Cockroach infestations are literally impossible to deal with because cockroaches tend to build colonies quickly and can infest a property within a matter of hours.
This is why many experts say that the best way to deal with a roach infestation is to prevent it from happening.
So, if you want to learn how to prevent a cockroach infestation, keep reading because we have written down some helpful tips.
Clean the kitchen countertops
Keeping a clean home and, most importantly, a clean kitchen is the key to keeping cockroaches away.
Like many other pests, they normally search for food and water, and a messy kitchen would be the perfect environment.
Cockroaches can be attracted to even the smallest crumbs or spills left on your countertops, so give them a good wipe before and after the meal preparations.
You should also regularly clean your countertops with soap and water and remove any spills or food so they don’t attract the pesky insects.
Don’t leave dirty dishes
Do not leave dirty dishes overnight as they will attract the roaches.
You probably have heard, they have a keen sense of smell and aren’t particularly picky eaters, so dirty dishes provide an excellent source.
Also, clean your dishes and utensils right after you are finished eating. This means scraping any leftover food into the trash, washing the dishes with hot, soapy water, and cleaning the sink.
Once the dishes are clean, dry them thoroughly, as cockroaches are also attracted to moisture.
Clean the dishwasher
If you are using a dishwasher, make sure that you also clean the machine after you have washed the dishes.
If you leave leftover food in the dishwasher, there is a possibility that cockroaches may be attracted to it.
The same goes if there’s standing water left at the end of each cycle. If that happens often, you might need to thoroughly clean your machine or call a specialist to troubleshoot a fix.
To remove any food odours from the dishwasher, you can wash it with a mixture of water and white vinegar. The scent of the vinegar will cancel out all other odours.
Clean the oven and microwave
Clean the inside of your oven and microwave frequently.
Both of these appliances can accumulate food debris and spills, which can attract cockroaches. The same principle applies to the refrigerator, especially if you have spilt food inside.
Make sure to remove any food debris and spills from the bottom of the oven and the racks and walls. Use any oven cleaner, and let it sit for a bit before wiping it away with a damp cloth. The same thing goes for the microwave as well.
Keep the kitchen cabinets clean
Keeping your kitchen cabinets clean is another essential step in preventing cockroaches from infesting your home.
The little bugs are attracted to food residue, grease, and moisture, which accumulate inside your cabinets over time.
So, start by emptying them out altogether: remove all the dishes, utensils, and other items and place them aside.
Then, wipe the inside of the cabinets, removing any dust, dirt, or food and clean them thoroughly.
Once you have finished cleaning the cabinets, let them dry completely before placing the dishes and other items back inside.
Clean your pet’s bowls
Cleaning up after your pets is also very beneficial in preventing cockroaches from infesting your home.
If you have a dog or a cat at home, cleaning their food and water bowls every night before you go to bed would be a good idea. Otherwise, the little bugs will be attracted to the area, contaminating it with the bacteria and viruses they typically carry.
This can threaten the health of your furry baby, so it’s a good idea to promptly clean up any splits and food waste around the bowls.
Ensure that your furry friend’s belongings are kept clean, and their food is in a well-sealed container.
Remove their water sources
Even though cockroaches can survive without water for more than two weeks, they still need it to service.
Naturally, they will start looking for water sources, and your house can offer just that if you don’t take precautions. Avoid leaving any standing water in your sinks or the bathtub.
Remove moisture from the countertops and keep your kitchen and bathroom clean and dry.
Look for any leaking pipes or faucets too. Cockroaches love living in moist and damp areas, so it’s best to check on the humidity in the house and damp spaces like the basement.
Store the food
Place all non-refrigerated foods, such as pasta, flour, sugar, etc., in glass containers with a hermetic seal.
This helps prevent cockroaches from being attracted to the scent of these foods or gaining access to them. Refrigerated and frozen foods should also be stored properly to prevent pests.
Make sure to keep your refrigerator and freezer clean and free of spills or crumbs, and store food in sealed containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. You should also regularly clean your refrigerator and freezer to remove spills or debris.
Take care of the garbage
Take out your garbage from your kitchen bin outside every night before you go to bed, and keep the outside bins as far away from your house as possible.
It won’t come as a surprise that cockroaches would be attracted to the smell of rotten food, so why give them a reason to come inside your home?
If you want to keep the cockroaches away, make it a habit of taking out the trash regularly.
Call the professionals
If you already have a cockroach infestation, you cannot do much but call and hire professionals who provide cockroach treatment services.
By hiring pest control, you will ensure that all necessary precautions will be taken to eliminate the problem and to keep away the little creepers for good.
This way, you can save yourselves a lot of time and effort and a clean pest-free environment.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, cockroaches are a nuisance, and it is easier to prevent cockroach infestations than it is to deal with them once they happen.
Keeping your kitchen clean and doing simple tasks like taking out the trash, storing your food and regularly doing the dishes can go a long way in preventing cockroaches from entering your home.
And if you find yourself dealing with an infestation, don’t hesitate to call professional pest control services to eliminate the problem and ensure a clean, pest-free environment for you and your family.
