We’ve all been there, you walk into your kitchen late at night, turn on the lights, and what seems like hundreds of creepy crawly roaches scatter to make themselves scarce. This experience of nightmares not only leaves you feeling utterly disgusted but uncomfortable in ways you can’t even imagine.

You can also be left with feeling like there’s no end to them. If this is you, here are a few surefire ways to get rid of cockroaches for good.

1. Identify the Problem Areas

Out of the thousand different cockroach species out there you will most likely run into the German or American ones.

The German ones are light brown with dark parallel strips going down their sides. They will measure less than an inch long. Reddish brown ones are your American ones. They are slightly larger and mostly live outside with the garbage.

Since these little guys can taint your food sources and countertops with various diseases it’s important that you get rid of them quickly. You can identify the problem areas with glue strips and a flashlight.

Use the flashlight to inspect common problem areas like behind the fridge, under the sink, in cabinets and shelves, closet door corners, and other crevices. Once you have identified the areas place glue strips near them.

Monitor the strips for a few days, the ones that catch the most creepy crawlies are your biggest problem areas.

2. Cut Them Off From Food

Just like any other living creature roaches need nourishment to survive. Unfortunately, they can live off just about anything and everything food, debris, even the smallest crumbs.

To start the cleaning process you’re going to need to purge. When we say purge we mean that the forgotten cereal box in the back of the cabinet is a gold mine for them.

Clean up any leftover or spilled food and don’t leave any dishes in the sink or on the counter.

Clean behind cabinets and appliances too. Roaches love to live behind the fridge because it’s nice and warm and nobody ever cleans back there so it’s a buffet for them.

Make sure your garbage has a tight-fitting lid and take it out regularly. When you’re cleaning never skip the bottom of the trash can either. They can be attracted by the leftover gunk.

3. Get Rid of Their Hiding Places

Not only do roaches need food to survive but also a place to crash. They enjoy hiding in cardboard boxes and stacks of paper so recycle any that you have around.

By doing something as simple as cleaning up any excess clutter that you have around the house you can deter them from sticking around or coming back.

4. Put Out Bait But Don’t Spray

Baits are a clean, riskfree way to call war to pests. They are also very simple to apply and use. If you spray pesticides you risk contaminating areas that you would rather not contaminate like countertops. If you spray you also risk bringing harm to the family’s furry friend.

A popular bait option is to use a gel. It usually comes in a tube and can be squeezed under baseboards, and into cracks and crevices. This method is effective but may leave you with a bunch of dead roaches to clean up.

Bait stations are another option. The roach will walk into the station, eat the poison and then go back to where it came from and die. The other roaches will eat it and the poison will be passed on.

They don’t target all the roaches in a home however, they’re also filled with poison and look unappealing when scattered around your home.

5. Use Boric Acid Powder for an Added Effect

Boric acid is a substance commonly found in products like clothing detergent and toothpaste. It is actually a highly effective method to be rid of pests. You can make it by combining boron and water.

Boric acid is low in toxicity to pets and humans but deadly to cockroaches. If used incorrectly though, it can be rendered ineffective and it isn’t recommended to be the sole source in getting rid of roaches.

6. Seal up Entry Points

Roaches can actually flatten themselves and break into your home via cracks or torn window screens. You can seal up these entryways with door sweeps, steel wool, or clear caulk.

We recommend getting down on the floor and looking at potential entryways. If you can see even the slightest bit of sunlight through the cracks that means roaches can get in as well.

Any packages that you bring in or furniture has the potential to pick up a few hitchhikers. To prevent entry fully inspect that Amazon package that’s been sitting on your doorstep all day while you were at work before you bring it in.

7. Hire a Professional if Needed

When all else fails it may be time to bring in the professionals. They are an effective way to provide an ongoing solution to your roach infestation problem. It also fixes the issue of you needing to have traps scattered around your home.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

You need to get rid of cockroaches quickly when they invade your home. Not only are they unpleasant to look at, but they also carry diseases. You need to locate the source of the invasion, cut off their food, put out bait, and seal up any entry points. If this doesn’t work it’s time to bring in the professionals to get rid of the issue once and for all.

If you think that your home may be at risk for a roach infestation or is already showing signs of it contact us to schedule a free inspection.