Cockroaches are found nearly everywhere on earth and in all kinds of habitats. They have lived alongside humans as pests for thousands of years. In the home, they are especially despised because they can spread a variety of diseases, contribute to allergies and asthma, and are unsanitary nuisances. Like all living creatures, they need food, water, and shelter to survive, so the best way to keep them out of your home is to eliminate these things that attract them.
Food
Cockroaches are known for their propensity to eat anything and everything. They are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. In the outdoors, they typically eat insects, vegetables, fruits, and decaying matter. When they have the opportunity to live among humans, they prefer sweets, starches, and greasy foods even more. They are particularly attracted to strong, pungent smells and love finding a snack amidst the rubbish bins. In a food shortage, cockroaches will even start eating non-food items like paper, cardboard, leather, and other items. Since food is a major attraction, keeping your home clean is very important. Store all food in sealed containers, sweep and vacuum often to avoid crumbs, wipe off surfaces after meals, wash dishes promptly, and take out the rubbish daily. Performing these cleaning chores regularly can make a huge difference in the number of cockroaches in your home.
Water
Cockroaches have been known to go several months without food, but they can only go a few days without water. This makes dark, humid areas especially attractive. You will often find cockroaches in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, under sinks, and in basements where there is a regular supply of water. If you want to get rid of these environments, it is important to eliminate excess moisture. Do this by fixing leaky pipes or faucets, cleaning out gutters to avoid clogs, landscaping to ensure that rain and water runs away from your home, and using a dehumidifier in your home if necessary.
Shelter
Cockroaches are rarely seen during the day because they are nocturnal. This is why flipping on a light in the middle of the night may result in a scurrying of roaches that you didn’t know were there. Cockroaches spend most of the day hiding. The more hiding places there are, the easier it is for roaches to live undisturbed in your home. Solve this problem by eliminating clutter around your home. Get rid of piles of paper, cardboard, clothing, and other debris. It is also advisable to seal the exterior of your home to keep them from entering. Use caulk to seal small cracks and gasp, check your screens to make sure there are no holes, and replace any weather stripping that might be damaged around doors or windows.
Sunshine Coast Cockroach Control
If you live along the Sunshine Coast and need help preventing cockroaches or controlling a current infestation, Radar Pest Control can help. Our experienced technicians will assess your property and determine the best method of treatment to get rid of the roaches. Our treatments are both safe and effective. For pest control in Buderim, contact Radar Pest Control today.