Cockroach Control

Though it's something no one wants to face, cockroach control can be effective only if the right steps are taken in the right order. Spraying insecticides or laying out baits are never completely effective on their own. It's vitally important to remove the sources of food and water that have drawn the cockroaches in the first place, block their entrance into the home, and then begin to exterminate them with insecticides.

Eliminate Food for Cockroach Control

Cockroaches need a constant supply of food and water in order to survive. This is why they love kitchens so much - countless crumbs and spills along with an all-you-can-drink drain trap. The first step in effective cockroach control is to eliminate as many sources of food and water as possible.

Though they may not have been moved in years, the refrigerator and stove will need to be completely moved. The entire area underneath and behind each appliance will need to be swept and thoroughly washed with hot soapy water. Crumbs collect beneath both of these appliances, and a surprising amount of grease and food spills will likely be found behind the stove. All of this creates a wonderful meal for cockroaches. It can be a good idea to clean under and behind the appliances weekly until the cockroach infestation is eliminated.

Counters and floors should be swept clean of crumbs and food spills multiple times each day. As much as possible, they should be washed with hot soapy water at least once everyday. This will eliminate any unseen food residue that readily attracts cockroaches. Small appliances on the counters should be moved frequently as well since they are just as likely to collect crumbs as the large appliances.

All food items will need to be stored in tightly-sealed containers. Cockroaches can work their way into loosely folded bags, but they won't be able to pry the lid off of a glass or plastic container. If you have pets, it's best to set their food out only at certain times and then to remove the food after they have eaten.

To discourage cockroaches from using your water supply, it's important to fix any leaky faucets or pipes throughout the home. Drain plugs kept in all sink and tub drains will prevent cockroaches from crawling into the drain traps for a drink.

Achieve Cockroach Control by Blocking Their Entry

Once the food and water supply have been eliminated, it's time to stop cockroaches from entering the home in the first place. If windows and doors have any gaps, weather stripping can be installed. Any cracks or crevices around window and door frames, baseboards, or on floors and walls should be caulked with a silicone or similar material.

The holes in floors and walls where pipes and wires pass through may need to be caulked or sealed as well. Large openings may require attaching metal flashing, new wood, or drywall to close them.

The entire house should be carefully checked for any other opening or cracks that may give cockroaches entry. The foundation outside should be checked as well since it may provide entry points near vents or where duct work enters the home.

Insecticides for Total Cockroach Control

With no new cockroaches being attracted to the home, insecticides can be used to kill those that remain. The services of a professional exterminator can be very helpful, even necessary, in completely eradicating all of the cockroaches. Exterminators have access to more potent insecticides than those available in retail stores.

Usually, a pest control professional will use a combination of different cockroach baits to best exterminate these insects. In cabinets, under sinks, and behind appliances, an exterminator can place enclosed bait stations. A gel bait can be applied to any cracks or holes where cockroaches may travel or attempt to exit the home. Outside, an exterminator can use a granular bait that is sprinkled onto the ground around the home's foundation.

All three varieties of cockroach bait work in the same fashion. The bait is a type of food that attracts cockroaches, and it contains a small amount of insecticide that the cockroach eats along with the new 'food.' The cockroach then tells other cockroaches about the food, and they go to ingest the bait as well. The insecticide acts slowly to kill these insects in order to give the largest number possible time to eat some of the bait.

Over time, every cockroach in the home will eat the bait and die. It is very important to keep the bait available until total extermination is achieved, however. If the cockroaches run out of bait, the entire effort may be in vain. A professional exterminator will monitor the cockroach population using traps to ensure that the baits have been placed in the best locations. It may take several weeks or even a few months, depending on the severity of infestation, for all of the cockroaches to be exterminated.