Imagine you have some visitors to your house. The food is on the table, and you are about to serve. All the eyes are on the same point, the table. Unfortunately, a creepy brown crawler emerges from nowhere and begins to move around. You find yourself in a dilemma whether to smash it or simply let it have its way back to its hiding. It is such an embarrassing situation.
Although there are over 4,500 different kinds of these creatures, you can only find 69 kinds in the United States. But that is not a small number either. The World Health Organization reveals that these creatures can spread leprosy, cholera, dysentery, etc. Therefore, it is not really advisable to smash them wherever you come across them.
The most commonly used method to eliminate cockroaches is through the use of chemicals. However, these insects are becoming harder to eradicate as time goes by. That is due to the development of resistance to insecticides. It is thus becoming a challenge to rely on chemicals alone. Researchers recommend that one combines chemical treatment with other measures. This article equips you with knowledge on how to get rid of cockroaches effectively.
Measures to eradicate cockroaches
1. Maintain hygiene
Like most pests that hang around the household, it is worth to take prevention measures rather than cure. These insects prefer hanging around areas with food residues, especially grease. Therefore, you must ensure that you thoroughly clean your counters and tables after a meal. The insects tend to visit at night. Meaning, after the evening meal, ensure that you don’t leave dirty dishes on the sink.
The stovetop should be clean, and you should also not go to bed before you sweep the floors. It may appear like a lot of work to do daily. However, when you get used to that, it becomes part of you. You find yourself allocating the cleaning to those last ten minutes before you go to sleep. Maintaining hygiene is a great step towards the alleviation of cockroaches in your house.
2. Block entry points
Do you see those tiny spaces within the pantry and between the wall and countertop? These insects can camp in them and convert them into a dwelling place. You need to seal up those spaces. This measure is worth it, especially if your neighbors do not maintain hygiene standards as you do. Caulk is effective in sealing the spaces. If you don’t do it, it becomes a challenge to eliminate cockroaches in the house. They keep on frequenting the counter for any leftovers and crawl back to their dwelling place.
3. Fix water leaks
Did you know that cockroaches like water? These insects can go for months with no food, but that is not the case when there is no water. They like those moist places like leaking pipes where they can access the water easily.
If you are keen to get rid of cockroaches in your house, then you should fix even that leak you consider minute. Besides, you should ensure that you drain the sink after using it. In case you have indoor plants, do not water excessively since that could turn out to be a water source for these insects.
4. Use boric acid
If you wonder how to get rid of cockroaches in your house, you don’t have to look any further. Then you should go for boric acid. All you need is to add it to a sugar and water concoction. It is a proven product to kill cockroaches on the spot. Measure three teaspoons of each, including the boric acid, and place them in a jar. A Mason jar works perfectly. You need to identify where these insects frequent.
Set the jar without the lid in a position where the cockroaches are likely to get into contact with the solution. The purpose of the sugar is to attract roaches. Upon contact with the solution, it dehydrates the insects and kills them instantly. You can also sprinkle it on the lower side of the sink, along with cracks and behind the fridge. However, be cautious that boric acid, though non-toxic to humans and pets, can irritate children. Therefore, keep it far from them.
5. Use baking soda and sugar solution
You don’t have to worry much about how to get rid of cockroaches in your home. Home remedies are always available, and sugar and baking soda concoction are one of them. This solution is effective in controlling the population of roaches. Additionally, baking soda does not spare them either. Identify the areas where these insects frequent and sprinkle the solution.
6. Maintain cool conditions
In New York, the most common species you come across is the American cockroach. Most cold-blooded creatures warm up during summer as the temperature goes up. It triggers their vigor, making them even to fly. The heat increases their muscle activity. of course, you cannot stop a season. However, if you can keep, you can keep your house cool, then you hinder the roaches from having too much energy. It is easy to get rid of cockroaches after confining them to the ground.
7. Keep food sources away
Whenever you find these insects in your house, try to check where they could get their food. Of course, food crumbs are the main sources of diet due to ease of access. However, these notorious creatures can access even your stored food. Ensure you store the food properly in airtight containers.
You can wipe or vacuum the crumbs on the countertop and floor. Cutting their source of food is a very effective measure to eliminate cockroaches in your house. It hinders their growth and multiplication. While you could be maintaining high standards of hygiene, it might not be effective if these insects can easily access food.
8. Essential oils
There are several essential oils you can use to get rid of cockroaches in your house naturally. Among them is neem powder or oil. This product has substances that can kill cockroaches. If you wish to use the oil form, mix with water, and place it in a spray bottle.
Neem powder does not require that you mix with water. Take the powder and sprinkle it in the dwelling places of these roaches. Another essential oil that you can use to get rid of cockroaches is peppermint oil.