Cockroaches are not only unsightly to the eye but may also be carriers of deadly bacteria and viruses that can pose the risk of a severe health disease to those in your household. Your house can be the ideal breeding ground for cockroaches. Cockroaches tend to be attracted by food, moisture and shelter; therefore, it is important to deny them access to these 3 things. A cockroach infestation can be prevented by a few simple measures including keeping access points (doors and windows etc.) closed and cleaning the house regularly.

What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?

Cockroaches are small, fast and can fly. They are often difficult to spot during the day and tend to only roam the house during nightfall. However, you can usually spot a cockroach infestation via its droppings. Cockroach droppings are dark-coloured and typically found in basements and pantries.

These are the ways that you can prevent a cockroach infestation in your house:

1. Thoroughly Clean Your House

One of the best ways to prevent a cockroach infestation is to keep your house clean and hygienic. Simple things including keeping the kitchen and food storage areas clean can reduce the risk of infestation. Cockroaches tend to find dirt and new sources of food to feed off, so its important to take out the garbage daily and clean up all spills immediately.

These are a few things you can do to make sure your house is clean:

• • Wash dishes after every meal
  • Clean all food scraps and spills immediately
  • Take out the garbage daily
  • Remove grease from the stovetop
  • Seal all food containers
  • Mop the floor regularly

2. Sealing All Cracks

It is important to block access points and entrances that cockroaches can get through. One of the most overlooked aspect is blocking cracks and door spaces. Cockroaches often enter through doors, windows, roof, house foundations, plumbing pipes and electric lines to escape the heat or cold. We recommend that you should inspect these areas yearly and seal all openings using cement or silicon.

We recommend inspecting these areas for cracks and openings:

• • Wall
  • Electrical power points
  • Under kitchen and bathroom sink
  • Inside cabinets

3. Inspect Plumbing Regularly

Cockroaches are often attracted to damp and moist areas. They are usually found near pipes and drains. It is important to regularly check whether the area near your pipes have cockroaches or a leak. Inspecting areas for excess moisture and signs of cockroaches will ensure that you won’t have a cockroach house infestation. If your pipes are leaking, it is important to contact a plumber to fix it right away.

4. Don’t Leave Food Around

If you leave leftovers or pet food around, this will increase the risk of your house having a cockroach infestation. Cockroaches are the most active during the night, so removing any food and spills will limit attracting them into your house. Food scraps may not be noticeable however, cockroaches are highly attracted to them. Cleaning the floor regularly and wiping down crumbs with an all-purpose cleaner can help contain cockroaches. It is also an important habit to confine food to the kitchen and dining room to avoid spreading crumbs around the house.

These are the few things you should do to avoid attracting cockroaches:

• • Sweeping and mopping the floor regularly
  • Cleaning food crumbs with an all-purpose cleaner
  • Storing all leftover food
  • Remove all pet food every night

Clear Out Clutter

Cluttered items around the house are the perfect breeding and living spot for cockroaches to hide during the day. When cockroaches leave their droppings in a spot, it releases a pheromone to other cockroaches that they have found a safe place to breed and live. It is important to remove unnecessary items and clutter including packaging, cardboard, newspaper and magazines to reduce the number of areas that cockroaches can hide.

If your house has been infested by cockroaches, our team at Emerson’s Envirocare can help. We are a fully insured and licensed pest control provider. Our experienced pest controllers only use safe and eco-friendly methods when dealing with cockroach infestations.

Contact us today or call us on 1800 600 760 for a site inspection and FREE quote.