Cockroaches are common household pests that are difficult to get rid of once an infestation occurs. Typical household roaches carry bacteria, parasites, and pathogens that can be harmful to humans. To prevent these unwanted pests from entering your home, use the guide below for a few tips. 

How to Prevent Roaches in Your Home

1. Keep It Clean

Cockroaches thrive in unkempt living spaces. To make your home less appealing to them, remove their food and water sources, such as dirty dishes in the sink or crumbs and spilled food in your pantry, cabinets, or floors.

Clean your countertops with a disinfectant spray every night to remove the scent of food and ensure there are no particles left behind. Also, sweep crumbs on your floors and wipe down grease drippings from your stovetop.

2. Store Food in Sealed Containers

A cockroach’s small, flat body makes it easy for it to fit inside tight spaces, such as the openings in a cereal box or snack bags, giving them access to the food you eat.

To prevent this, store your dried goods, including pet food, in metal, glass, or plastic containers with tightly sealed lids. Not only will it keep pests out, but it will also keep your food fresher longer. 

3. Remove Points of Entry

As the outdoor temperature changes, cockroaches move indoors through small entry points in your home. Because of their size, they can fit into spaces so small they often go unnoticed. Identifying these entry points and sealing them off are the best prevention practices to take.

Look for and seal any openings leading into your house, including air ducts, spaces around utility pipes, and crawl spaces. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed with weather stripping and use calk to fill any visible cracks and crevices. 

 

 

If you have roaches in your home, contact the professionals at Collins Exterminating in Bolivar, MO. With nearly 60 years of experience, this family-owned and -operated business has provided high-quality pest removal services, addressing common household insects such as cockroaches, bedbugs, and ants. Call (417) 326-2124 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.