what keeps cockroaches away
You would think that creepy, crawly cockroaches wouldn’t stand a chance in today’s world. After all, we have smartphones, tablets, laptops and other high-tech gadgets that are way more advanced than anything the roach could ever dream of. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for the cockroach species, they have instincts from millions of years ago when their ancestors thrived in the darkness under leaves and logs. They know to avoid light, stay away from humans and dodge any fast-moving objects that might be able to catch them. Cockroaches thrive in humid environments with plenty of food and little exposure to sunlight. They’re most commonly found in places where there is limited airflow like basements or crawlspaces. If you want to keep these pests out of your home completely, read on for some helpful tips to get rid of cockroaches once and for all!
Ban the Darkness
Cockroaches thrive in humid environments with little airflow and plenty of food. The first thing to do if you find that you have roaches in your home is to eliminate the darkness. Vacuum and clean your floors regularly, especially under appliances and cabinets. Make sure you do this often enough and thoroughly enough that no crumbs are left behind to feed any potential roaches. Next, increase airflow in your home. Plug up your furnace ducts and use fans to circulate the air in each room. Try installing exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom if you don’t already have them. Open windows in every room of your house whenever possible. This will allow sunlight to shine in and also allow fresh, clean air to flow through your home.
Dry Up the Humidity
Cockroaches thrive in humid environments with little airflow and plenty of food. The next thing to do if you have a roach problem is to dry out your home. To do this, you can use a dehumidifier in areas where the humidity is high. You can also open windows to let the air flow more freely through your home. Make sure you close them again at night, though! If you want to use nature to your advantage, consider planting some cacti or succulent plants in your home. These plants are known for their ability to dry up the air around them.
Seal Up Your Home
Cockroaches can squeeze through impossibly small cracks and crevices. Take care to make sure that every possible entry point for roaches is sealed up tight. Regularly check around your home for gaps or cracks that might let roaches in. Pay special attention to the following areas: – Behind your refrigerator – Behind your stove – Behind your washer and dryer – Around your water heater – Around your toilet – Behind your walls – Behind your sink’s plumbing – Behind your furnace ducts – Behind your furnace – Behind your air conditioner If you find any cracks, seal them up with a putty knife and some silicone caulk. Be thorough! You don’t want any roaches getting into your home through the tiniest of cracks.
Use Natural Roach Deterrents
You can also try to ward off roaches with natural deterrents, like peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, eucalyptus, bay leaves and lavender. You can also use boric acid, which roaches ingest when they walk through it. Place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in cabinets or drawers where roaches might be hiding. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around your baseboards or near your furnace. Leave the bay leaves in a pot or bowl with a bit of water in the bottom. An eucalyptus sprig can be placed in a pot of water on your stove. You can also try to repel roaches with sound. Cockroaches are very sensitive to sound, so try playing white noise or soft music.
Try Non-toxic Chemicals
Some non-toxic chemicals can be used to kill cockroaches, but they are not guaranteed to work. You should use these in a very well-ventilated area, and make sure you wear gloves while applying them. Citrus oil and borax are a couple of non-toxic roach killers that you can use in your home. You can also try diatomaceous earth if you have a large roach problem. Make sure to regularly clean your kitchen and keep your sink and appliances clean to prevent attracting roaches. Place cayenne pepper or citrus oil traps near your baseboards or in your cabinets. Make sure to change the traps regularly and make sure your pets or children don’t accidentally consume them!
Conclusion
Cockroaches are one of the most common pests that people have to deal with. However, with proper hygiene and sanitation practices, it is possible to keep them at bay. The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. If you take the necessary precautions to seal up your home, reduce the humidity and increase airflow, you can avoid a roach infestation all together.
what keeps cockroaches away
