How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the oldest groups of insects because they will pretty much eat anything. They are scavengers, finding and devouring any organic material – decaying or fresh – dried skin, book bindings, hair, glue, leather, beer, cheese, meat, grease, sweets, and starch.

It’s important to remember that even the cleanest homes get these roaches. Also, they eat everything, making them very adaptive to any environment. It’s important to call a professional ASAP, like Suburban Exterminating at (516) or (631) 864-6900.

These insects are attracted to wet and warm environments and can be found in dark, secluded places. In the home, they are most often found under refrigerators, stoves, the bottoms, sides, and backs of cabinets. They can also be found behind pictures and inside electronics.

The German Cockroach (Blattella germanica) is among the most frequently found pests in homes. They prefer dark, wet, and warm places close to food and water.

The American Cockroach (Periplantea Americana) is one of the largest cockroaches found in the Northeast region. They prefer cooler areas and are likely to be found in basements and crawlspaces.

The Brownbanded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa) is often well hidden because it requires less moisture than the other cockroaches. They prefer drier climates and are therefore likely to be found in pantries and closets.

Sanitation of the home is one of the best preventative measures to take to ensure you are not ridden with cockroaches. For example – do not allow dirty dished to stay in the sink overnight, keep food covered at all times (including pet food), remove garbage daily and keep the cans outside sealed, and also check behind stoves and cabinets.

Trapping these pests is difficult because for every one cockroach you see, there could be a hundred that you don’t. However, there are glue traps available that will catch whatever walks through it – including cockroaches. Cockroaches always walk along a vertical and horizontal surface in a straight line (such as where a wall and floor join). Baits, insecticides, and dusts should be places here.

Cockroaches can be dangerous to have around because they are known to carry some diseases – Salmonella, E. coli, food poisoning – as well as irritate allergies and asthma. They can also destroy the fabric and paper of things around the home. Many people opt for physical removal – vacuuming in or crushing the ones that you see.