Supplies Needed:
- Roach bait stations
- Insect growth regulator (IGR)
- Dust insecticide
- Gel bait
- Sticky traps
- Vacuum cleaner
- Caulking gun
- Caulk
Identifying the Problem
It is best to search for their droppings when trying to identify the roaches. Poop will be everywhere. Typically, you can find signs of them anywhere there is a food source, an electrical source, a water source, or just a small, dark area. So, either in your switches, outlets, or even your main box, I would start by looking behind all of the electrical plates there. You should also look in your kitchen. Inside the cabinets, most likely, but especially behind the refrigerator. You’re going to have to take out the refrigerator because they love that compressor down below. They’ll probably start to disperse as soon as you do this. It’s clear that you have a problem, and you should definitely address it.
Look behind any wall hangings. It might be a wall-mounted TV. Again, it’s warm and electrical, so you probably will see feces there. anything else that is attached to the wall, such as artwork or furniture that is leaning up against the wall. They prefer those confined spaces, and they will especially be found inside your floors, ceilings, and behind walls. They aren’t bothered in those places. They really only emerge when they need to feed or get water because the temperature and humidity are constant.
As a result, you should search any area where there is food or water. The best places to look are your kitchen and bathrooms because those are where your roaches will be most concentrated. Look around the dishwasher and the stove. Behind your refrigerator, there will be a strong focus. Look inside and above your cabinets, particularly if there is even a tiny bit of a gap. They’ll access the cabinets from above, behind, inside, and below. Take a look under your sink. They’ll frequently be entering and exiting locations where your walls have pipe penetrations.
Step-by-Step Process for Removal
- First, identify the areas where roaches are active. Look for signs of droppings, egg cases, and shed skins.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any visible roaches, eggs, and droppings.
- Apply dust insecticide to areas where roaches are active, such as cracks and crevices, baseboards, and under appliances. Be sure to follow the product label instructions.
- Apply gel bait in areas where roaches are active. Gel baits are very effective and can attract roaches to eat the bait and carry it back to their nest, which will help eliminate the entire population.
- Place sticky traps in areas where you have seen roaches or where you suspect they may be traveling. The traps will help you monitor the population and indicate where to focus your treatment.
- Use roach bait stations to help eliminate the roach population. Place the bait stations in areas where roaches are active, and follow the product label instructions.
- Apply an IGR to prevent roaches from reproducing and to break the life cycle of the remaining population. Follow the product label instructions carefully.
Once you’ve tackled the initial infestation, you’ll then want to make sure you’re taking preventative measures.
Step-by-Step Process for Prevention
Keep your house clean and free of food debris. Wipe down countertops, clean dishes promptly, and store food in sealed containers.
- Seal up cracks and crevices in your walls, floors, and foundation with caulk. This will prevent roaches from entering your home.
- Repair any leaky pipes and fix any other sources of excess moisture in your home. Roaches need water to survive, and eliminating sources of excess moisture will make your home less hospitable to them.
- Use pet-safe products to keep roaches away, such as diatomaceous earth or essential oil-based sprays. Be sure to follow the product label instructions.
- Keep your home clutter-free. Roaches love to hide in piles of clutter, so keeping your home tidy and organized will make it less attractive to them.
Pet-Safe Products to Keep Roaches Away
F0r folks with furry friends, having around insecticide might be a no-go. So here are some pet-friendly, natural roach repellants you can use around the house:
- Diatomaceous earth: This is a natural substance that is safe for pets and humans, but deadly to insects. It can be sprinkled in areas where roaches are active, and it will kill them by drying out their exoskeleton.
- Essential oil-based sprays: These can be used to repel roaches and are safe for pets. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil are all effective at repelling roaches.
