They slip out of cracks at night to eat the rotten sludge between your stove and counter. Their disease-covered feet sink into the butter someone left out on your sideboard. They leave feces on the inside of your toaster. Grossed out yet? You should be. Cockroaches are probably the most disgusting creatures the world has ever known. But what’s worse is they are notoriously hard to get rid of. Some cockroaches are able to survive an entire month without food, and cockroaches in general are extremely adaptable to many environments. Legend has it that they could survive a nuclear war, though this is a bit of an exaggeration. They can withstand radiation poisoning for a relatively long period, but they will ultimately succumb to its effects.

Keeping Roaches Out

Yes, they may be hard to get rid of but keeping them out in the first place is possible with a little hard work.

• Repair any water leaks in pipes, sinks, appliances, etc. Dry up any standing water around tubs, toilets, or anywhere else wetness can be found. Place fans or dehumidifiers in places that are moist or humid.
• Carefully clean your kitchen, paying close attention to hard-to-reach places such as between the stove and counter, underneath the refrigerator, and inside your toaster.
• Wipe out cupboards and drawers with a soapy cloth.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes on the counter. If you can’t wash them right away, place them in a sink full of soapy water.
• Store all food in the refrigerator or inside sturdy containers with tightly fitted lids.
• Vacuum thoroughly, especially where there are food remnants present. Don’t forget areas such as underneath couch cushions and behind beds.
• Only put pet food down at mealtimes, otherwise; store the food in a container with a lid.
• Carefully inspect the outside of your home, looking for gaps and cracks. Pay attention to areas where appliances, pipes, or wires enter the home. Seal up any holes using a caulking gun.
• Check all screens and door sweeps and make sure they are in good repair.
• Make sure mulch, trees, bushes, and other vegetation are kept at least a foot or more from your home. Roaches and other pests use these as bridges.
• Dry up any standing water near your foundation. If you have birdbaths, place them as far from your house as possible.
• Do not leave pet food, or any other food, outdoors. Clean your grill area after each use. If you have bird feeders, consider removing them or placing them far from your home.
• Make sure all garbage containers have tightly fitted lids and store them away from your home.

Once They Have Infested:

It may be possible to keep cockroaches out on your own. However, once they have breached your defenses and taken root in your house, they can be extremely difficult to eradicate without professional help. Keep in mind that, if you have seen one cockroach there are most likely hundreds, if not thousands, more living in your walls. Here at Active Pest Control, we offer several pest plans to help you live pest-free*. With almost 40 years of pest control experience, Active Pest Control can get rid of cockroaches for you. Don’t wake up to cockroach footprints in your butter. Get help today.