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My skin is crawling just thinking about them. By them, I mean cockroaches, the nighttime-loving insects that can really leave one wondering if they even saw anything because of how quickly and quietly they can disappear when exposed.
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Not only do their tendencies make it tough to detect when they have invaded a space, but they are super low maintenance making it even tougher to evict them once observed. According to Orkin Canada, “Cockroaches are highly adaptable and can live wherever enough food, moisture, and heat exist to support them.”
That being said, where there is a will, there is a way, so check out the way to get rid of cockroaches below.
How to get rid of cockroaches
The first course of action when it comes to cockroaches is to eliminate any current ones lurking in your home. This can be done using various products and or traps. Some of the most popular options that are highly effective and natural include diatomaceous earth and or boric acid.
With both options:
- Apply a small, thin layer of the powder (not too much or the insects may avoid the substances) and wipe away any residue. Focus on corners, crevices, under sinks, behind cabinets and any other hard-to-reach areas where the roaches are likely to breed.
- You can also apply some of the powders to entrances of your space (or any area where the cockroaches can enter from).
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In addition to these options, there are also numerous not-so-natural options, which can be used in conjunction to double up or on their own to get the job done.
The sticky trap
The bait trap
The spray
Clean, Clean, Clean
Just like with any other pest removal efforts, the key is to clean infested spaces as thoroughly as possible to rid of all traces of the pest and ensure they don’t make a comeback. This includes cockroach casts and feces, which will require some substantial cleaning. While cleaning, make note of any gaps and or cracks in the walls and seal them up to make sure the roaches don’t find a way back in.
Maintenance and prevention
Now that all of the roaches should be gone, this is not the time to get too comfortable. To ensure cockroaches or any of their creepy crawly friends, don’t return, make sure to maintain the space.
- Keep things clean
- Repair any cracks, torn screens, gaps, holes or any areas that insects can come in through
- Store food out of reach
- Pay attention to any extra moisture and or standing water
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