Often people think that cockroaches can only become in a problem in the dirtiest and most unsanitary places. The truth is, however, cockroaches can be found in nearly every structure on earth. Cockroaches are always in search of three things: shelter, food and water. The pursuit of these things are the top reasons why you have a cockroach problem in your home. Understanding why cockroaches enter your home, however, can help you reduce the likelihood that cockroaches will take up camp in your home and create an infestation.
1. Cockroaches have easy access into your home.
Cockroaches and other pests often enter homes and commercial properties through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls of the home. Regular maintenance and sealing any cracks as they happen can help to keep pests out of your home. Points of entry are also popular culprits, so make sure to keep doors and windows shut and maintain a good weather seal.
Often called nature’s hitchhikers, cockroaches are also known for grabbing onto bags or clothing and being transported around. In order to prevent this from happening to you, avoid placing bags on the ground and shake them off before entering your home or building.
2. Food is easily accessible.
If crumbs or spills are left out, cockroaches may be attracted to these areas of your home. They may also find their way directly into your food if they can enter the packaging easily. To avoid this, keep food in sealed containers and clean up spills quickly.
3. Cockroaches find water sources.
These creatures need a moist environment in order to survive. For this reason, they can often be found in areas of the home that are most prone to moisture. If you are concerned about cockroaches, check under and behind the refrigerator, around the air conditioner, near pipes or any other areas where moisture exists. To keep cockroaches away, repair leaky faucets quickly and keep any open pipes covered with a mesh that is too small for them to enter.
If you find yourself with a cockroach problem, you can do a few things to get the issue under control:
- Check all corners and crevices in your home. Vacuum any cockroaches you find and empty into a plastic bag. Remove this from the home immediately.
- Clean and sanitize areas within your home, especially those prone to cockroach activity such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Remove any cluttered areas inside or outside of the home since cockroaches can easily hide and breed in these without notice.
- Use a glue strip or insecticide to control the population.
- Call a professional pest control expert.
If you see more than a couple of cockroaches in a short period of time, this could be a sign that you have an infestation on your hands. At this point, an expert can help you develop a plan to eradicate the insect from your home. An integrated pest management system, like the ones from our experts at Target Pest Control, can target the top three reasons you have a cockroach problem in your home and provide safe and effective treatment options for you and your family.
