Cockroach infestations are frustrating to deal with and notoriously difficult to handle on your own. Yet, every year, these annoying pests find their way into homes and businesses across the country. If you’re dealing with cockroaches, you’re definitely not alone, but it is important to get this issue taken care of as soon as possible. These roaches are not just gross, they can pose health hazards to your family and cause damage to your home or business.

We understand that when you see a cockroach in your home or business, you want to get rid of it right now. While getting professional pest help is always the best solution, there are a few tips for preventing cockroaches that you should be aware of.

Tips for How to Prevent Cockroaches

To help prevent cockroaches from setting up camp in your house, follow these helpful tips:

Watch for Hitchhikers

Cockroaches are known hitchhikers. The best way to avoid an infestation is to be cautious of boxes and bags entering your home. Roaches like to hide in crates and boxes which means you can bring them right in your home from the store without even knowing! They will even hide in packages delivered to your house.

Clean Up the Kitchen and Watch Out for Crumbs

Any food prep areas and places where you eat are the most attractive to pests like cockroaches. In fact, having food out and accessible and leaving crumbs all over the floor are top reasons for what causes roaches to venture inside and make your home their home.

The best cockroach prevention starts with keeping the whole house clean, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. The more diligent you are about keeping these areas clean, the less hospitable your home will be for pests of all kinds, including roaches. These tasks will help keep cockroaches at bay:

• Do the dishes right away: Leaving dirty dishes out, even in the sink, can attract cockroaches to feast on the remaining food bits and water. Load your dishwasher immediately after every meal, or hand-wash and dry dishes thoroughly right away.
• Don’t leave crumbs sitting out: Keep all food prep and dining areas as clean as possible. Sweep, vacuum or mop floors after meals, or as often as possible. Wipe tables and kitchen counters often as well. It’s also a good idea to limit your dining to the kitchen and dining areas, as crumbs and spills in other rooms can also attract pests to these areas. Plus, you’ll make cleanup easier when you limit where food is allowed in the house.
• Don’t forget the appliances: It’s easy to clean floors and countertops, but don’t forget about those hard-to-reach spots such as under and behind the fridge and stove. Even small appliances like toasters, food processors, waffle irons and more can easily collect crumbs and food residues, so be sure to keep them clean at all times.
• Do put food away: Keep all food in sealed containers and don’t leave anything sitting out. If you have a pantry, be sure to check for any cracks or areas where pests might be able to come in through the walls.

Reduce Excess Moisture

Water sources will also attract cockroaches, so check your home inside and out for any standing water or sources of moisture. Make sure your gutters are working properly to divert rainwater away from the home. Don’t leave clutter around outside that can collect water and check for leaky drains and faucets, where even a slow drip can provide enough water for these pesky insects.

Keep Pet Food Put Away

House cockroaches love to eat just about anything, and pet food is an often-overlooked area for pest prevention. All extra pet food should be stored in sturdy, sealed containers. Empty and clean pet food and water bowls often, getting rid of any leftovers every evening. If your pet is the type that likes to slowly graze all day, consider keeping the food and water bowls up off the floor, where your pet can still reach, but it may be harder for roaches to get to.

Take Out the Trash

Sitting garbage can be a veritable buffet for a cockroach. One of the easiest cockroach prevention tips is to simply take care of your trash. Make sure to use trash receptacles that are fully enclosed and have lids. Outdoor containers should also be in good condition and have lids that close completely. Clean under and around your trash cans regularly to remove any traces of food residues.

Get Professional Help

Sometimes, you can have a seemingly spotless home and do everything right, and you’re still left wondering “Why do I have roaches in my clean house?” When this is the case, it’s best to call in for some assistance from an experienced pest professional. If you have a problem with cockroaches in your home, and you just can’t seem to get rid of them, a professional pest company is your best course of action. Keeping roaches out of your home can protect your home investment and keep your family healthier.

Control Cockroaches and Other Pests With Pestech

Pestech is a leader in cockroach management and all other types of pest control. We are a family-owned and operated company, and we treat our clients like family. Our reputation for superior customer service and personalized attention keeps our customers coming back and has helped our small business to grow. For over 25 years, Pestech has been your go-to for successful pest solutions.

Let us help you get rid of roaches and keep them out for good. Contact us today to get started and schedule your home inspection.