Heres how to get control of these bacteria-carrying pests.
Likeworrisome termites, cockroaches have a job to do, breaking down organic matter in the natural world.
But even one cockroach isnt acceptable indoors.
Credit:Getty Images
They also can defecate or regurgitate pathogens on surfaces.
Needless to say, you don’t want them in your home.
Here’s how to get rid of roaches and keep them away.
American Cockroach.Credit:Getty Images
Meet The Experts
What Causes Cockroaches?
A cockroach in the home isn’t always a sign of unsanitary conditions.
Sometimes it’s because of the right conditions.
Credit:Getty Images
Roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and shelter.
Dripping faucets, standing water, leaky pipes, and spills also draw them in.
Actually, thats just a more polite name for large cockroaches such as Americans and smokybrowns.
But, in truth, a palmetto bug is a cockroach.
Theyre one of the oldest insect groups on the planet and are very adaptable, says Benson.
The number one rule is to keep them out in the first place.
Trim tree limbs and shrubs so they dont touch your house and provide easy access.
American and smokybrowns especially like this sort of environment, says Benson.
Seal Entry Points
Keep screens and weather stripping around your home in good repair.
Caulk holes around plumbing and sewer lines where roaches are likely to enter.
Clean Pet Waste
Clean up pet waste every day.
One reason cockroaches are so successful is that theyre omnivores and opportunistic.
They will eat anything, including feces, says Benson.
Side note: Theyll also eat items as varied as the glue in plywood and books and each other.
Store trash in lidded containers, and double-check to dispose of trash in an outdoor container with a lid.
Clean Garbage Cans And Recycling Bins
Keepgarbage cansand recycling bins clean.
Seal garbage tightly in bags, and rinse out bottles and cans before placing in recycling bins.
The combination of food debris and moisture in these containers can provide safe harborage, says Benson.
Check Boxes And Bags
Inspect boxes and bags when bringing them into your home.
Eggs or young cockroaches may be hiding in them.
Theyre especially fond of cardboard, says Oi.
Even backpacks, purses, and clothing can carry cockroaches indoors, says Oi.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming removes crumbs, dirt, and other debris that cockroaches may be attracted to.
verify to clean up crumbs right away and to vacuum regularly.
Keep Food Areas Clean
Practice smartsanitation in the kitchen.
Keep food in sealed containers.
Clean up all spills and crumbs as they occur.
Wash Dishes
Don’t let dirty dishes sit in the sink overnight.
Roaches are attracted to crumbs and food residue.
Rinse dishes and run them in a cycle in the dishwasher, or wash them right away.
Wipe Out Cabinets
Crumbs can accumulate anywhere in the kitchen.
Remove items from your cabinets and drawers, vacuum any crumbs, and wipe down the surfaces.
Toss Debris
Clean up clutter in your home or garage.
Where theres one, theres probably more, says Benson.
These arent actually albinos, says Oi.
Its actually a cockroach that just molted and is waiting for its exoskeleton to harden.
This will help you figure out where theyre concentrated, says Oi.
Set Out Baits
If you catch cockroaches in your traps, set out baits in that area.
Obviously, keep these out of the reach of kids and pets.
Use pea-sized drops of gel bait, not a whole line, like caulking, says Oi.
Place the drops about 12 inches apart five feet on either side of the trap.
Look for baits that contain an insect growth regulator (IGR), which affects their reproductive abilities.
Successful treatment involves knowing where the roaches are active and will come in contact with the boric acid.
It also does not affect cockroach eggs.
Use Sticky Traps
Keep the sticky traps out to monitor your success.
Replace when the sticky area is covered.
Use Different Products
Rotate the jot down of product used regularly.
Product rotation slows down the development of insecticide resistance.
Your local university county co-op extension service can offer additional guidance (find yours here).
Take your time and interview two to three different companies.
Do Repellants Keep Cockroaches Away?
Despite what youve heard, DIY repellants dont keep cockroaches away.
Ditto for essential oils.
Do Lights Keep Cockroaches Away?
While cockroaches are nocturnal and are most active at night, keeping lights on is not a deterrent.
They prefer the dark but adapt to light.
They are more attracted to food, shelter, and moisture than to resisting light.
NIH National Library of Medicine.Cockroaches and Food-borne Pathogens.
Clemson Cooperative Extension.Cockroach (Roach) Control.
University of Florida Extension.Assessment-Based Management of German Cockroaches.
Mississippi State University Extension.Control Cockroaches In and Around Your Home.
