Image courtesy of Junkyardsparkle CCOCockroaches are an issue that can be difficult to deal with. Roaches spread illnesses as they crawl over your dishes and through your food. They can also trigger people who have allergies and asthma. Cockroaches can be difficult to eliminate and it is best to avoid an infestation if possible. Here are five steps you can take to avoid getting cockroaches.
1. Check Packages and Boxes You Bring Into Your Home
Cockroaches can catch a ride into your home through the packages that you bring in from the grocery store or order from the warehouse. You may inadvertently bring some home from work or school in your backpack if you are working in a place that has a serious cockroach infestation. When you receive a package, open it immediately. Do not let it sit in your home, because this gives cockroaches a chance to escape. Take the box outside to the recycling immediately. Check your grocery bags and other bags when you get home and immediately empty them. If you know that there is a roach issue where you are working consider leaving your bag or purse at home.
2. Seal Off Outside Entrances for Cockroaches
Cockroaches will crawl in through the cracks around your windows or doorframes. Caulking the cracks around the windows and adding weather stripping to your door can prevent a number of cockroaches from getting in. In addition, check to make sure that the vents in your attic or home have exclusion barriers that are designed to let air in but keep insects like roaches and termites out. Look at any area where a pipe enters your home. Be sure that the wood around it is in good condition and that there are not cracks or holes that cockroaches can crawl through.
3. Trim Back Overhanging Trees and Bushes
Cockroaches can crawl up trees or bushes and drop onto your roof. There they may find weaknesses in your roof or the vents that lead into your kitchen or bathroom and make their way inside of your home. Trimming back overhanging limbs will help prevent cockroaches and other pests (like mice) from finding a way inside your home. This can make a big difference without too much effort.
4. Protect Your Walls and Home
If you live in an apartment, townhome or condo, you may be facing a bigger battle when it comes to preventing cockroaches. They will move through your shared wall space and can invade your home even if you keep it as clean as possible. There are a few things you can do to protect your home.
Be sure that the electrical covers are installed over all of the outlets.
Install childproof plugs in each outlet.
Repair any holes in the walls that will allow roaches to move into your home.
Seal up cracks between the walls and your cupboards to seal areas where roaches nest.
Keep your bathtub drains closed when you are not using it.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
Keeping your home clean will make a big difference in the number of cockroaches in your home. If you do not provide them with food or water or a place to nest then they will not stay. Cockroaches like clutter. If you can clear off your counters and bookshelves, you will help to reduce the number of places for cockroaches to hide. Doing your dishes as soon as you eat and taking out your trash every evening can also help reduce the chances of having cockroaches. Be sure to only eat in the kitchen.
