If you spot a roach scurrying across the floor, there may be more than one lurking. While it’s best to have a professional exterminator eradicate the infestation, you can take practical pest control steps as well. Learn to recognize why these unwelcome critters might be living in your home in the first place to avoid attracting them.

Why Are There Roaches in Your House?

1. Cardboard Box Collection

One or two boxes from a recent shipment aren’t likely to be much of an issue, but a collection of them can be detrimental if you’re trying to avoid insect infestations. Roaches are attracted to the glue used to seal the folds of the box. If they can smell it, they’ll eagerly approach it.

Moreover, boxes are dark, making them convenient hiding spots for these fast-moving insects. As a practical pest control step, toss all of these boxes promptly.

2. Standing Water Puddles

Roaches need water to survive—they can only live for a week without it. They’re drawn to wet areas as a result, which means you’re more likely to find them in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or basement.

Wipe up drips and spills promptly to minimize this likelihood. Roaches have been known to turn up around wet pipes too, so address any existing leaks for optimal pest control.

3. Food Particle Traces

It doesn’t take a full plate of food to attract a roach. They’re attracted to a small morsel just as much as they are to water, and they can easily find their way to the kitchen from the strong smells in the space.

Clean up thoroughly after every meal, so there are no crumbs left behind on the countertops and no plates with food particles in the sink. Sweep up the floors daily too, and ensure garbage bags aren’t easily accessible.

Are you concerned that your home has a roach infestation? Turn to the qualified exterminators at Aloha Termite & Pest Control. Proudly serving home and business owners throughout Oahu since 1999, the company provides expert pest control services to eradicate these stubborn critters from your property. They also offer ant control and termite treatment services. Visit them online to find out more about how they can help, or call (808) 622-2269 to schedule an appointment.