Cockroaches are among the most repulsive pests that can be encountered. The mere thought of a cockroach is enough to make one’s skin crawl. One cannot be faulted for hating cockroaches with a vengeance. And the fact that some cockroaches are even capable of flight is horrifying!
In addition to their frightening appearance, cockroaches also spread disease and thrive in the darkest and filthiest areas of your home. Worse still, insects such as cockroaches multiply rapidly and in large numbers. If you leave even a single cockroach behind, the infestation will become uncontrollable. Therefore, the following is a concise guide to cockroaches and effective cockroach control.
WHAT TYPES OF RATCHES ARE MOST COMMON?
Let’s take a quick look at the most commonly found roaches before you start hunting them down.
Rodents from Germany
One of the most prevalent species of cockroaches reproduces rapidly. They are approximately 0.5 inches in length, have two dark stripes running down the middle of their bodies, and are light brown in color. They thrive in temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and inhabit living spaces such as houses and apartment buildings.
Cockroach, Smoky-Brown
The smoky brown cockroach is larger than most cockroaches at 1.5 inches in length, is solid dark brown in color, and has a hard, black exterior. Their wings are also longer than their bodies, and they are typical fliers. Smoky brown cockroaches prefer to hide in moist and damp environments. They are nocturnal creatures attracted to light.
Cockroaches in America
American cockroaches are the longest of all cockroach species, reaching a maximum length of 2 inches. The tips of their legs and wings have a yellowish hue, and they are typically brown or red in color. In contrast to the German cockroach, these cockroaches prefer the outdoors and are therefore not as common in living spaces. Additionally, American cockroaches favor environments with temperatures above 82°F.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches, the stinkiest of the bunch, are frequently found in homes with an abundance of vegetation. They reach a maximum length of 1 inch, are small but spherical, and have black bodies that are glossy and dark. They have wings, but they are unable to fly. They are more prevalent in colder and more humid environments.
Cockroaches with brown banding
The brown-banded cockroach prefers indoor environments, despite being less prevalent than the German cockroach. Male brown-banded cockroaches are golden in color, whereas females are reddish-brown in color. They reach a maximum length of 0.5 inches and have slender bodies. They hide in warmer and drier regions and are quite dangerous, as their egg cases and shed skin can trigger asthma and allergies.
DIY WAYS TO ERADICATE ROACHES
Professional pest control is the simplest and most convenient way to get rid of large numbers of cockroaches. However, there are a number of reasons why you may choose to go the natural route and employ natural do-it-yourself methods to eliminate them. The chemical sprays used for professional pest control can leave a pungent odor that can linger for some time.
If you want to try your hand at eliminating cockroach infestation in your home, home remedies to get rid of roaches in your home.
Bay Leaves
Those who cook at home likely have bay leaves in their pantry. Crush a few bay leaves into powder and then strew the powder in areas where cockroaches are most frequently spotted. The strong aroma of bay leaves repels cockroaches. You should be aware that bay leaves will not kill roaches, but will lure them out of hiding.
Baking Soda And Sugar
Baking soda is one of the most efficient do-it-yourself roach extermination methods. A bowl containing a mixture of baking soda, water, and sugar is all that’s required. Drizzle this homemade solution around common hiding spots. The population of roaches will diminish gradually but surely.
Lemon Juice
Lemons repel cockroaches due to their acidic properties and pungent odor. To eliminate roaches from your home, you could spray a mixture of lemon juice and water on surfaces and crevices. You could even mop surfaces with a towel soaked in lemon juice to make the lemon juice smell stronger.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO KEEP ROACHES AWAY
The following measures will effectively prevent cockroach infestations in your dwellings.
Maintain clean spaces
Roaches emerge from hiding in search of food crumbs, and their typical hunting grounds are dining tables and kitchen countertops. Ensure that no food is left on kitchen counters and that these surfaces are thoroughly cleaned so that there are no crumbs that could attract pests.
Properly store food
Similar to how mosquitoes detect blood, cockroaches can detect food. Ensure that your leftovers are stored in airtight containers, and always cover food-containing vessels. Cockroaches are sure to appear if you leave anything out.
Use Garbage Cans With Lids
Cockroaches prefer moist environments, and garbage cans are their primary target. Use a trash can that can be covered or sealed when throwing away wet waste. If your trash cans are watertight, you will be able to keep roaches at bay.
Properly ventilate living areas
With constant ventilation, even the wettest and most humid areas of your home become dry and sanitized. This eliminates all potential entry points for roaches. If you observe cockroaches in your bathroom, leave the doors open and run an exhaust fan to reduce the humidity.
Examine Your Food And Cookware
Occasionally, you bring roaches into your home inadvertently. Before placing food packets and shopping items in their proper location, dust them to check for roaches. Verify that there are no roaches hiding in clean or unused utensils.
IN CONCLUSION
In the event of a nuclear apocalypse, it is rumored that cockroaches will outlive humans. It is therefore not surprising that eradicating these annoying insects can be so challenging. However, the do-it-yourself and preventative techniques we’ve outlined here have been shown to be effective, foolproof, and cost-efficient means of cockroach eradication. Attempt them and observe the cockroaches flee!
