How to Get Rid of Cockroaches? 8 Best Ways Explained
Cockroach infestations pose a danger to hygiene, health, and property. The insects are hard to die and will contaminate food, spread germs, and cause allergies, and minor issues will grow into a major infestation within a few days.
Healthy environments can only be maintained if the control of cockroaches is effective. This blog highlights the efficient ways roaches could be eradicated by using self-help tips and professional pest control services. Adopting these techniques will help the owners of premises safeguard their spaces from such seemingly invincible intruders and prevent future attacks.
Common cockroach species
To effectively combat cockroaches, it’s crucial to understand the prevalent species in Australia:
- German cockroach
- Australian cockroach
- Smoky brown cockroach
- Oriental cockroach
- Brown-banded cockroach
- American cockroach
These species differ in their size, how fast they reproduce, and where they like to live. Generally, cockroaches thrive anywhere warm, damp, and near food and water sources. So, they are common in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with high moisture levels in a home.
As they are nocturnal, hiding in very fissures, it’s hard to spot them. Even clean homes can get cockroaches in dishwasher, but messy areas, open food, and too much dampness make it more likely they’ll move in.
How do cockroaches damage your house?
A cockroach infestation can cause severe damage to residential and commercial property. This kind of damage is representative of the necessity of effective control measures. But here are the damages that cockroaches can cause:
- Structural damage: Wallpapers, books, and electric insulating wires can also fall prey to the chewing mouthparts of cockroaches, leading to potential risk for fires.
- Food contamination: The primary danger is that they can spread many types of bacteria associated with their bodies and excretions into food items, thus contaminating them to potentially dangerous levels.
- Damage to clothing: The cockroach potentially feeds on sugars and probably affects many materials that contain carbohydrates also, so they are known to affect articles such as clothing, upholstery, and tapestry materials that are made from organic fibers like cotton and linen.
- Appliance failure: Infestations within such devices cause short circuits and system failures, which lead to costly replacement or repair
- Aesthetic damage: Their feces leave marks and stains on walls, countertops, and furniture
- Loss of property value: Bad cockroach infestations may result in a loss of property value. A terrible infestation can also violate health and safety regulations regarding rental property.
How to get rid of cockroaches: 8 easy ways
Effective cockroach eradication usually involves more than one method applied simultaneously.
1. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and naturally formed from the fossilization of algae. These tiny edges cut into the cockroaches’ exoskeletons to finally dehydrate and kill them.
How to apply?
Sprinkle a thin layer in areas where cockroaches travel, like along baseboards, under appliances, and in cracks and crevices.
Reapply as needed after washing or exposing to moisture.
2. Cockroach baits and traps
Baits include attractants mixed with slow-acting insecticides, whereas traps capture cockroaches without chemicals.
How to apply?
Apply baits or traps where cockroach activity has been observed—under sinks, behind refrigerators, and inside cabinets. Monitor and replace regularly for effectiveness.
3. Cockroach bombs
These devices release an insecticide throughout an enclosed area. While they may be adequate for bad infestations, they require careful preparation and may fail to reach hidden cockroach harbourages.
How do I apply it?
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Cover or remove all food utensils and surfaces.
Leave the premises when applying and after application for the time recommended.
4. Cockroach spray
Residual sprays afford quick and long-lasting control when applied to cockroach harbourages and travel paths.
How to apply?
To be applied in cracks, crevices, and other hiding places of cockroaches.
Use caution when avoiding food preparation surfaces and areas accessible to children and pets.
5. Cockroach repellent
Natural and synthetic repellents: Repellency is the action that deters cockroaches from entering treated areas.
How to apply?
Apply repellents around possible entry points such as doorways, windows, and utility penetrations. Apply again as necessary to maintain effectiveness.
6. Baking soda and sugar
This remedy utilizes the reaction that baking soda has on the cockroach’s digestive system.
How to apply?
Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar. Put the mixture into shallow containers in problem areas where the cockroaches are active. The sugar attracts pests, while the baking soda causes internal distress.
7. Borax and sugar
Like the previous home remedy with baking soda, borax is a stomach poison for cockroaches.
How to apply?
Mix three parts of borax with one part sugar. Spread the mixture in cockroach-infested areas. However, ensure the mix is inaccessible to children and pets.
8. Essential oils
Some essential oils, notably peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, have repellency properties against cockroaches.
How to apply?
- Mix 10-15 drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Apply the solution to surfaces where cockroaches are likely to enter or hide.
- Reapply often, as the effects are usually relatively short-lived.
Also read, How to Get Rid of Spiders?
Get help from professional cockroach services
While DIY methods may work with minor cases, professional pest management is necessary for casual infestations.
OzPest Solutions is a company based in Australia that leads in controlling pests, especially effective cockroach management. Our accredited professionals use state-of-the-art environmentally friendly techniques designed for local conditions.
We provide:
- Detailed property inspection
- Personalized plan for treatment
- Effective eradication
- Follow-up programs
- Professional prevention advice
For professional control of cockroaches in Australia, look no further than OzPest Solutions Maitland. Our holistic approach and local expertise will help keep you in a clean, cockroach-free environment.
