How to Get Rid of Roaches?

As some get-rid-of-roaches advice states, “There are roaches and there are roaches.” Sure, there are cockroaches everywhere. They will find themselves in the cleanest and most orderly of homes. But it’s important to know that you can get rid of roaches you already have and prevent new infestations. You just need the right information and a few basic “tools.”

Expert exterminators advise knowing about at least five main types of cockroach and tactics for getting rid of them will vary. You will need to know where the cockroach-traffic areas are and whether spray, bait or poison will work best. You should also start getting rid of cockroaches by preventing new populations from coming in. For example, American cockroach infestations can be reduced or prevented by keeping them from getting in through holes, cracks and so on. This type of roach also likes moisture so the drier your home the better. This type of roach may be controlled in areas that have been sprinkled with commercially available products such as borax (it contains boric acid).

From Germany!
These “foreign” invaders aren’t as attracted to moisture as their American cousins, but they have become a problem in the United States in recent years. As with other roaches, roach baits that contain boric acid can be effective. Keeping dark, quiet areas such as floor vents and cabinets clean will also help. This type of roach is particularly attracted to places where warm air is moving. The brown-banded roach likes warm, dry places the way German cockroaches do. But this type of roach is attracted to clothing and fabrics for some reason. Expert in the field of roach extermination advise people to find the roaches hiding places and spraying them directly with a commercial product.

After roaches are killed they should not be left but should be cleaned up immediately. Dead roaches, eggs, food particles etc. should be vacuumed up. Dusting the areas with a boric-acid based product can help prevent further infestation. As with all roaches, it’s important to prevent this pest from entering the home by caulking cracks and holes and covering other openings through which they might enter. There’s one more type of roach. The Oriental roach likes it damp and is especially attracted to food and garbage. For this type of pest, warm, dry and clean is the key.

How Many
Treatment and prevention methods depend not only on species but also on how large the cockroach population is. Big numbers require direct spray and commercial poisons and dusts. It’s important to get the poisons in contact with the roaches so that they will die eventually. If the roach numbers are smaller, it might be best to try baits in strategic locations. This tactic may not eliminate roaches entirely but it will reduce smaller populations and keep the numbers under control.

In summary: Keep the home clean, especially the kitchen. Use dehumidifiers to keep the basement and other areas of the home dry. Keep roaches from entering the home by closing holes with caulk and repairs.

 Print This Page