Cockroaches are some of the most adaptive creatures on the planet. They have learned how to survive in all kinds of conditions and environments. But your home should be a safe haven away from these pests, so knowing how to keep cockroaches out of your home is important information for any homeowner.
To understand how to keep your home cockroach-free, it’s a good idea to recognize the reasons they want to come inside to start with. Cockroaches seek refuge in search of three things: food, water and shelter. If you cut off easy access to these three things, they are less likely to put forth the effort to invade your spaces.
Preventing Cockroaches from Entering Your Home
Cockroaches are very adaptive creatures with the ability to creep through even the smallest of cracks when they are in search of shelter. Although it’s impossible to cover every crack, vent and gap, there are a few things you can do to minimize the likelihood that cockroaches will take up residence in your home:
- Repair cracked foundation or holes in masonry around the exterior of your home
- Make sure weather stripping is in good condition around windows and doors
- Fix any caulking that has come loose around baseboards or bathtubs in the home
- Make repairs to door and window screens that have holes
Another thing that cockroaches need for survival is moisture. While you probably quickly clean up spills around your home, cockroaches may seek water from sources that you may not realize are a problem. With a quick check, you can determine if some other locations around your home may attract cockroaches:
- Check for leaky pipes and faucets often, especially in crawl spaces or attics
- Condensation from refrigerators or air conditioners can attract cockroaches
- Don’t leave your pets’ water and food bowls out overnight
- Try not to overwater house plants
Finally, cockroaches enter homes in search of food. These creatures are known to eat cardboard, human hair, grease, book bindings, pet food, soap and wallpaper paste in addition to crumbs and food they may find in your home. To prevent easy food sources for cockroaches:
- Store all food in airtight containers
- Keep food off the floor
- Clean up crumbs and spills quickly
- Store your pets’ food in airtight containers
- Don’t keep stacks of cardboard or boxes in your garage or attic
What If I Find Cockroaches in My Home?
Cockroaches are adapted to find their way in the smallest of cracks or even hitch a ride on packages or bags entering the home, so their presence may even be found in the cleanest homes. One or two may not be a problem, but if you notice several, you may want to call a professional to implement a plan to eradicate cockroaches from your home.
At Target Pest Control, our exterminators utilize a method of integrated pest management, or IPM, to fully understand the pest issue in your home. We will determine the best course of action to eradicate cockroaches or other pests from your home. Our team can also help set up preventative measures to keep cockroaches out of your home in the first place. If you would like more information on how we can help keep your home pest-free, contact us today.
