Cockroaches are one of the toughest pests to get rid off. Roaches are not only fast and agile, but they also multiply quickly and can infest a house in a matter of weeks. Fortunately, a little bit of common sense can prevent these disgusting insects from even setting their (hairy) legs in the house.
Eliminate the Open Invitation to Cockroaches
Like all living things, cockroaches are always looking for food. By eliminating their food source, they will bypass your home in favor of another with more available scraps.
This means food should not be left lying around in the house. Roaches have an excellent sense of smell and can trace even the smallest bit of leftover food. After each meal, extra food should either be stored in the refrigerator or thrown away into a garbage bin with a lid.
Wipe any surface that had come into contact with food with a wet cloth and wash any dirty dishes and utensils right away, because leaving them in the sink will invite the pesky roaches. Every night, ensure that the trash can in the kitchen is empty as an extra precaution.
A Clean House Means A Roach-Free House
"Cleanliness is next to godliness" also applies to keeping a home free of cockroaches. These pests are attracted to dirty areas, so regular house cleaning will ensure minimum "visitations". Roaches are most often found scampering around on the floor, so mopping and sweeping the floor of every room in the home is also essential.
Many roaches also enter houses through sinks, so pipes should not be clogged with food scraps, which will attract the insects. Purchase cleaning tablets from the supermarket and drop one in the sink every few months. What's more, ensure that solid food scraps are thrown into the garbage bin instead of down the drain. This action alone will not only keep cockroaches away, but also ensure a smell-free sink.
Another thing that roaches are fond of is clutter, because it gives them a place to hide and reproduce. Throw away paper bags, as cockroaches are known to gnaw on them. Keep as many things off the floor as possible, thereby depriving these pests of their hiding places. An added benefit of a clutter-free house is peace of mind and ease of finding those things that matter in the house.
Close All Possible Roaches' Entryways to the Home
Cockroaches can squeeze into tiny cracks. Therefore it is imperative to plug all holes in the house that can serve as their entryways. Inspect all pipes to and from the house, such as airconditioning and gas (for cooking) to ensure there are no cracks. This will also do wonders for the electric bill because heaters and airconditioning machines will not have to work extra hard due to hot or cool air escaping through unplugged holes.
Roaches can also enter homes through the small space between the front door and the floor. Simply adding a mat into the space will ensure that these pests stay outside your home.
The Fight Against Cockroaches Continues
Maintaining a roach-free home requires ongoing effort, but the rewards are considerably beneficial for all family members (pets included). Follow the simple and easy steps above to minimize both headache and health hazards due to the unwanted insects, and the cockroaches will end up anywhere else but your home sweet home.
Frances Suselo - Frances Suselo began having trouble sleeping a year after she left journalism. Then she realized that she actually needs to dump her busy ...
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