Few insects can prove as pesky as cockroaches. They’re resilient and multiply quickly. While there are over 4,600 varieties, only 30 are known to impact our homes and offices.
Not this year. Fall means cooler temperatures in Tucson, so cockroaches will seek out a warm place to nest. But that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with these unwanted guests. Here are five tips to help keep cockroaches out this fall.
Seal up cracks and crevices.
Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny spaces, so it’s important to seal up any cracks or crevices around your home, both inside and out. Check door jambs, siding, concrete, window trim, and even your screens. Your first barrier of defense is securing entry points.
Keep your home clean.
Cockroaches are naturally attracted to food and water, so one of the best ways to keep them away is to eliminate their food sources. That means regular cleaning, including sweeping and mopping floors; washing dishes; wiping down counters; and taking out the trash. Vacuuming regularly will also help remove crumbs and other debris that cockroaches feast on. So tell Junior to turn off Fortnite and grab a broom! No mess means fewer roaches.
Store food properly.
In addition to cleaning up after meals, it’s important to store food properly so cockroaches can’t get to it. Keep food in sealed containers or in the fridge; don’t leave dirty dishes sitting out; and take out the garbage regularly. Cockroaches can go a month without food. Don’t make it easy on them.
Eliminate moisture.
Cockroaches need water to survive, so eliminating moisture is another way to help keep them away. Fix leaky pipes and fixtures; use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or kitchens; ventilate showers, laundry rooms, and kitchens; and empty pet water dishes regularly.
In addition to taking these steps to eliminate cockroaches’ food, water, and shelter, there are also some preventive measures you can take. Apply door sweeps to all exterior doors; seal gaps around utility lines where they enter your home; install weather-stripping around doors and windows; replace loose mortar in brick homes;and make sure all screens fit tightly over windows and doors. Taking these steps will help keep cockroaches out of your home this fall—and all year long!
Need cockroach pest control this fall? Look no further than GreenShield Pest Control! Give us a call today for a free consultation.