Cockroaches are one of the most common complaints in the pest control industry, and it’s far easier to prevent an infestation from occurring than to get rid of one. Knowing how to keep cockroaches from setting up shop in your home will save you the time, money, and headache of dealing with a full-blown infestation. Here are some ways to keep them from getting comfortable.

How to Deter Roaches From Your Home

1. Starve Them Out

Cockroaches, like any living thing, need food to live, so don’t make their food hunt any easier. Ensure all food is kept in airtight containers, bearing in mind that roaches can eat through cardboard and some thin plastics. Don’t leave pet food out overnight, either. Cockroaches eat many materials, including soap and decaying wood, so keep containers closed. More importantly, eliminate their water sources, as they won’t live long without it. This includes taking steps like fixing leaks, getting roach-proof pet water bowls, and packing up small internal water features — i.e., desktop fountains — until the problem is solved.

2. Don’t Let Them In

Cracks, holes, and openings in your home allow cockroaches easy access to your living space. Before calling your local exterminators, make sure your home is sealed off and any needed repairs have been made. Check under and around doors, for cracks in walls, and other entry points to eliminate gaps.

3. Use Various Pest Control Methods

Taking a multi-step approach to pest control will make for a comprehensive offensive front. Employ natural roach deterrents like catnip, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils, which can be mixed with a little water and sprayed around baseboards, food sources, and entryways. You should also enlist the help of professional pest control services for regular sprayings, as this will not only deter roaches but kill ones that make it into your home. If you do use professional services, be sure to ask what store-bought roach products are okay to use alongside them, as some can render the spray less effective.

4. Keep It Clean

A messy house is a hotbed of food sources and hiding places for cockroaches. Keep garbage in an airtight can, and wash dishes instead of leaving them dirty in the sink. Counters should be wiped down and floors vacuumed or swept nightly to rid them of crumbs and food particles. Roaches can leave toxic feces on surfaces, too, so be sure to use an anti-bacterial or disinfecting solution when cleaning.

 

If you need regular pest control, the local exterminators at Copter Pest Control would be happy to help. Since 1959, they’ve served Enterprise, AL, and surrounding areas with thorough pest control services, targeting roaches, termites, spiders, ants, bed bugs, fleas, and rodents. With multiple locations and 10 years of earning the Reader’s Choice Award, they offer convenient, affordable pest control and extermination services. See what they can do for you online, and call (334) 347-2430 for a quote today.