Yes, the sight of them makes people cringe, jump into chairs, and run out of their house threatening to burn the place to the foundation. However, cockroaches in your home doesn’t mean the end of the world. The key to controlling pests and managing your home is to understand how cockroaches enter the home and how to rid your home of them. This is very important as cockroach dander from their feces and exoskeletons can be an allergy trigger for some people and in some cases cause asthma attacks.
How Do Cockroaches Enter the Home?
Cockroaches can enter your home in a multitude of ways. First, they could exist in your home prior to you moving in. This is a great reason to have your home inspected by a pest management professional immediately after closing if not as part of the home inspection. Secondly, cockroaches are travelers and can be transported to your home from places you have been. Cockroaches love to jump in grocery bags, purses, boxes, and other dark spaces making these items their own mode of transportation. Be sure to inspect these types of items when bringing them home.
Third, cockroaches can enter your home from the outside environment. A unique fact about cockroaches is that they can fit through the smallest of holes or entry points. Many can enter through your attic by way of low hanging tree branches or bushes. They can also enter your home through the plumbing. Yes, it is scary but true! Another common entry point is through your crawl space and through window screens. A trained professional can assist you in looking for many of these opportunities and provide solutions to defend your home.
Where Do Cockroaches Crash?
Cockroaches, like German Cockroaches, prefer warm and humid places near available food and water. The majority of these places are dark with temperatures in the mid seventies. Consider attic spaces, cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, and storage areas of your home. To avoid attracting these unwanted house guests, make sure to sweep up any crumbs or spilled food throughout the home. Always rinse dishes and place them in the dishwasher when you can’t immediately clean them. It is also wise to store food in air-tight containers.
Preparation is Key to Removing Cockroaches in Your House
A proactive approach is the best solution to protect your home and family from cockroaches and cockroach allergens. Begin at the top. Contact your local pest management professional and request EPA-registered TAP® Pest Control Insulation to be installed in your attic. This not only provides you with energy efficiency savings but a permanent layer of pest protection against attic invaders like cockroaches. To avoid cockroaches in your house, make sure you routinely keep a tidy and well-maintained home by regular cleaning, keeping all food in sealed containers, routinely taking out the trash, and checking for cracks, crevices, or openings around cabinets, storage areas, and your home’s exterior. With a few extra steps, you can enjoy the comfort of your home pest-free.
Interested in having TAP® Pest Control Insulation installed in your home? Contact us for more information or to locate a provider in your area.