Cockroaches are among the most prevalent household pests, as is well known to many. In addition, they are some of the filthiest and most repulsive pests that can invade your property. Since roaches are known to carry and spread bacteria and viruses, many people avoid being around them. Therefore, you should never let these repulsive creatures get close to your food or possessions.

Roaches are regrettably difficult to get rid of since they are so obstinate. In addition, they are adaptable enough to live year-round in any climate or setting. Roaches are omnivorous pests that can eat anything. Food waste and humidity are the two main things that draw them into your home.

Why Roaches are Dangerous

Cockroach infestation is found in almost any place that’s abundant with food and inadequate sanitation. You can find roaches in drains, sewers, bathrooms, kitchens, septic tanks, basements, laundry rooms, and pretty much everywhere, dark and moist. These disgusting critters carry a variety of germs that are harmful to our health. However, this does not imply that a clean home is immune to invasion by these repulsive parasites. No matter how clean your home is, roaches will still find a way inside if they can smell food and find an opening that allows them entry.

In Forbes, Perry and Allen (2021) cite Scott Hodges as saying that roaches increase your risk of contracting harmful diseases like E. Staphylococcus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Streptococcus. Additionally, they aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, particularly in children.

Cockroaches and Signs of Infestation

Different types of roaches exist depending on the kind of environment they choose to live in. For instance, American cockroaches prefer warm, humid climates, which is why you typically find them in utility corridors and storm drains. Because German cockroaches prefer the indoors, they are more prevalent within homes and other structures. Australian roaches, on the other hand, prefer warmer climates and are more outdoorsy. Identification of the telltale symptoms of cockroach presence is one of the first steps in cockroach control. These signs include:

• Unpleasant musky odor: Cockroach droppings are the source of this unpleasant musky odor. Suppose you are dealing with a heavy infestation. In that case, the scent is so overpowering that it contaminates the air inside the house.
• Droppings: Roaches leave their dark, gritty droppings all over the place. These minute black specks can be found in shady areas around the house, including cabinet tops, along floor corners, beneath sinks, within drawers, and behind or underneath kitchen appliances (such as the stove and refrigerator).
• Smear marks: Roaches enjoy humid surroundings in which to live. They leave behind irregular brown smear markings as they crawl along floors, walls, and other horizontal surfaces.
• Property damage: Cockroaches also gnaw on materials, including paper, leather, food packaging, and book pages, causing property damage.
• Eggs and egg casings: After their eggs hatch, cockroaches typically leave behind their egg casings. These oval-shaped, brownish casings can be discovered in dark, moist parts of your home, such as food cupboards, beneath the refrigerator or sink, and close to leaky pipes.
• Exoskeletons: Roaches shed their skin between 5 and 8 times before reaching full maturity. In their breeding habitats, one may see their exoskeletons or molted skins.

Tips to Fight Cockroaches

Not only are cockroaches detrimental to our health. Additionally, they are a complete disgrace, particularly if you are expecting guests. You don’t want your guests to panic when they see these obnoxious bugs crawling across your floors. Here are seven practical methods to keep cockroaches out of your house:

Get rid of the roaches and starve them

Cockroaches find dirty areas incredibly alluring, so keeping your home clean and pest-free requires much effort and attention. This Old House (2022) underscores the need for homeowners to practice stricter cleanliness and sanitation standards because roaches can go months without food or water. Any food crumbs or spills must be cleaned up right at once, and anything that can attract roaches must be removed. It would be best if you dispose of your trash correctly and frequently, and all areas of your home commonly visited by roaches should be kept dry and clean.

Use baits and traps

One can buy chemical baits and traps at a store. Roach traps include a sticky substance inside that attracts roaches to the trap. On the other hand, chemical baits are something you have to mix with a food attractant. You may then place the baits in locations such as inside cabinets, next to trash cans, or under sinks. Potter (2018) said chemical baits are even more effective than conventional methods in controlling cockroaches when appropriately applied. The bait has a delayed effect, making the roaches that have consumed the insecticide infect the other bugs in the nest. 

Use baking soda

To draw the roaches’ attention, you must combine the baking soda with sliced onions or sugar. Consuming the baking soda will cause the roaches’ stomachs to bloat or balloon, leading to death.

Apply boric acid

You can exterminate cockroaches naturally by using boric acid. Just sprinkle the powder softly over dry areas, including floors, drawers, floor corners, the area under the refrigerator, and the area under the sink. However, one must use caution when using and storing boric acid at home, especially if the elderly or young children are around. Toxic elements are present in the product.

Apply diatomaceous earth

DE is a powdery material that is sprayed on areas with cockroach infestations, much like boric acid. The finely ground sediments absorb the roaches’ exoskeletons’ fats and oils in DE, which causes the pests to become dehydrated and eventually die. When handling DE, it would be best if you use a mask and gloves. The material can be harmful to your lungs if you breathe it in.

Use essential oils

Essential oils are long known as being natural insect deterrents. There are many essential oils, but lemongrass and peppermint are two of the more tried and true varieties. You might combine the essential oil with water and spray it on the cockroaches’ homes and hiding places.

Look for expert assistance

Absolutely nothing is more practical than having roaches removed from your property by a professional. The finest people to remove any pest are those who specialize in pest management since they have the necessary training and expertise.

Roaches Pest Control in Shrewsbury, PA

Pest control is always complex, especially with cockroaches or other stubborn pests. To say the least, choosing a pest control firm to get rid of roaches in your house might be confusing. However, if you hire the right professional roach exterminators, you can be sure to keep those pesky critters at bay for good. The local, family-run ATC Pest Control, Inc., located in Shrewbury, PA, offers full-service pest control and employs a variety of current treatment options to keep roaches out of your house. We carry out these procedures using the best tools and supplies available to ensure complete control. The seven suggestions mentioned above will guarantee that your cockroach problem will go away. If you don’t want roaches to set up a nest in your house, keep it tidy and free of clutter and food scraps.