In Florida, cockroaches are especially prevalent, thanks to the state’s damp, warm climate. Controlling them before they infest your home is essential.
Sealing points of entry
There are actually a number of things you can do to keep roaches from entering your home in the first place. Start by sealing any gaps you can find. It can be difficult if you live in an older home, as there may be gaps you don’t know existed, but focus on what you can find first. Think about those around the doors and windows, as well as where utility lines come into your home. Roaches need very little space to squeeze in, so even if you think one might not be able to fit through the space, the chances are good that it could.
Keep in mind that drain lines and sewer vents need to be well sealed. Once you’ve done that, take a look outside your home for problems with your screens or if you have siding, any gaps in the joints. You’ll also want to keep the area around your home clear of any thick vegetation, as roaches like those spaces to hide. If you have any leaks, have them repaired immediately. Roaches also tend to hide near a source of water.
Focus on cleanliness
Inside the house, you’ll want to keep your trash can as clean as possible and empty it on a regular basis. Sweep your home daily, and clean beneath the baseboards and under the stove routinely.
Keep your food in glass or plastic containers with airtight lids to make certain insects stay out, and clean both the top of the refrigerator as well as underneath it. It’s a warm place where crumbs like to hide, making it the ideal roach breeding ground. Finally, try to keep food in the kitchen and dining area and make certain any crumbs are swept up immediately.
If you’re already infested
If you’re infested, you will find that an off-the-shelf spray from a hardware store spray isn’t going to solve the problem. Roaches multiply very quickly, and if you’ve seen one, you’re probably already infested. Professional pest control help is the only way to move forward if you think you have an infestation on your hands. You’ll need their expertise, equipment, and solutions to make certain the roaches leave your home for good.
Contact Slug-A-Bug today if you’re having trouble controlling the roach population in your home or on your property. We’re always ready to help!