GREENFIELD PARK 
EXTERMINATOR

Keep a Clean Home A clean home is the first and most effective defense against cockroaches. Cockroaches are drawn to food and moisture, and keeping your home spotless removes their food source. Regularly wipe down kitchen countertops, tables, and floors to remove crumbs, spills, and food debris. Clean up grease buildup around stoves and microwaves. Cockroaches are attracted to grease, so keeping these surfaces clean helps reduce their attraction. Don’t forget to clean under and behind appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves. These areas are often neglected but can accumulate crumbs, spills, and grease that attract cockroaches. Always empty trash cans promptly and make sure trash bags are tightly sealed. Cockroaches can feed on food scraps left in garbage cans, so it’s essential to remove the waste frequently.

Remove Standing Water Water is a vital resource for cockroaches, and they’ll seek it out. Reducing water sources in and around your home can help deter them. Repair any leaks in faucets, pipes, or under sinks. Even small leaks can create ideal conditions for cockroaches to thrive. Avoid leaving water standing in sinks, bathtubs, or trays under houseplants. Cockroaches will be attracted to any stagnant water. Keep bathroom floors dry and ventilate bathrooms to reduce humidity levels. Cockroaches prefer areas with high moisture levels, so keeping bathrooms dry is key to preventing infestations. Make sure your laundry room, basement, or any damp areas are properly ventilated to eliminate excess moisture.

Store Food Properly Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders, and they’ll take advantage of any exposed food. Storing food properly and keeping it out of reach is essential to prevent attracting cockroaches. Store all food in airtight containers to prevent cockroaches from accessing it. This includes not only packaged food but also pet food and dry goods like flour, rice, and sugar. Never leave food out overnight, especially in the kitchen. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so they tend to forage for food when it’s dark. Clean up any crumbs or food spills immediately after eating, particularly in the kitchen and dining areas. Even the smallest food remnants can attract cockroaches.

Regularly Inspect Your Home Routine inspections can help you catch a cockroach problem before it becomes severe. Look for early signs of infestation and take action promptly. Check for cockroach droppings, which look like small, dark specks (similar to pepper or coffee grounds). These droppings often appear near food sources or in areas where cockroaches like to hide. Look for egg casings (oothecae), which are usually brown, oval-shaped, and about the size of a rice grain. These are often found in dark, hidden places such as under sinks, behind furniture, or in cracks in the walls. Dead cockroaches may be found behind appliances, inside cabinets, or in other hidden areas where they’ve crawled to die. Finding a few dead cockroaches is a clear sign of an infestation, and you should take action immediately.

Call a Professional If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation or notice signs of one, it’s crucial to call a pest control professional. Cockroaches are difficult to eliminate without the right tools and expertise, and a professional can help you manage and eliminate the infestation quickly. Pest control professionals have access to stronger treatments and can apply them more effectively than over-the-counter products. Early intervention is key to preventing an infestation from spreading. A professional can also offer advice on preventing future infestations and provide long-term solutions. By following these preventive measures, you can make your home much less attractive to cockroaches and reduce the risk of an infestation. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and eliminating food and water sources will significantly reduce the chances of these pests entering your home.