How To Get The Roaches Out Of Your Mooresville Home

Do you know that all roaches are not created equal? When it comes to getting roaches to leave your home, your success is somewhat dependent on what species of cockroach you're dealing with. We have several pest species in our Mooresville service area. The species that are less tolerant of dry conditions may be driven out of your home if you take steps to get complete control of moisture sources. Along with this, we also recommend getting control of food sources, which includes impeccable sanitation.

Once you've taken these two steps, you'll need to roll your sleeves up and seal entry points in your exterior. This helps to prevent cockroaches from continuing to gain entrance to your home. The last piece of the puzzle is to alter conditions around your home to reduce cockroach activity and limit how many roaches are looking for tiny gaps you may have failed to seal. If you take these steps, it is possible to keep most pest cockroach species out of your home. Let's take a closer look at how and why this works.

Interior Moisture Sources

Some cockroaches, like American cockroaches, have a preference for homes that are high in humidity, or that have plumbing issues. You may know the American cockroach by its other name: waterbug. This is a name given to this species because of its fondness for being near water. The Oriental cockroach is another species that loves moisture.

If one of these, or another moisture-dependant cockroach species finds its way into your Mooresville home, the following tips can make a big difference:

• Fix every leaky faucet and showerhead. A constant leak will not just cause your water bill to go up, it will also create a constant source of moisture for cockroaches to drink.

• Fix weeping pipes. Cockroaches often run along pipes as we might travel along a road. This is because humidity and condensation are associated with pipes. When a very slow leak develops, this is even worse. Cockroaches will congregate in the area of the leak and find an ideal environment to grow a population.

• Fix garbage disposal units. This kind of leak is the worst. The moisture that leaks from a garbage disposal unit will have tiny microorganisms in it. If you use a bucket to catch a very slow leak, you're going to collect a liquid that will smell very good to roaches.

• Use your fan when you take a shower or bath. This will vent the moisture out of your bathroom and cut down on condensation.

• Take showers or baths well before bedtime. Cockroaches come out at night. This will give the moisture on your bathroom walls and shower walls time to dry up.

• Clean sinks before bedtime.

• Install dehumidifiers in areas of your home, such as your basement, where humidity is high.

Food Sources

Cockroaches are highly motivated by food. They want to be where food is available. While you can't necessarily drive a cockroach out of your home by removing all the food, you can stunt population growth, reduce cockroach-related sickness, and motivate roaches to explore outside your home for a bite to eat.

• Protect your food by storing food in sealed containers. Keep in mind that cockroaches can chew through cardboard and paper.

• Protect pet food in sealed containers and only put food down for your pets during the day.

• Don't leave fruit out on display.

• Don't leave food on your counters uncovered.

• Keep your trash receptacles clean and free of odors. Make sure all trash bins have covers.

• Deep clean around appliances, like your oven. This removes hidden food sources.

• Wipe down shelves, clean counters, and be sure to get the space underneath your toaster.

• Consider only eating in your kitchen and dining room. This can prevent food sources from being available throughout your home.

• Clean your bathroom. This may seem strange but cockroaches feed on hair, dead skin cells, and waste.

• Consider storing attic items and storage room items in sealed plastic totes rather than in cardboard boxes. Roaches can take to eating cardboard.

Seal Entry Points

This one is straightforward. Inspect your exterior and seal any gaps, cracks, holes, and recesses. Pay close attention to exterior doors and plumbing.

Cockroach Attractants

When cockroaches come into your yard, there are a few things they're looking to find. Reduce these to reduce roach activity:

• Address broken gutters and make sure there is no debris clogging up the works.

• Trim your landscaping, remove weeds, and keep things as dry as possible.

• Move dead branches, scrap wood, leaves, and other organic debris well away from your exterior.

• Make sure your exterior receptacles are covered and free of strong odors.

• Stay on top of waste clean-up if you have a dog.

Get Added Protection

For an extra layer of protection, or if you don't have the ability to take the steps given above, reach out to Lake Norman Pest Control to learn about residential pest control. Our team can help you control and prevent cockroaches. Connect with us today.