If you’re like most people, you hate cockroaches. They’re filthy, creepy crawlies that threaten your peace and quiet at home. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep them out of your home. Here are some tips on how to get rid of cockroaches naturally.
1. Remove Cockroach Food Sources
The first thing you need to do to get rid of cockroaches is to remove the food sources that are encouraging these pests to come into your home in the first place. If your home is crawling with cockroaches because there are crumbs under the sofa and crumbs on the counter, you have a bigger problem than cockroaches. There are probably other food sources that are attracting these pests. Cockroach food sources include:
- Crumbs – Try not to leave food out all the time. Store it away from where it can get into the wrong hands.
- Cockroach Food – Don’t leave out anything that could be used as cockroach food. This includes leftovers in a bowl that are only out of the fridge for a couple of hours, or anything that has been used by a human.
- Cockroach Excrement – This one is probably the most surprising, but any crumbs that have been contaminated with cockroach poop will prompt these pests to come looking.
2. Clean Frequented Areas
Next, you’ll want to get rid of crumbs and cockroach food sources. Clean frequented areas, such as near the sink where water glasses are washed, near the garbage can in the kitchen, under the sink, and behind the toaster. And clean out containers that food could get into, like the Tupperware in the fridge and the Tupperware in the cabinets. This will keep crumbs and cockroach food out of your home, as well as keep your kitchen and living room clean. If you also clean out your cabinets and closets, you’ll be reducing the areas that cockroaches need to breed.
3. Seal Cracks and Crevices
If you’re going to be cleaning frequently, you’ll want to seal cracks and crevices where cockroaches like to hide. Cockroach crevices include behind appliances, under appliances, and behind shelving in a closet. Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk to keep cockroaches out. Cracks and crevices provide a route for cockroaches to get in your home and to hide from you when you try to clean. Seal the cracks and crevices around your home with caulk to keep the pests out. Caulk is available at most home improvement stores and hardware stores. You’ll probably want to get some that is designed specifically for sealing around the outside of your home’s exterior.
4. Keep Your Home Dry
A dry home is a key way to keep out cockroaches. Cockroaches like to live in areas that are damp, so keep the moisture levels low in your home. Make sure that any leaks are fixed, that the shower is not leaking, and that any drains are not backed up. And check underneath sinks and cabinets where water can accumulate quickly. All of these points will keep your home as dry as possible.
5. Natural Cockroach Repellents
While store-bought cockroach spray is an effective way to keep these pests out of your home, you don’t want to use poisons. Instead, try some natural cockroach repellents around your home. Natural cockroach repellents include:
- Citrus peels – Put a few citrus peels in an empty food container and keep it near where you eat. The odor from the citrus peels will keep these pests away.
- Cinnamon – This herb will keep these pests away from your home. Chop up a cinnamon stick and place it in a bowl near where you eat.
- Peppermint oil – Peppermint oil is another natural cockroach repellent. You can find this oil in the aromatherapy section of your local grocery store.
- Rosemary – Rosemary is another natural repellent that will keep these pests out of your home. Keep rosemary near where you cook and eat.
- Lavender – This herb will keep cockroaches away from your home. You can find lavender in the flower section of your local grocery store.
6. Set Out Traps for Roaches
If you’re trying to trap cockroaches, you’ll need a roach trap. You can set out roach traps in places where you see a lot of cockroaches, such as near where you park your car. Roach traps are great for catching a lot of roaches in a short amount of time because they can catch them when they’re actively foraging for food.
7. Eliminate the Cockroach Nesting Grounds
If you want to get rid of cockroaches for good, you need to eliminate the nesting grounds for these pests. Where do cockroaches like to nest? These insects like to nest in:
- Dark, damp places – This includes under sinks, behind appliances, in closets where there is a lot of old clothing, and around the edges of your home’s foundations.
- As close to food as possible – This includes inside cupboards, in pantries, and near where you prepare your food. –
- Places where there are crumbs or other cockroach food sources – This includes under tables and chairs that have crumbs on them, in cabinets, and under the stools where you sit while you eat.
8. Make Your Food Cockroach-Proof
Most people think of food as the key source of cockroach food. You can keep your food cockroach-free by following these tips:
- Most people think of food as the key source of cockroach food. You can keep your food cockroach-free by following these tips:
- Keep your food in a clean, dry place, away from crumbs and cockroach food sources.
- Store your food in sealed containers, not in the open and not next to where people or pets walk.
- Wash your hands before eating and after preparing food, as well as after you have touched your face and hands.
- Clean your countertops, under your stove and refrigerator, and around your sinks after using them.
- Don’t let food sit out too long.
9. Call Anver Pest Control
Cockroaches are one of the most annoying pests around. The sooner you start treating your home for cockroaches, the sooner you’ll be rid of these pests for good. If you are still encountering cockroaches after a DIY approach, call Anver Pest Control for a safe and effective way to eradicate your infestation. No matter how big or small the infestation, we are here to tackle your pest problems!