Cockroaches are the most common pests in homes. Your house does not need to be filthy for those creatures to show up. They look for the slightest opportunity to invade your space and once they are in they can turn your home upside down. As small as they are, they are capable of doing a lot of harm not only to your items but also to your health. They are known to carry bacteria that cause skin rashes, allergies, food poisoning, and diarrhea. That is why you need to get rid of them before they infest your home since they multiply fast.
If you live in New York and have already spotted a cockroach or two in your home, maybe it is time you reached out to roach exterminator NYC to save yourself unnecessary trouble. You can also deal with roaches by yourself if you believe you have what it takes. Only be ready to work the extra shifts since these creatures can be quite elusive. Below are the five best ways to get rid of cockroaches:
1. Identify the Key Problem Areas
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Cockroaches look for dirt and darkness to feed and breed. For you to win the battle against roaches, you will need to identify areas in your home that could be hosting and encouraging these creatures. Use a flashlight to see behind the refrigerator, into the furniture and wall crevices as well as under the sink and in closets. Any dark, damp and possibly dirty area is a perfect hideout for cockroaches. Clean up those places and use an effective treatment to get rid of them. You can also use glue strips to trap and eliminate some of them. The most affected areas require more than one method of eradication for effectiveness.
2. Apply Gel Bait
This is a kind of poison that usually comes in a tube. It is usually applied in cracks, under baseboards, and any other areas that cockroaches frequent in the house. After identifying the areas with heavy roach traffic, use this bait to eliminate them in masses. The gel is applied in bait stations to attract as many roaches as possible. Those that feed on the poison go back to their hiding places and die there. The living ones feed on the dead and get poisoned in the process. If you decide to use this gel, then be on the lookout to clear the mess of the dead insects.
3. Use Boric Acid
This is another chemical that is known for effectively killing cockroaches. However, it should be correctly applied for it to serve its purpose without posing as a health hazard. This substance is found in products like toothpaste and clothing detergents. It is made by mixing boron with water to form a substance that is low in toxicity to humans but deadly to cockroaches. When using boric acid, make sure you apply it in a manner that it will not be blown by air currents. If children come into contact with the same, it can be harmful to their health.
4. Close Up Gaps
Cockroaches hide in cracks and crevices and they also use the same gaps to enter your home. Closing up all the possible entrances and hideouts will help you to keep these pests away. You can use caulk to close gaps and prevent further infestation. This should happen simultaneously with the other eradication measures to make the process more effective.
5. Hire Professional Exterminators
Pest control can be a tricky and hectic process especially if you do not have the equipment and chemicals required. In this case, hiring a professional to do the job for you could be your only viable option. Many trained cockroach exterminators will eradicate roaches from your home effectively and faster than you can ever do on your own. They also have the knowledge required to prevent future infestation. Experts will advise you on the preventive measures to take against cockroaches and help you with structural modifications.
Cockroaches make your home environment uncomfortable, unsightly, and unhealthy. Getting rid of them can be an uphill task especially if they have multiplied to a large extent. If you are already dealing with these creatures, the eradication tips above will be of help.