Talking with a dear friend at church earlier this week, the subject of roaches (cockroaches) trying to get into our homes as the winter approaches became our topic of discussion. Perhaps few pests bring as much disdain as these! I think even termites receive more love than roaches.
And that’s not without just cause. Cockroaches carry diseases that can cause food poisoning or diarrhea. Their saliva, feces, and cast skins can irritate allergies and asthma in people, especially children. From restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, offices, and any building with food-handling areas, roaches can be major pests. In addition to disease and, they secrete a substance that stains surfaces and produce irritating odors.
Some of the more common ‘roaches’ in our area include the German cockroach, a Smokey-brown cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. There are more variants and a new one to the list is a Turkestan cockroach, scientifically known as Blatta lateralis.
During extreme temperatures, all manner of insects (including cockroaches) try to find a more comfortable environment, preferably one where they can also locate food and water. Yes, your home is generally a great place to find food and water.
Thought tempting as your home may be, there are several steps one can take to keep these insects (and others as well) outside your house.
First, keep debris and firewood away from the house. Stacking firewood against the side of your residence provides a “ladder” for roaches and other pests (termites for example to reach above a treated foundation and make an entrance.
Be sure to also prune any trees or shrubs touching or hanging over the house. Again, these overhanging branches might not only damage the roof, but provide a conduit for entry.
Take some time to check and replace weather-stripping around doors and windows as necessary. A quick trip to the hardware store and you’ll be armed with all you need to seal up your house. While you are at it, seal cracks, crevices, and areas of pipe penetration in exterior walls with a recommended sealant.
For brick homes with weep holes, fill that up with a breathable barrier such as steel wool, copper mesh, or screen wire. While it is important for your house to ‘breath’, we can allow the “breathing” to not permit insects to enter.
The obvious first step is to keep your home clean. If you limit access to food and water, roaches cannot survive and reproduce.
Keep all food stored in a refrigerator or in insect-proof containers made of plastic, metal or glass with tight-fitting covers. Do not leave pet food and water out overnight. Wash your dishes, pans and utensils as soon as you are done using them. Remove all food or spilled drinks from countertops, and clean counters, sinks and tables with soapy water.
Vacuum floors and all cracks and crevices to remove debris and food. Take garbage out daily in closed plastic containers. Keep waste containers clean.
Repair any leaky water pipes or faucets.
Recycle cans and bottles on a regular basis. Letting them build up provides just enough residue for roaches to feed upon. Additionally, wash and clean recycling those bins.
Baits are a fantastic next step. Baits can be placed in hidden locations in warm damp rooms, as well as those close to food sources, within the home. For most, you don’t event have to touch the pesticide to put it out.
Boric acid is a pesticide considered by many to be organic. In truth, you will find it categorized as inorganic, because of its chemical make-up. Boric acid does not contain carbon, leading to the chemical category of ‘inorganic.’ However, it is a low toxicity pesticide, and therefore many call it ‘organic.’
Place boric acid in isolated places, such as behind and under refrigerators, stoves and sinks. Do not apply boric acid where children and pets can reach it.
As with any pesticide, there are safety precautions to take. Just because a product is considered ‘organic’ or has low toxicity, it is still a pesticide! In humans, and when ingested in high doses, boric acid can harm the stomach and intestines. It can also irritate the respiratory tract and skin, so be sure to wear gloves and a mask to prevent inhaling the powder.
The final step was probably what many thought should have been first- treat the foundation of the home with a pesticide labeled for exterior home insect control. Some good options include any product with ingredients such as permethrin, cypermethrin or deltamethrin.
Apply pesticides around doors, windows, eaves, and other potential points of entry. Indoor treatments should be directed at potential points of entry as well as corners, cracks and crevices. Follow label directions for dosage, mixing and application methods.
Should your infestation become serious and your efforts do not control them, do not hesitate to contact a professional exterminator.
