Steps to Take to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

Hard to kill and quick to multiply, cockroaches are extremely adaptable creatures that have been around for millions of years. These hardy scavengers like to invade our homes in search of shelter, food, and water, but once inside, they begin rapidly reproducing. And since they are known for carrying bacteria, the hated household pests can be harmful to humans. They are nocturnal, so if you see one or two during the daytime, chances are you have an infestation.

Meet the Cockroach Clan

There are approximately 4,000 species of cockroaches and their sizes range from less than a 1/2 inch to 3 inches long. If you want to win the war against roaches, it’s best to know with what species you are doing battle. For instance, the German roach is attracted to moisture and by cutting off its water sources you are taking a step in the right direction for riddance. Here are the four types that are notorious household pests in the United States.

German roach (Blattella Germanica). Found all over the world and is the most common species in the United States
Oriental
American (Periplaneta Americana)
Brown-banded

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

It’s easier to prevent the pests than it is to get rid of them. Garbage, food, and even pet excrement can attract these scavengers, so be sure to quickly dispose of trash and keep perishables covered. Here are some common approaches to ridding your home of roaches—keep in mind that they often work best when combined.

Glue strips – Place these adhesive strips near some of the popular hiding places. This approach is helpful in determining if you have a roach problem, but should be followed up by a stronger treatment.
Traps – One of the most popular methods of eliminating roaches, most bait stations lure pests inside to feed on poison. Once the poison is digested, the roach lives long enough to contaminate other roaches. (When the poisoned roach dies, the others eat its corpse, which means they also digest the poison.)
Boric acid – This commonly found substance can be effective in killing roaches. Mix boric acid powder with a bit of sugar and place it near infested areas. It’s the perfect combination—the sugar attracts the roaches and the boric acid, while not toxic enough to harm humans, will kill the cockroaches. However, it is easy to use this method of control incorrectly.

Are You Being Bugged?

Ridding your home of roaches can be a daunting process. Some favorite hiding places include under sinks, inside cabinets, behind refrigerators, and closet corners. Use a flashlight to search these spots around your home and determine if you have an infestation.

Because these hated household pests are extremely adaptable and often resist home remedies and treatments, the fastest and most effective approach for elimination is to call in a trained specialist. If you think you have an infestation or wish to prevent one, call Green Pest Solutions today at 855-312-7157.