And roaches are usually at the top of the list of unwelcome visitors.
In addition, cockroaches can cause allergies that can trigger asthma in some people.
Fortunately, we can show you how to keep roaches away and eliminate any that might get in.
An American cockroach can grow as large as 2 inches long.Credit: gan chaonan/Getty Images
Know Your Prey
First, knowing which sort of bug you’re up against is good.
A fewdifferent types of roacheslike to invade our homes.
Both types have wings; American cockroaches will take short flights with theirs, but German cockroaches rarely fly.
They enter homes through cracks and crevices in doors, windows, and foundations.
Armed with a broom and a vacuum, give yourfloors a thorough cleaningregularly.
see to it to pull appliances away from the wall to clean underneath them.Pay special attention to kitchen floors.
Eliminate crumbs from counters by wiping them down regularly with anall-purpose cleaner.
Prevent crumbs from spreading throughout the house by confining all eating to thekitchenor dining room.
Be vigilant about cleaning up spills and teach kids to do so, too.
Keep cleaning products, such as all-purpose cleaners and paper towels, ready.
Take out garbage daily or store it in a sealed container.
If you suspect a roach infestation, transfer food tosealed, solid containers.
All products in lightweight packaging are susceptible, from cereal to flour to chocolate chips.
Dry Up Moist Areas
Dripping faucets and leaky pipes attract roaches.
Check areas behind toilets, under sinks, and throughout basements for moisture.
Fix leaking pipes and faucets.
Employ adehumidifierto dry moist areas in the basement.
Declutter
Cluttered spacesstand in the way of a clean home.
Simplify your space by designatingstorage placesfor small appliances and other elements that clutter countertops where food is prepared.
Donate what you don’t use regularly and enjoy the ease of cleaning without moving around rarely-used items.
Cockroaches can reproduce rapidly, doubling their population every few weeks.
To quickly reduce a cockroach population, get out your vacuum.
Fix leaky faucets and declutter to make daily, thorough cleaning possible.
Then, polish off any remaining roaches with some targeted insecticides.
Make a bait of boric acid, confectioners' sugar, and flour rolled into marble-sized balls of dough.
Place them strategically around your house where you’ve seen roaches, much like you would a bait trap.
How to Use Cockroach Baits
University experts have found cockroach baits quite effective at eliminating roaches.
These insecticide baits come in small plastic containers, called bait stations, or as a dispensable gel.
Baits are safe for the environment and not harmful to pets or people but require patience.
It takes several weeks to see results.
Place baits next to walls or in corners where roaches travel.
Baits are also effective near floor or sewer drains and damp crawl spaces.
Trained to apply pesticides safely, professionals will inspect your home and suggest a treatment plan.
If you live in amulti-family dwelling, neighbors must take cockroach prevention action, too.
Work together to send unwelcome bugs packing.
