How to Combat a Cockroach Infestation

From spreading harmful germs to triggering allergies and asthma, cockroaches are one of the most cumbersome pests to have in your home. If you find cockroaches have entered your home, don't fret, there are tried and true ways to get on top of it!

Understanding The Causes

To take effective action, we first must look at the root of the problem. Hygiene in your home is a major contributing factor. However, even the cleanest of homes aren't a deterrent for cockroaches. These resilient scavengers are also attracted to moisture, water sources, warmth and darkness - meaning that all the hidden nooks and crannies in your home make for the perfect nest.

Maximising Hygiene

With the cause in mind, it might be time to re-evaluate how clean you are keeping your home. Are you ignoring the bins when they are full, are you leaving crumbs and scarps on the floor, or leaving dishes in the sink? To cockroaches, leftover food sources are a delicious bonus too. A healthy habitat is an added incentive to stick around.

To deter infestation, you should be making a habit of:

• Emptying your bins frequently
• Cleaning under, in and around appliances
• Storing all food away and in airtight containers
• Eliminating food crumbs, grease and spillage on floors and surfaces
• Fixing any water leaks
• Vacuuming all areas
• Rinsing out empty containers before disposal

 Additionally, if you happen to have any pets who are notorious for not finishing their dinner, ensure any leftover food of theirs is thrown away after meal time, and their bowls cleaned.

Taking A Natural Approach

It can be useful to consider more natural methods to get rid of roaches before running straight to chemical pesticides. For example, did you know that there are ultrasonic pest repellents that emit electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves to repel cockroaches? It's true!

You can also use a DIY method to kill cockroaches that you can make in your very own home. Simply combine three-parts boric acid (or borax) to one-part sugar and mix well. Alternatively, you can add water to make it into a paste. Once done, leave this mixture in designated bait stations (cockroach-prone areas) - ideally, away from any children or pets. The sugar will be sure to lure them in, and the boric acid will deliver the final blow.

Just remember, while boric acid is natural, it should still be used with caution.

You can also apply essential oils (preferably mint) or diatomaceous earth to the affected areas to help ward off the cockroaches.

Sealing The Deal

Cockroaches can crawl through the tiniest holes, cracks and openings in your property. As such, it may be worth sealing any potential entrances or hiding places, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and laundries. Depending on what you are sealing you can use caulk, varnish, paint or expanding foam. 

Common areas to secure:

• Doors and windows
• Pipes
• Shelves
• Drains
• Walls
• Skirting boards

Chemical Methods

If all else fails, using a chemical pesticide may do the trick. It will also allow you to deal with ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, rats and mice in one hit. Cockroach baits and gels can prove to be incredibly useful. Aerosols and foggers can also keep the problem under control - however, there is always the chance of exposure to a harmful chemical residue.

Getting A Professional In

Most pest control services or extermination companies will be more than happy to provide advice and survey your property before recommending any treatments. There's no shame in getting the experts to deal with pest problems - after all, cockroaches are notoriously hard to eliminate. Professionals will come fully equipped and provide you with the peaceful pest-free home or business that you deserve - make sure you call them before it's too late!