How to prevent cockroaches

Cockroaches are hardy insects that can survive in all kinds of conditions and are very resourceful in finding ways into buildings.

The most effective way to prevent cockroaches is to deny them easy access to food, water and shelter, which are the main factors that attract them into your home or business. As your local pest control experts, Western Exterminator knows what attracts cockroaches. Use these prevention tips to keep your property free of cockroach infestations. 

Need professional cockroach removal? Call Western Exterminator at 800-937-8398 to schedule an appointment with a licensed cockroach control specialist.

Eliminate food sources

Cockroaches are persistent scavengers. Like humans, their diet mainly consists of sugar, protein, and carbohydrates, but they'll eat just about anything. Here are some of the best ways to prevent cockroaches from being attracted to your home or business:

Remove liquids - Cockroaches can go for one to two weeks without water as long as the moisture content in their food is high. But eventually they'll need it. Remove standing water from buckets and sinks to keep from attracting thirsty cockroaches.

Remove food remains - Clean up any food left on tables, kitchen counters and desks. Cockroaches only need small amounts of food for a meal, so any crumbs, powders, or liquids are fair game. 

Store food away - Scent, especially that of food, can help cockroaches find your home or business. Reduce this attraction by storing food in airtight containers. This will also prevent cockroaches from being able to chew through packaging.

Rinse and remove cans, bottles, and plastic containers - Leftover residue in these containers will attract cockroaches. Even though you are likely throwing them into a garbage or recycling receptacle, there’s nothing stopping roaches from transferring from your garbage to your property.

Empty garbage regularly - Garbage bins give cockroaches access to a wide range of different food options. This is especially important for businesses that handle food. Although you can take the recommended steps to reduce food accessible to cockroaches, this may not fully prevent them. Cockroaches are known to consume anything from paper and glue to another cockroach, if other options are not available.

Clean

As with many other pest problems, one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of a cockroach infestation is to maintain a clean environment. This is especially important for kitchens and other food handling and storage areas.

It is important to clear surfaces of food debris and waste to keep from attracting hungry cockroaches. Cockroaches are more active during the night, so it is also a good idea to put away pet food, drink, and litter trays before going to bed.

In businesses that handle food such as hotels, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and food processors, it is crucial to adhere to food hygiene standards. A cockroach infestation can easily damage and contaminate food. When it comes to offices and workplaces, reduce clutter and food storage around your office or desk. If you eat in the area, be sure to clean up any spills or crumbs.

Declutter

Cockroach droppings contain a pheromone that signals to other cockroaches that they have found a safe place to inhabit. To prevent cockroach droppings from accumulating, remove clutter from your business or home. This pertains specifically to items such as packaging, cardboard, and stacks of old newspapers and magazines.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance will prevent cockroaches from getting into your home and reduce access to hiding spots.

Pipes and Drains - As already stated, cockroaches are quite fond of damp and moist areas. Because of this when it comes to your home or business they can usually be found near pipes and drains. Regularly checking this area for signs of cockroaches and taking the necessary procedures such as repairing damaged pipes and clearing blocked drains is a good cockroach prevention measure.

Shelves - The cracks in the grains of wooden shelving provide a great hiding spot for cockroaches. Paint or varnish wooden shelves to seal these cracks and crevices. Alternatively, consider replacing your wooden shelves with plastic or metal shelves.

Seal entrances - There are number of places around a property that give cockroaches an easy way in. These are:

• Walls
• Skirting boards
• Electrical sockets
• Under kitchen sinks and bathroom cabinets

Check these areas for cracks and crevices and be sure to seal any that you find.

Western Exterminator cockroach prevention services

A quick response is essential to prevent cockroaches in your home or spreading to your neighbors. If you have already spotted signs of an infestation, these steps will help to control an existing problem but you will also need professional treatment for a reliable, long-term solution.

At Western Exterminator, we have specialist know-how and equipment enabling us to offer the most efficient way to get rid of cockroaches. We have years of experience providing reliable local cockroach control services in North America and the western portions of the United States. The very best form of prevention is regular monitoring and pest control by professionals.

Please call us at 800-937-8398 to discuss your requirements for effective cockroach prevention in your home or business.