Cockroaches are known to be some of the best survivors and there are some who believe they can even survive a nuclear attack. With their swaying whiskers or antennae, hairy legs and ability to crawl or fly into any home, these pests are not only despised for their frightening looks but can also spread several diseases once they establish their presence in any home.
- Cockroaches love moist and unclean areas. However, they can also invade your home even if you keep it clean since they know that they will ultimately be able to locate uneaten food along with water. They tend to reside in or around the kitchen since it offers them a good source of food and water. Kitchens also offer good hiding places and they will seek out tiny spaces behind kitchen cabinets, under kitchen sinks, etc from where they can forage out for refreshments when you and your loved ones are asleep. Chances are that you will certainly be shocked about their presence when you switch on your kitchen light late at night for a glass of water or a quick bite.
- There are several species of cockroaches that attack most homes, each one even more ugly-looking than the other. One of the largest species is the American cockroach, which is mostly found in warmer climates and can grow up to 5 cm in length. Another species that is extremely common in most homes is the German cockroach, which is quite small in size as compared to the American cockroach and has dark-brown lines on its wings and on its head. This species is usually found wherever there is food and can quickly overwhelm your kitchen as it multiplies very fast. Another species that specializes in walking right into your home from sewers is the Oriental cockroach that is darker in color than other species and also has a bad odor. There are several other species and their looks and sizes vary according to their geographical locations. For example there are Madagascar hissing cockroaches that are actually kept as pets by some people even as they are feared and loathed by others due to the hissing sound they emit and their huge girth.
- However, most cockroaches are not only pests that multiply fast but they can also harbor and spread dangerous diseases as well. If you observe cockroaches in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, attic or basement then you should take immediate action since their numbers will only increase in the coming weeks. The most common form of counter attack is an insecticide spray that can be sprayed in all the affected areas. However, since these sprays are poisonous, you will need to ensure that they are sprayed well away from food, and do not come in contact with skin, children and pets.
- You can also use powders such as boric acid either in powdered form or add it to sweet and sticky food to attract cockroaches to it. Again, keeping it away from small children and pets should be a priority. Boric acid works slowly but is one of the best methods in eliminating all species of cockroaches from your home. There are certain organic chemicals that also help to a certain degree. However, if all your methods fail then a call to your local pest exterminator should do the trick.
- It would be best if you sealed all tiny spaces in your home with caulk or any other appropriate sealant. Cockroaches love damp and dark places with open food and water nearby, so eliminating all these conditions will help in deterring them. A regular checkup of your house along with a spraying session before you and your family leave for a long weekend should enable you to remain free of this unwanted menace.
