Cockroaches are guests which you wouldn’t like to visit your house regularly. If you decide to get rid of cockroaches yourself follow these steps that I recommend.
Cockroach-proof your house
This does not necessarily have to be the first step, however, it cannot be skipped. Especially if you live in the apartment because cockroaches can be coming from your neighbor’s apartment too!
Seal all the cracks. Do not forget to check between pipes. Make sure you have vent covers installed and no openings are left uncovered.
We recommend you inspect these problem areas at least once or twice per year. If you do notice new cracks and holes anywhere at home, make sure to seal them again.
Clean your house
Roaches are extremely attracted to dirt. The best way to keep roaches out of your home is by keeping them spotless clean. Without the doubt this is absolutely one of the most important steps you must follow to get rid of roaches.
Cockroaches are constantly looking for new sources of food. Make sure you empty the trash bin every evening, wash dishes before you go to sleep, keep food in containers rather on the counters and mop your floors regularly.
Use professional roach killers only
Materials found in convenience stores are more suitable for monitoring pests rather than exterminating them. Also, keep in mind that roaches are very likely to develop tolerance to the chosen insecticide. For example, aerosol formulations are only effective when sprayed directly on the cockroach, sticky traps are only used for cockroach collection and not for killing them.
There are a huge range of products that you can use to get rid of cockroaches. Make sure that you are using products or methods which fits your needs. Do not harm pets or your beloved ones.
It worked for my neighbor. Will it work for me?
Every situation is different. If it worked for your relative, friend or neighbor, it might not necessarily work for you. Before you start with the process, you must find the exact reason why cockroaches have infested your house.
Use long-acting insecticides
Long-acting insecticides remain on the surface for 3 to 6 weeks. By the way, this might not be the best option if you have family or pets living in the same apartment or house.
You do not need to find all the cockroach nests and spray them with chemicals. It is not easy if you are not a pest control professional.
It’s enough to spray where they usually visit and all the other dark places. The use of long-acting insecticides creates a protective perimeter that prevents from entering adjacent rooms.
Be patient
This might sound a bit ridiculous, but patience is needed if you have decided to go all this way by yourself. Often, after spraying, the opposite result is obtained than expected.
All intoxicated cockroaches might no longer be afraid of light and people and come out to the surface. This is a normal part of the extermination and takes about two weeks.
Repeat the process
If you notice at least one live cockroach after 3-5 weeks, the procedure must be repeated. Also, chemicals do not always affect cockroach eggs. As a result, a new generation may emerge during this period.
Final words
Cockroaches can really become a nightmare in your house. Failure to get rid of cockroaches from your house for a long time without positive results can create an impression that it is an impossible job.
Even if you manage to get rid of them, they always can return. But if you follow the process carefully, they will stay away from your house for a long time (or forever).