A cockroach is among the most common pests in many households, infesting homes and apartments. They create an unsanitary environment that may have a negative impact on our health. They may contaminate food, kitchen utensils, and other household items. As cockroaches move freely from filthy places to our food, they transfer pathogenic microbes that cause food poisoning and other illnesses.
How Do Cockroaches Get in The House?
Cockroaches can enter homes through various means. Cockroaches enter houses for shelter, food, and water. They are attracted to food and moisture, so poor sanitation, spills, and crumbs can lure them inside. Moisture and water sources, such as leaky pipes and standing water, are also appealing to them. Once inside, they seek hidden, darker areas like under kitchen sinks, behind appliances or in cabinets. They enter the building or homes through:
Grocery bags
Cockroaches can enter homes through grocery bags via 2 ways. First, grocery store or warehouse already have a cockroach infestation and they come hidden in grocery bags with your items. Secondly, cockroaches have given eggs on packed products on inside the bags in storage warehouse and you unknowingly bring them into your home. Once inside, they can quickly infest the kitchen or pantry, seeking out additional food, water sources and shelter.
Furniture
New furniture are usually stored in large warehouse before shipping them out. These warehouses can already be infected with cockroaches. If the furniture was stored in a place with cockroaches, they take shelter in them and also lay eggs. As they can easily squeeze through minuscule cracks and stay there to take shelter and also lay eggs. These cockroaches can easily transported your home with your new furniture.
Cartons
Cartons or cardboard are considered as one of the major carrier of Cockroaches to your house. Usually cartons were stored dark and damp warehouse which are infested with cockroaches. Cockroaches are known to lay their eggs in cartons or cardboard boxes due to the soft and porous nature of the material. Once the cartons are brought into the home, the cockroaches can emerge and spread. Thoroughly inspecting and cleaning cartons before bringing them inside and properly disposing of packaging materials can help prevent cockroach infestations.
Gaps through Windows
Cockroaches are adept at squeezing through even small openings. If there are gaps or cracks around window frames, cockroaches can easily crawl inside. They may be attracted by the presence of food, moisture, or warmth within the home. To prevent their entry, it is important to seal any gaps or cracks in windows using caulk or weatherstripping and ensure proper maintenance of window frames.
Utility opening
Cockroaches can enter homes through utility openings, such as pipes, vents, or gaps in walls. Drainage system is the most ideal brooding ground for Cockroaches and they can easily enter your kitchen through sink drain pipes. Regular inspection and maintenance of these openings and with help of professional pest control services can help you in keeping cockroaches and other unwanted pests out of your home.
Firewood
Most of the firewood comes from damp forest areas. After a tree is cut down, cockroaches that were living in or around the tree may continue to stay in the wood for a period of time. The logs or pieces of wood may then be transported to a woodcutting factory or processing facility. During this transport, the cockroaches can remain hidden within the wood. Also, When firewood is stored outdoors, it creates an ideal hiding spot for these pests. Cockroaches can crawl onto the firewood, and when it is brought indoors for use, they can easily enter the home.
Eliminate Cockroach Hiding Spots in the Home
Eliminating cockroach hiding spots in your home is essential for effective control and prevention of infestations. By identifying and eliminating these sheltered areas, you disrupt their ability to thrive and reproduce. This proactive approach reduces the population of existing cockroaches and deters new ones from settling in. From sealing cracks to decluttering storage spaces, targeted actions create an inhospitable environment. Combined with other control measures, this approach helps maintain a cockroach-free home and promotes a healthier living environment.
Eliminate Food Sources
To effectively control cockroach infestations, it is crucial to eliminate their access to food. Cockroaches are attracted to even the smallest crumbs, food residues, and unsealed food sources. Start by storing all food in airtight containers to prevent easy access. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly, paying attention to kitchen countertops, floors, and dining areas. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight and ensure pet food bowls are cleaned regularly. Keep kitchen appliances and cabinets clean of food residue. Regularly empty and clean garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. By depriving cockroaches of their food supply, you significantly reduce their attraction to your home and limit their ability to survive and reproduce.
Eliminate Water Sources
To effectively control cockroach infestations, eliminate their access to water sources. Repair plumbing leaks promptly, including faucets, pipes, and drains, to eliminate excess moisture. Ensure proper drainage in sinks, bathtubs, and showers to prevent water accumulation. Regularly remove standing water from sinks, trays, and containers. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces to remove moisture and prevent buildup. Address condensation issues and improve ventilation in areas prone to moisture. Fix leaks in appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. Maintain gutters to prevent water accumulation near the foundation. By depriving cockroaches of water, you create an inhospitable environment, making it harder for them to survive and reproduce. This, combined with other control measures, significantly reduces the likelihood of cockroach infestations in your home.
Harborage Elimination
Cockroaches need suitable hiding spots to breed and thrive. Harborage elimination involves minimizing their hiding places within your home. Start by decluttering areas such as basements, attics, and storage spaces to remove potential cockroach shelters. Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around pipes using caulk or other appropriate sealants to deny entry points. Repair damaged window screens and ensure door sweeps are in good condition to prevent roaches from entering. Clear clutter from kitchen cabinets and drawers, making sure they are clean and well-organized. Regularly clean behind and under appliances to remove hiding spots. By reducing available harborage areas, you make it significantly more challenging for cockroaches to establish themselves and increase the effectiveness of control measures.
Cockroach Elimination Techniques
They can be best controlled using a combination of pest control techniques. Cleanliness is considered a primary and important step in preventing and correcting cockroach related problems. All surfaces should be cleaned, loose food should be stored in tight-fitting containers, garbage should not be accumulated, and stacks of cardboard, paper bags, and newspapers should be promptly removed. Other effective methods used are:
Insecticide Treatment:
Although good housekeeping is helpful, insecticides are usually effective in eliminating infestations. Emphasis should be on finding and treating harbourage locations, rather than randomly spraying the surfaces. It is vital to treat the infected areas with insecticide for efficient results.
Types of insecticides used are:
Sprays:
Sprays are liquid insecticides applied by spraying onto surfaces or pests. They offer convenience and quick results, targeting specific pests like mosquitoes or ants. With active ingredients like pyrethroids, sprays provide fast knockdown and residual control against a variety of insects. Follow instructions and safety precautions for proper use.
Dusts:
Dusts are insecticides in the powdered form used to treat hiding spots and targeted areas. They adhere to insects, affecting their exoskeleton or respiratory system. Dusts are effective against crawling pests like cockroaches and bed bugs. Proper application and safety measures are crucial when using insecticide dusts for maximum effectiveness and safety.
Baits:
Baits are insecticides that lure and eliminate pests through attractive substances. Available in different forms like gels, granules, or stations, they effectively target pests such as ants and cockroaches. Pests consume the bait, leading to their demise. Proper placement and regular monitoring are crucial for successful pest control. Baits provide an effective and targeted approach for eliminating pests in residential and commercial settings.
Calling a professional:
Initially, most homeowners wish to deal with the infestation on their own using several methods. But when they see no difference or the infestation is getting worse, they typically call a professional. Pest control companies approach cockroach controls in different ways. Some perform a limited number of treatments with the option of canceling after the infestation is eliminated. Many others require the customers to purchase a full year of general pest control service for ants, spiders, etc., regardless of how long it takes to eliminate the problem.
Read More: Best methods for cockroach control
Metro Pest Control is the best pest removal company in Queens as we provide excellent pest control services to homes, apartments, and commercial properties in Queens. All the methods and techniques used by us are environment-friendly. The expert and experienced exterminators at Metro Pest understand the importance of promptly providing the cockroach removal service, pest control service, or animal removal service. We ensure the health and safety of customers and their pets.
Our company even offers emergency services for the treatment of cockroaches, mice, rats, wildlife, ants, termites, bedbugs, roaches, bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and more. Since 1977 we have been the trusted pest control company in Queens. Our pest control service also covers New York City, Brooklyn, Bronx, Westchester, and Nassau County.
