather dust.
Seal any cracks and crevices
Cockroaches can gain entry to your home through all kinds of small holes and cracks that you wouldn’t even consider a danger. Some popular entry points include:
- The space below doors
- Around windows
- Alongside the foundation or crawl space
- Around the roof, chimney or the attic
- Around holes made for plumbing, electric or gas lines
Inspect these problematic areas every year or so and if you notice any cracks or openings, seal them right away. Caulk or cement is perfect for small holes, and for bigger ones you can try some foam or steel wool, they are perfect for surrounding pipes for instance. And for openings like the chimney or the vents, you can use some wire mesh to create a protective barrier.
Fix plumbing issues on time
Moisture attracts not only cockroaches but also all kinds of other bugs. Just like every living creature, they need water to survive, and your leaking pipes can provide just that. Many homes suffer from small leaks or other water problems without the homeowner even knowing. Over time the leak sources can turn into a breeding ground for pests, mould and all kinds of bacteria. Make it a habit to inspect your home at least once a year and fix any structural issues timely. Common leak sources include sinks, faucets, showers, refrigerators, dishwasher and other appliances.
Store-bought cockroach repelling products
There are three types of store-bought products against cockroaches you can try:
- Traps. Most home improvement stores sell traps which use a scent or some special bait that attracts the roaches. Once they crawl onto it to investigate, their feet start sticking to the glue-like substance and get effectively trapped. It can take a week or so for the trap to work, so you should just leave them in a spot where you won’t step on them and check them periodically.
- Baits. Cockroach baits are incredibly sneaky. They are basically insecticide masked as a food source. The cockroach ingests it, it goes back to its nest, then it dies, the other roaches feast on it and they die from the bait as well. It’s a very efficient way to exterminate the whole nest, but you should keep them away from pets. Leave the baits near the garbage or under the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Liquid concentrates. This is efficient for bigger infestations. It involves diluting an insecticide liquid in water and spraying it all over the place, aiming especially at cracks and crevices, as well as spaces where roaches are likely to nest. You can also use this liquid to mop your floors and wipe the counters, this will double the chance of full elimination.
5 natural ways of keeping cockroaches away
Cockroaches can be very resilient and their nests and eggs are so well hidden, that no matter what you try, the infestation can reappear after some time. The best solution for such extensive infestations is to call a professional. However, if you’re open to trying some homemade preventative measures for keeping the roaches away, you can always give the following domestic solutions a try:
- Fabric softener. Mix some fabric softener or soap with water in a spray bottle and spray the areas where you know the infestation happens. Cockroaches hate the strong fragrance and it suffocates them. Spray at least once a day until the problem goes away.
- Fresh coffee grounds. Roaches love the smell of coffee and will come around to eat it. However, coffee is toxic to them and it will kill them. Leave a small pile somewhere around the kitchen or bathroom and replace it with a fresh one every few days. The smell of fresh coffee is a key ingredient here.
- Baking soda and sugar. Mix those two and spread the powder all over the floor and surfaces. The sugar attracts cockroaches, but the baking soda will kill them. It’s a safe and non-toxic solution, perfect for homes with pets and children in them. Some people use boric acid instead of baking soda, but it’s toxic and not very eco-friendly.
- Bay leaves. Cockroaches hate the smell and won’t go anywhere near it. So, if you spread some bay leaves around the house and indoors near the places they usually infest, you will notice that they will start avoiding the area.
- Garlic, cayenne and onion powder mixture. Another smell the cockroaches hate and won’t get anywhere near to.
Author bio: My name is Alexander Crawley and I’m an entomology consultant for Fantastic Pest Control. As a psychology graduate, I got bored after years of studying humans and found my true fascination – bugs. In my spare time, I like to read and write about insects, help people solve their pest problems.
