Cockroaches are unsightly pests that homeowners can discover in their homes. These fast-moving creatures hide in tight spaces and can survive in conditions that most pests cannot tolerate. Seasonal changes and urban living in Bend provide roaches with numerous opportunities to invade homes. Thankfully, there are proven steps you can take to reduce their presence and prevent them from spreading. These include working with a trusted pest control company, such as Pointe Pest Control. The company has been serving Bend for years, helping homeowners handle any type of infestation, including cockroaches. Since 2006, founder Jacob Borg has been committed to professionalism, integrity, and excellence when handling pest control jobs. The company recommends the following steps to help homeowners handle a cockroach problem:
Keep Food Sealed and Out of Reach
Cockroaches stay in a home due to the presence of food sources. They only need crumbs under the toaster or a small spill under the fridge to survive. To cut off their supply, seal rice, cereal, and flour in airtight containers. Cockroaches can chew through thin plastic and cardboard packaging, so sturdier containers must be used.
Leftovers should be stored in the fridge instead of sitting on the counter. Also, pet food should not be left out overnight. An unattended bowl of kibble can draw them in. Homeowners must wipe down kitchen counters and tables after meals. Sweeping or vacuuming at night before bed also helps because cockroaches are most active after dark.
Reduce Moisture Sources
Water keeps cockroaches alive. These pests can survive without food for weeks but will die without water in a matter of days. That’s why they can be found near sinks, bathrooms, or leaky pipes. Fixing dripping faucets and tightening loose connections can make your home less appealing. It is also important to replace worn-out seals under sinks.
Additionally, a wet sponge left by the sink and condensation under the refrigerator can support cockroach activity. Wring out dishcloths and hang them to dry instead of leaving them in a damp pile. Consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air dry in basements or laundry rooms.
Eliminate Hiding Spots
Cockroaches prefer dark, tight, and undisturbed spaces. They hide during the day and come out at night when the lights are off. This makes clutter a perfect environment for them. Stacks of newspapers, cardboard boxes, or neglected storage bins provide hiding places where roaches can live and breed.
So, get rid of items you no longer use and store what you do need in sealed plastic containers. Take a close look around baseboards, cabinets, and areas under appliances. Small cracks or gaps are enough for a cockroach to squeeze through. Sealing these gaps with caulk blocks prevents roaches and other pests like ants and spiders.
Use Baits and Traps Effectively
Cockroach baits and sticky traps are valuable tools when dealing with an infestation. But they need to be placed strategically. Roaches move along edges and corners, so place traps behind the refrigerator, under sinks, and next to garbage cans. Baits attract cockroaches to feed on poisoned food, which they bring back to the colony. Sticky traps help you monitor activity. Seeing where cockroaches are being caught lets you pinpoint the worst areas of infestation. Use a combination of baits and traps for best results.
Keep Your Garbage Under Control
Leftover scraps and spills at the bottom of the trash bin provide everything cockroaches need. So, use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid indoors. Open bins are easy access for roaches. Empty the trash regularly, especially if it contains food waste. Also, do not let it overflow. Additionally, food residue builds up at the bottom and sides, creating odors that attract pests. A quick rinse with soap and hot water occasionally will keep it clean.