Roaches enter homes in search of food, water and shelter. Blocking access to these can prevent roach infestations from developing.
Use a combination of boric acid, confectioners sugar and flour to create a bait that cockroaches cannot resist. Consider a liquid concentrate pesticide as another option for killing and deterring cockroaches.
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cockroaches are known to enter homes through cracks and crevices. These bugs are especially active in summer, when they seek cooler hiding places, and in fall, as they prepare to overwinter. Sealing these areas helps to prevent them from entering.
A few home remedies can also be effective for deterring cockroaches. Baking soda is a great DIY roach repellent. Mix equal parts baking soda and table sugar, then sprinkle it in places you’ve seen roach activity. When roaches consume this mixture, they’re killed by gasses it creates in their stomachs.
Other roach-repelling measures include plugging drains in sinks and tubs, sealing cracks around pipes, wiping up spills immediately, storing food in containers, and carrying garbage out regularly. Don’t let yard debris pile up near your house either; these are favorite nesting sites for American cockroaches. And don’t forget to close and block vents. If you rent your home, speak to management about implementing pest prevention measures for the entire building.
2. Get Rid of Water Sources
Cockroaches can survive for up to two weeks without water and three months without food. That’s why it’s important to make your home unwelcoming by removing all potential water sources.
Start by examining your sinks, bathtubs and toilets for leaks. Then, fix them immediately. Also look for outside faucets that may be leaking and replace worn washers or gaskets.
You should also clean up any sources of standing water, including pet dishes. Take out the trash daily, and use liners or tight-fitting lids to keep garbage from attracting pests. Wash dirty dishes and utensils as soon as you’re done using them, and empty any source of food that has been sitting out for a long time, like cardboard boxes or old cans, Browse around this site.
You can also set out glue traps in areas of your house with high cockroach activity, like behind the refrigerator or near the drain. Silica aerogel is another great option. This product absorbs moisture, causing the roaches’ stomachs to swell and burst. It’s available in powder form from DoMyOwn and Amazon.
3. Remove Food Sources
Cockroaches enter homes for food and shelter. They’re attracted to starches, sweets, and fatty foods, which means they’ll be drawn to things like dirty dishes left in the sink or pet food scattered on the floor.
They’re also attracted to garbage, so be sure to take out the trash regularly and keep it in a tightly-sealed bin. If you have a backyard compost pile, woodpile, or other standing water source, be sure to get rid of it regularly as well.
You can try using commercial cockroach sprays, which contain insecticide and can kill on contact and prevent future infestations. You can also use boric acid powder and diatomaceous earth around cracks and crevices to deter cockroaches. If you live in an apartment or condo, you can ask your property maintenance team about sealing gaps and cracks in the walls. You can also try a natural deterrent, such as peppermint oil. Mix four tablespoons of this non-toxic oil with a liter of water and spray in problem areas. The roaches that come into contact with the solution will suffocate and die.
4. Keep Your Home Clean
Cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so a clean home is one of the best ways to keep them away. Wipe down counters, sweep and vacuum hard floors daily to remove food residue and crumbs. Keep pet food bowls and other water sources clean as well.
Garbage is a prime attractant for cockroaches, so be sure to bag or store trash in tightly sealed containers and to take it out regularly. Don’t leave dirty dishes in your sink overnight and make sure to wipe down the backs of picture frames and the insides of cabinets.
Summary:
Cockroaches are nocturnal, so removing nighttime food and water sources is key to keeping them away. Seal cracks and gaps in your doors and windows, check for holes around vents and pipes, and eliminate outdoor vegetation to prevent roaches from using it as a path into your home.