Love is in the air this month, but that feeling can quickly dissipate with a cockroach sighting in the home. We want to warn you that these pests can pose a significant threat to health and residences and would “love” to offer cleaning tips to help you prevent an infestation.
Often when people are experiencing allergy and asthma symptoms, they automatically chalk it up to the time of year without considering that their stuffy nose and itchy eyes could actually be triggered by the presence of roaches in their home. Aside from intensifying asthma and allergy symptoms, cockroaches are also capable of spreading 33 kinds of bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. This makes it even more important to take the necessary steps to eliminate food, water and harborage sites.
Clean Roach Traffic Areas
Maintaining excellent sanitation is one of the best practices in protecting the home against cockroaches. We recommend following the cleaning tips below, courtesy of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA):
- Kitchen: Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean every day. Tend to dishes, crumbs and spills right away; store food in airtight containers; and always avoid leaving food out—including pet bowls. Vacuum food debris stuck in corners and around cabinets, and regularly clean them with soap and water. Check under sinks and appliances for moisture issues and quickly address any found.
- Bathroom: Cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so always wipe up standing water around sinks, tubs and toilets. Fix leaky faucets and ensure sinks are clear of liquid before bedtime. Roaches are nocturnal and typically emerge to search for water and food at night.
- Basement: Eliminate clutter where possible to limit hiding spaces for cockroaches. Basement windows and areas where weather-stripping has become worn are preferred points of access for pests. Homeowners should seal any cracks or crevices using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
While sanitation is key to cockroach control and prevention, successful elimination most often requires the use of multiple methods and products. Among the materials we utilize to eliminate cockroaches includes baits, insect growth regulators, aerosols, residual sprays and dusts. Finding and correcting the source of the problem is the best elimination method. If you think you have a cockroach infestation, contact us immediately!