How to Get Rid of Roaches

Nobody wants to see a cockroach scurrying across the floor. These pests can be difficult to get rid of and can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time. This guide will discuss how to get rid of roaches using both chemical and non-chemical methods. We will also provide tips on preventing them from coming back. So read on, and learn how to exterminate these pesky insects for good.

What Type Of Roaches are in My Home?

There are many different types of cockroaches, but the most common ones that invade homes are the German cockroach and the American cockroach. Here is some information on common types of cockroaches.

The German cockroach

This type is small and light brown in color. It is usually found near food sources or in warm, moist areas such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. These roaches can breed very quickly, so it is important to take action quickly if you see them.

  • Where they hide: Cockroaches germinate in wet, warm locations, so you will find them lurking around cabinets, pantries, stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

The American cockroach

This is a large roach that is reddish-brown. It is usually found outdoors but can also invade homes during warm weather. This type of cockroach prefers moist environments and can live up to a year without food.

  • Where they hide: The native American cockroach can live outdoors and indoors, although it is more likely to do so in the former. These roaches like warm, wet, humid regions, but they may endure drier conditions without water access. These roaches are attracted to areas where food is kept or prepared. In restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries, these roaches are a nuisance and a health risk. Cockroaches frequently infest kitchens, sewers, cellars, and crawl spaces.

Brown-banded cockroach

This cockroach is about half the size of the American roach and has two light-colored bands across its wings. It is not as common as the other types of cockroaches but can be found in both homes and businesses.

  • Where they hide: Brown-banded cockroaches prefer to live in warm, dry locations such as upper cabinets, closets, and bedrooms. They can also be found near electronic equipment, such as televisions. They prefer to stay far away from water sources.

Wood cockroach

This is the smallest of all the cockroaches, and it is dark brown in color. It can be found both indoors and outdoors.

  • Where they hide: Wood cockroaches live in damp areas such as under bark on trees, in rotting logs, leaf litter, and compost piles. They can also be found near pet food dishes and indoor plants.

Cuban cockroach

This cockroach is about the size of the American roach and is dark brown with a yellowish band on its head. It is not as common as the other types of cockroaches but can be found in both homes and businesses.

  • Where they hide: Cuban cockroaches live in warm, moist areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They can also be found near garbage cans, in drains, and under appliances.

What Attracts Roaches To My Home?

There are many things that can attract cockroaches to your home, including:

Food

Roaches are attracted to food sources, so keeping your kitchen and pantry clean and free of crumbs is important.

Water

Cockroaches need water to survive, so make sure you fix any leaks in your plumbing and keep humidity levels in your home below 50%.

Darkness

Roaches are nocturnal, so they prefer dark, secluded areas to hide in.

Warmth

Cockroaches like warm environments and will move into your home if the temperature is conducive to their survival.

Waste

Roaches are attracted to garbage and other organic waste, so keep your waste securely contained.

Clutter

Roaches like to hide in dark, secluded areas, so keep your home clean and free of clutter.

Cockroaches can get into houses for no reason other than that they have easy access through sewage or plumbing lines. The American, German, and Oriental cockroaches are among the most prevalent pest species.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are one of the most repulsive household pests. They can spread disease-causing germs, cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma as a result of their presence. Cockroaches pollute the surfaces on which they walk and the foods with which they come into touch.

If you suspect that you have a cockroach infestation, there are several signs to look for:

  • Eggs and egg cases – Cockroaches lay eggs in batches of 20-30. Egg cases (known as ootheca) are small, brown, and football-shaped.
  • Live roaches – Adult cockroaches are about 0.75 inches long and are dark brown or black.
  • Shed skins – As cockroaches grow, they shed their skin. If you find small, discarded cockroach skins in your home, you will likely have an infestation.
  • Droppings – Cockroach droppings are small and black and look like ground pepper.
  • Cockroach Bites - Although cockroaches do not typically bite humans, they may occasionally bite people if they feel threatened or are trying to get food. Cockroach bites can cause swelling and skin irritation.
  • Odor - Cockroaches give off an unpleasant, musty odor.
  • Furniture Damage - Cockroaches can cause extensive damage to furniture, wallpaper, and other surfaces in your home.
  • Smear Marks - Cockroaches leave a black, oily deposit behind as they move around. This deposit is known as cockroach effluence and can be seen on walls, floors, and ceilings.

How to Get Rid of Roaches: Chemical Methods

There are a number of chemical products available that can be used to get rid of roaches. Some of these products can be purchased over the counter at your local hardware or grocery store, while others may require a license to purchase.

The most common chemical products used to get rid of roaches are:

1

Insecticide baits

These are small pellets or gels placed in areas where cockroaches live and feed. The insecticide kills the cockroaches when they eat it.

2

Insecticide sprays

These are aerosol sprays that are used to kill cockroaches on contact.

3

Insecticide powders

These are powders that are sprinkled in areas where cockroaches live and hide. The powder kills the cockroaches when they walk through it.

How to Get Rid of Roaches: Non-Chemical Methods

There are also a number of non-chemical methods that can be used to get rid of cockroaches. These methods include:

Biological controls

This involves using predatory insects, such as ladybugs or roach motels, to kill cockroaches.

Roach traps

Roach traps are small adhesive traps that are placed in areas where cockroaches live. The traps capture the cockroaches when they walk on them.

Cockroach bait stations

Cockroach bait stations are small plastic stations that contain a poison that is lethal to cockroaches. The stations are baited with food, and the cockroaches eat the poison and die.

DIY cockroach bait

You can also make your own cockroach bait by mixing boric acid and sugar together. The cockroaches will eat the bait and die.

When to call in Professionals

Cockroaches can travel in large numbers and can be extremely difficult to exterminate completely. If you want the problem taken care of quickly and effectively, call a professional pest removal company to do the job for you.

How to Get Rid of Roaches: Prevention

The best way to get rid of roaches is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. There are a number of things you can do to prevent cockroaches from entering your home:

  • Seal cracks and openings in your home's exterior – Cockroaches can enter your home through small cracks and openings, so seal any cracks or holes that you find.
  • Install door sweeps and weatherstripping – Door sweeps and weatherstripping help to seal your doors and prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
  • Keep your home clean – Cockroaches like to live in dirty environments, so keep your home clean and free of clutter.
  • Fix plumbing leaks – Leaks in your plumbing provide easy access for cockroaches into your home, so fix any leaks you find.
  • Don't leave food out – Don't leave food out on counters or in cabinets, as this will attract cockroaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

How do roaches get from one house to the other?

Cockroaches can spread from one house to the other through cracks in the walls, pipes, and wiring. They can also be carried in on furniture, boxes, and other items.

2

What is the best way to get rid of roaches?

The best way to get rid of roaches is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. You can do this by sealing cracks and openings, installing door sweeps and weatherstripping, keeping your home clean, fixing plumbing leaks, and not leaving food out. If roaches are already present, you can use a chemical or non-chemical method (as listed above) to get rid of them.

3

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches can carry diseases, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible. They can also cause allergies and asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to their allergens.

4

What should I do if I see a cockroach?

If you see a cockroach, the best thing to do is kill it. You can do this by using a chemical or non-chemical method. If you are unable to kill the cockroach, you can capture it in a jar and take it outside to release it.

5

How long does it take for roaches to die after they eat the poison?

It usually takes about two days for roaches to die after they eat the poison. However, some roaches may take longer.

6

What should I do if I see a dead cockroach?

If you see a dead cockroach, the best thing to do is clean it up with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. Do not touch or handle the cockroach directly.

If you have a cockroach infestation, there are a number of ways to get rid of them. The best way to get rid of roaches is to use a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods. Prevention is the best way to avoid an infestation in the first place. Follow these tips to help keep cockroaches out of your home.