It can be a real challenge to get rid of cockroaches.  They are extremely resilient little creatures that reproduce in huge numbers.  It’s important to do all we can to stop them from settling into our homes as they are known to spread disease and cause allergies and asthma.  So, how can you make your home a hostile environment for these pests?

Cockroaches love dirt, grease and moisture.  One place that can provide ideal conditions is the kitchen.  On a regular basis the kitchen should be cleaned thoroughly.  Areas to include are behind and underneath all appliances, kitchen cabinets and under the sink.  Try to keep the sink dry when not in use.  It’s also a good idea to have a tight lid on the trash can, keep food in tightly sealed storage containers and don’t leave out pet food for too long.  Cockroaches tend to avoid well lit up areas so you might want to think about leaving some lights on at night.

There are other areas of the home that are appealing to cockroaches.  The bathroom is another area which should be thoroughly cleaned and kept as dry as possible.  Check the home for any leaking pipes or dripping taps and, if you notice any, have them fixed immediately.  Try to look for areas that may be entry points for cockroaches and seal them up.

You may find that a cockroach infestation has become too bad to control yourself in which case it’s important to call in a professional pest control expert who will treat the problem for you.  However, in order to keep them under control afterwards, try placing boric acid in areas where you previously observed a lot of activity.