Got a Roach Problem? Here's What to Do

A telltale sign that roaches are haunting your kitchen at night is the presence of feces. These specks sometimes look like coffee grinds or black pepper in a corner or on a ledge. The waste of other species might resemble mice droppings, or show up as smears on the wall.

Egg sacs are another clue that roaches are lurking nearby. About the size of a Tic-Tac, these brown casings can be found in dark spots near a food and water source.

The first action you should take to get rid of roaches is to stop feeding them. Cockroaches enjoy feasting on scraps in the sink and crumbs on the floor. Clean all food debris and wash dishes after each meal. Transfer open food packaging into airtight containers, and make sure your trash can has a secure lid on top.

Roaches and their droppings can transmit serious diseases, as well as allergens that can trigger asthma attacks. Sanitize all surfaces that come into contact with food, and don't neglect to organize your pantry and cabinets. The fewer spaces roaches can find to hide, the better.

While you're in the process of sealing up cracks and crevices, be sure to check on your plumbing. A leaky faucet or pipe is practically a signal welcoming these pests into your cabinets and darkened corners. Check the traps in sink drains to make sure water isn't collecting in the tubes, and seal any cracks in the pipes that roaches may use as an entry point.

Periodically check on repaired leaks to make sure they haven't reopened.

Boric acid is a very effective insecticide against cockroaches. Available online, and at home improvement and grocery stores, sprinkle a fine layer of the powder into corners or where roaches congregate. You can also mix boric acid with equal parts of sugar and water, leaving the mixture in an open container.

Sticky traps stop roaches in their tracks with very tacky glue. While they aren't effective in controlling the roach population, they are a foolproof way to find out if you have roaches in your home. Simply hide one of these traps in a dark place near a food and water source. Make sure traps and insecticides are inaccessible to pets and children.

Baiting is the safest and most effective method of roach control if done properly. Place several baits near points of entry, and in areas where cockroaches forage. The pests will consume the poison, then return to the nest and die.

Since they are carnivorous creatures, the other roaches will eat its body and also consume the pesticide. Some species, like the Oriental cockroach, are omnivorous and may not take the bait as easily. Replace baits constantly, keeping them out of hot or moist areas.

Insecticide spray comes in handy when cockroaches surprise you — or when you don't want to get too close. Sprays like Raid kill roaches and other pests on contact, but they can leave a poisonous residue behind. Try spraying outdoor concentrates around your home's exterior to control current infestations, and to repel newcomers.

Be careful with fog or pesticide bombs. They aren't as effective, and roaches can develop an immunity to poisons or behave unpredictably as a side effect.

While most roaches enjoy the great outdoors, they will enter your house to escape the elements if they find an opening. Their durable bodies are flat and flexible, making it easy for them to squeeze into tight spaces and invade your home. Seal up any openings around pipes and vents, and caulk gaps around windows and doors.

Roaches can travel through vents in multiunit buildings, so immediately report infestations to landlords or building owners. Don't forget to inspect firewood or packages left outside for stowaways.

Sprays, traps, and baits work well as temporary fixes, but severe cockroach infestations may require an exterminator. This is especially true for species like the German cockroach, which reproduces more quickly than any other kind. With one egg sac producing up to 40 nymphs, finding one means there could be hundreds or even thousands more within your walls. Surprisingly, cockroach eggs are protected from pesticides by their egg casings. Hiring a professional service with recurring treatments helps prevent reinfestation, protecting your home and family from allergens and disease.

Like all forms of life, cockroaches need food and water to survive. Don't be surprised if you notice a wave of roaches during extreme temperatures. You'll find them congregating in dark spots with easy access to food and water, such as kitchen cabinets and pantries. Warmth and humidity are other big draws, so keep an eye out for these crawlers in the bathroom, laundry room, and basement. Some species, like wood cockroaches, prefer woodpiles, garages, and trash cans. Inspect packages and large items before moving them inside.

There are thousands of species of cockroaches in the world, but you will most likely deal with only a handful of them. The German cockroach is the most prevalent species in North America. Dark brown with thin antennae, adults measure about 5/8" long. American cockroaches are reddish-brown and can grow up to 1 1/2" long. Your home could also play host to the Oriental cockroach, a dark brown or black species that prefers a wet habitat. The brown-banded roach prefers drier conditions and will feast on bookbinding glues, soaps, or wallpaper paste.

Physically crushing roaches might seem like a basic approach to pest extermination. However, it's also a direct and effective method. Roaches are resilient creatures that are known to survive in challenging conditions. Swift action to crush and dispose of roaches can end their journey.

It's essential to be thorough and ensure that no roaches escape. After crushing the insects, it's important to clean the area thoroughly. Roaches carry various pathogens — cleaning ensures you're not leaving behind any potential health risks. Of course, you should always use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after disposing of the roach remains in an outside trash container.

You probably have baking soda in your pantry. But did you know that it can be a secret weapon against roaches when combined with sugar? The principle here is simple. The sugar acts as bait, luring the roaches to a central area. The roaches eat the baking soda and sugar together. Baking soda is caustic to roaches, so they die shortly after ingesting the sugar-baking soda mix.

To use this method, mix equal parts baking soda and sugar. Then, sprinkle them in areas where roach activity is high. This is a cost-effective and natural solution that anyone can prepare. Be sure to keep young children and pets away from the mixture as it can cause illness if ingested in large amounts.

The aromatic world of essential oils offers a powerful solution to insect problems. Roaches are sensitive to peppermint and citrus oils in particular. By creating a simple spray solution with a few drops of these essential oils in water, you can deter these pests from invading your spaces.

Regularly spraying in potential entry points or high-activity areas can reduce roach sightings. These sprays leave your home smelling fresh and vibrant. It's a win-win situation: a natural repellent that also enhances the ambiance of your living spaces.

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance that's lethal to roaches. Made up of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, the microscopic edges of diatomaceous earth pierce the roach's protective exoskeleton. Once their exoskeletons have been pierced, roaches lose moisture and essential fats. This eventually leads to dehydration and death.

To use this method, sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where roaches are prevalent. It's important to keep the powder dry as moisture reduces its effectiveness. While diatomaceous earth is a potent roach killer, it's harmless to humans and pets. This makes it an excellent choice for households looking for natural pest control solutions.

While many homeowners opt for DIY methods to tackle roach infestations, there are times when it's important to call in professional help. Exterminators come equipped with specialized tools, treatment solutions, and knowledge that can address the root of the infestation.

Exterminators don't just eliminate the visible problem. They delve deep to identify potential insect entry points and breeding grounds. They can also offer tailored advice on preventing future infestations, ensuring that your home remains roach-free for years to come. Paying for exterminating services might seem costly, but remember that you're investing in a comprehensive professional solution to your roach problem.