Roaches have a reputation for being among California’s most hated pests. Not only are these unhygienic insects bad for your health, but they can also be extremely difficult to get rid of. Roaches can even embarrass you in front of house guests. At O’Connor Pest Control, we’ve seen some of the worst infestations you can imagine. Here are seven things you can do to help prevent roaches from coming inside.
- Keep a clean house
- Do the dishes
- Keep Your Lawn Maintained
- Seal entry points
- Eliminate sources of moisture
- Humidity control
- Seek Professional Pest Control
Keep a Clean House
Like so many other creepy crawlies, roaches are naturally drawn to sources of food. If you don’t want to be greeted by these pesky insects every day, be sure to make house cleaning a top priority. Daily chores, such as sweeping floors and wiping off your countertops, will certainly help with roach control. Families who often eat outside the kitchen should use extra caution. Just a few small crumbs can cause roaches to flock to your bedroom. Regularly vacuuming will give you an extra degree of protection.
Do the Dishes
Many people hate the task of washing dishes. However, it’s one of the most important household duties. Roaches will be more than happy to devour the leftover debris. Unfortunately, they can spread bacteria and pathogens while ransacking your kitchen sink. Before retiring at night, take the time to do the dishes.
Keep Your Lawn Maintained
Don’t allow your yard to become a haven for roaches. They love to take refuge under piles of decomposing leaves and grass. Doing a little extra cleanup will make your property less likely to become infested. Because these pests tend to feed on decaying material, mulching is another no-no when it comes to roach control in California. Overflowing garbage cans can also lure these nasty bugs to your property, so make sure your lids are properly secured at all times.
Seal Entry Points
Cracks and crevices make it easy for roaches to crawl into your home. Take the time to inspect for any potential entry points, including around your plumbing pipes. Most small holes can be quickly sealed using a caulk gun. Also, don’t forget to check the weatherstripping around your windows and doors.
Eliminate Sources of Moisture
Roaches in California are no different from roaches in Florida. All species need water in order to survive. This is why we often find roaches hiding out in damp areas. Research shows that leaky plumbing fixtures rank among the top causes of roach infestations. When even a drippy faucet can cause trouble, the slimy conditions of a cracked sewer pipe are like heaven to these insects.
Humidity Control
As mentioned earlier, roaches prefer damp conditions. Make sure your home does not become too warm and humid. If the air starts to feel clammy, this is a key indication the humidity levels are too high. To help keep the humidity at an ideal level, open a window or two for at least 25 minutes a day. It’s also a good idea to run the exhaust fans when cooking and showering.
Seek Professional Pest Control
To enjoy year-round protection against these pests, you’ll need to seek professional roach control. An experienced exterminator knows exactly what it takes to maintain a roach-free home. They can help you to develop an effective pest management plan. The extra peace of mind is well worth it.
If you’re experiencing roach problems, contact O’Connor Pest Control for a free quote on service. Our licensed professionals will be more than happy to help.