How To Prevent A Cockroach Infestation In Your Home

How To Prevent Cockroaches In Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is probably a cockroach’s favourite place in your home. Cockroaches are more likely to easily come across food and water sources with an abundance of dark shelter under, within, and behind cabinetry.

To help prevent a cockroach infestation in your kitchen we recommend the following tips:

• Avoid any areas where leaks or pooling is a cause for concern by repairing leaks, leaky pipes, and drainage.
• Quickly clean up all liquid spills.
• Make sure your food is stored in sealed containers.
• Don’t leave any food or leftovers out — put them away when you’re done eating.
• Keep food in the kitchen!
• If you have pets, don’t leave bowls on the ground — have a set feeding schedule (if possible).
• Keep a closed lid on your rubbish bin and take it out regularly.
• Double-check your fridge and dishwasher seals aren’t broken.
• Check that your under-the-sink bins are properly closed and sealed.

How To Prevent Cockroaches In Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is the next best place (from the cockroaches’ point of view) with a potential abundance of water!

Follow the tips below to help prevent a cockroach infestation from wreaking havoc in your bathroom:

• Use a squeegee on your shower/tub to remove any leftover water.
• Use a small rubbish bin with a lid and take it out regularly.
• Wipe up any liquid spills.
• Put away any water cups.
• Consider closing your sink or tub drains every night.

How To Prevent Cockroaches In Your Bedroom

It’s bad enough there’s a potential to share your home with cockroaches, let alone the place you lay your head at night!

Follow the tips below to make sure you’re not sharing your bed with anyone you don’t want to:

• Clean your sheets on a regular basis — at least once per week!
• Tidy up! Don’t leave any clothing or clutter on your floor.
• Regularly clean, dust, and vacuum.
• Avoid bringing food and water to your room.
• If you do like to have water at night, put it in a sealed bottle.

How To Prevent Cockroaches From Entering Your Home

Cockroaches that are found outside can find their way into your home.

Use the following tips to help prevent cockroaches from making their way inside:

• Monitor your compost bin closely and keep it away from your house.
• Keep a general eye on your property and watch out for any usual pest activity.
• Maintain outdoor cockroach control treatments.
• Tidy up your lawn, garage, and garden.
• Seal all of your rubbish bins.
• Seal any cracks and crevices in walls and floors to eliminate any potential cockroach hiding places.
• Repair any broken pipes or leaks outside of your home.

Natural, Do-It-Yourself Cockroach Prevention Methods

Cockroaches have managed to live past the dinosaurs, so it’s important to know that the following do-it-yourself prevention methods can be helpful repellents for cockroaches but they won’t keep them away for good.

It’s always better to pair the following DIY cockroach prevention methods with regular professional cockroach control treatments if you’ve seen signs of a cockroach infestation:

• Boric acid: Be careful, as boric acid can be harmful to pets and children.
• Diatomaceous earth (DE): DE can be mixed to create bait for roaches.
• Baking soda and sugar: This is less toxic than boric acid for roaches, but safe for your family.
• Fresh coffee grounds: They’re said to be toxic to cockroaches, but they’ll still attract them as a food source if you leave them out.
• Cooking spices: Cockroaches have been known to dislike the smell of cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Fabric softener: Cockroaches are known to dislike the smell. Spraying this in areas of concern won’t get rid of them, but migrate them to a new space.
• Essential oils: Mint, lemon, and tea tree oil are known to deter cockroaches from an area.
• Catnip: Boil water and include some drops of catnip oil to repel cockroaches in areas in and around your home.
• Bay leaves: Also known as a deterrent for ants, but it won’t get rid of them.

Are these cockroach prevention methods not helping?

If you’ve noticed signs of an infestation, these methods won’t get rid of your problem. Contact us today to book a professional cockroach control treatment.

If you see signs of other pests, consider one of our pest value packages.