6 Things You Need to Do When You Find Cockroaches at Home

Cockroaches are one of the most persistent and unhygienic pests you can encounter in your home. They can spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and even cause asthma attacks, especially in children. If you find cockroaches in your home, it’s crucial to take swift action to prevent an infestation and safeguard your health.

In this guide, we’ll discuss 6 essential steps to take when you find cockroaches at home. For professional pest control assistance, call PPestControl at (866) 228-5691.

1. Identify the Type of Cockroach

The first step in dealing with a cockroach infestation is identifying the type of cockroach you’re dealing with. Different species may require different treatment strategies, and knowing which one you’re facing can help in planning the most effective solution.

Cockroach Type	Characteristics	Damage Potential
German Cockroach	Small, light brown with two dark stripes on the back	High, commonly found indoors and hard to control.
American Cockroach	Large, reddish-brown with a yellowish figure 8 pattern	High, often found in basements, sewers, and kitchens.
Oriental Cockroach	Shiny black, rounder shape, prefers damp areas	Moderate, can spread disease in damp environments.
Brown-Banded Cockroach	Light brown, smaller, prefers warm areas such as ceilings	Moderate, can infest areas like pantries and attics.

Identifying the species will help guide the treatment process, as different cockroaches may require different approaches.

2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Cockroaches are attracted to food and water, so the first step in reducing their numbers is to eliminate these resources. A cockroach infestation can be difficult to control without addressing these basic needs.

Steps to eliminate food and water sources for cockroaches:

Food:
- Store food in airtight containers, including pet food.
- Clean up crumbs, spills, and grease immediately.
- Do not leave dirty dishes or food waste in the sink overnight.
Water:
- Fix any leaks under sinks, around faucets, or in bathrooms.
- Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are properly ventilated to reduce humidity.
- Avoid leaving standing water in trays under refrigerators or dishwashers.

By depriving cockroaches of their food and water supply, you make your home less attractive to them.

3. Clean Your Home Thoroughly

Cockroaches love dark, hidden areas where food and moisture accumulate. A thorough cleaning of your home, especially in places where cockroaches hide, is key to eliminating them.

Cleaning tips to reduce cockroach hiding spots:

Focus on common hiding places:
- Clean behind appliances like the refrigerator, stove, and microwave.
- Clean inside cabinets, especially under sinks.
- Sweep and mop areas where food is often prepared or consumed.
Take out the trash regularly and ensure that bins have tightly fitted lids.
Vacuum floors, corners, and cracks in walls to remove any food crumbs or cockroach eggs.

A clean home is less likely to attract cockroaches and makes it easier to spot and address an infestation.

4. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Cockroaches can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps in doors, windows, walls, and floors. Sealing these entry points will help reduce the number of cockroaches coming into your home.

Steps to seal entry points:

Entry Point	How to Seal It
Doors and Windows	Use weatherstripping or caulk to close gaps around doors and windows.
Cracks in Walls	Seal cracks or holes in walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
Pipes and Vents	Use caulk or foam sealant around pipes, vents, and utility openings.

By sealing entry points, you reduce the chances of more cockroaches entering your home and make it harder for them to hide.

5. Use Cockroach Traps and Baits

Cockroach traps and baits are effective tools for controlling cockroach populations. These devices can attract cockroaches and kill them, reducing the overall number of pests in your home.

Different types of cockroach traps and baits:

Trap/Bait Type	How It Works
Sticky Traps	These traps capture cockroaches as they walk across the sticky surface.
Bait Stations	Baited with poison, these stations attract cockroaches, which ingest the poison and die.
Gel Baits	Applied in cracks and crevices, cockroaches ingest the gel and die over time.

Traps and baits help monitor and reduce the cockroach population, while also providing insight into the severity of the infestation.

6. Call for Professional Help

If you’ve tried the above steps and are still dealing with a persistent cockroach infestation, it’s time to call the experts. PPestControl specializes in cockroach control and can provide a thorough inspection and tailored treatment plan to eliminate cockroaches from your home.

Quick Checklist: 6 Things to Do When You Find Cockroaches at Home

Identify the type of cockroach.
Eliminate food and water sources.
Clean your home thoroughly.
Seal cracks and gaps to prevent entry.
Use cockroach traps and baits.
Call for professional help if necessary.

Conclusion

Cockroach infestations can spread quickly and cause serious health concerns. By identifying the type of cockroach, eliminating food and water sources, cleaning your home, sealing entry points, and using traps and baits, you can effectively manage and eliminate cockroaches. If the infestation persists or you need expert help, PPestControl is here to assist with professional pest control services.

Call us today at (866) 228-5691 for effective cockroach control services.