There’s a reason why, when making reference to a person or item that’s seemingly invincible or very hard to get rid of, cockroaches are often the chosen comparison point. These are some of the most resilient insects on the planet, often able to live through situations most others would be killed off by — but at the same time, pest control pros have reliable solutions available if you’re experiencing a cockroach infestation.
At A-1 Exterminators, our pest control services include full-service insect control for numerous species, including cockroaches and many others. On top of helping prevent cockroach infestations, we’ll also help you learn a bit about the cockroach — why it’s so resilient and hard to kill, but also how to stop it from ever becoming an issue on your property. Here’s a basic primer.
Why Cockroaches Are So Hard to Kill
So why are cockroaches so much more resilient and difficult to kill than most other insects? The answer lies in several pieces of evolutionarily advantageous anatomy and physiology. Cockroaches have a tough exoskeleton, which not only protects them from being injured but also means they don’t lose water as quickly as many other insects — meaning they can go for longer periods of time without food or water.
Additionally, cockroaches are scavengers and can eat just about anything, from rotting food to soap to human hair. They’re also nocturnal, meaning they’re more active at night when most people are asleep and less likely to see them. This helps them evade predators and survive in harsh environments.
On top of these realities, cockroaches are incredibly talented at hiding themselves and squeezing into nearly any nook or cranny they can find. You can have a full-on cockroach infestation taking place without even realizing it.
Finally, cockroaches reproduce very quickly, often laying eggs every few weeks. A small population of cockroaches can quickly explode into a much larger one in no time.
Now, this doesn’t mean home and building owners are helpless with regard to cockroaches. In fact, there are several simple methods you can use to prevent or remove them if they’re a concern, which we’ll go over in our subsequent sections.
Tips for Keeping Cockroaches Away
The simplest method for avoiding the complications of a cockroach infestation, or having to deal with this pesky insect that just won’t seem to ever die: Don’t let it in your home or building in the first place. There are several basic prevention methods that will ward off cockroaches (and many other pest types, as well), including:
- Sealing and reinforcing your structure: Cockroaches are very good at finding and exploiting tiny openings in your home or building’s exterior, so make sure it’s well sealed and there are no cracks or crevices for them to get in. Beware that cockroaches can squeeze into openings even just a few inches wide. You should be sealing cracks around any part of the home’s exterior, plus closing gaps under doors, screening or sealing drain lines, ensuring that stovetops are well sealed, etc. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there are no water sources available for the cockroaches — check your home’s foundation and other exterior elements to ensure there’s no water leak potential, including from sprinkler systems.
- Proper food storage: Like many other insects, cockroaches are often entering your structure in a search for food — so the best way to avoid them is to eliminate food sources. Make sure all of your food is properly stored, including grain products, dried goods and anything edible you might have around your home or building’s exterior. If you have pets, be sure you pick up their dishes every night after meal time, placing them on higher ground or in a sealed container if possible.
- Proper trash storage: Along similar lines as what was mentioned previously, cockroaches are also often entering our homes in search of food scraps or garbage. Make sure you’re taking out your trash on a regular basis and that it’s properly sealed in a can or dumpster. If you have a compost bin, make sure to keep it clean and free of food scraps.
- Regular cleaning: Finally, simply taking part in regular cleaning and organization can go a long way in preventing a cockroach infestation. Make sure your home or building is always clean and organized, without clutter laying around to serve as a hiding place for these pests. Remove stacks of newspapers, magazines or paper, as they’re both hiding spots and food sources. Vacuum and sweep regularly, and mop any floors that may be attractants (including kitchens and bathrooms). In addition, spend at least some time on your lesser-travelled areas — these may seem less important, but they can build up enough dust and other debris to serve as a cockroach attractant.
DIY Cockroach Removal Methods
For very minor cockroach issues, you may consider one of a few simple removal methods:
- Insecticide usage: If you’re dealing with a small or light infestation (or even just one roach), you can try an over-the-counter insecticide spray. Most of the time, these should be targeted at specific types of cockroaches — however, in some cases they may work on all varieties.
- Glue traps: These traps work by using a sticky adhesive to trap the cockroach, which will eventually die. You can purchase these traps at most stores that sell pest-control supplies.
However, if you have any significant or ongoing cockroach issues, we strongly recommend contacting our pros for advanced extermination services. We’ll provide quality long-term solutions that will prevent this sort of issue from cropping up again.
For more on cockroaches and why they’re so resilient, plus how they can be avoided, speak to the staff at A-1 Exterminators today.
