Most Florida homeowners agree that they will strive to make our homes cozy, inviting, and clean! But nothing can disrupt that peace faster than spotting a roach running across the floor! If you’ve discovered these unwelcome guests, don’t worry! These are one of the most common pests you could find but with the right approach you can remove them for good! Let’s review what you can do if you spot one of these roaches.
How To Fix A Roach Infestation
Identify the Roach
There are several different cockroaches found throughout Florida, with each having different characteristics that will determine the best way to treat them. Check out the common roaches found in Florida homes:
- German cockroach: These prefer warm, humid spaces and will infest rooms where humans prefer to eat, such as kitchens. They have a light brown body with two dark brown stripes on their back.
- American cockroach: One of the largest roach types, these insects are reddish-brown and have a yellow figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads. You can often find them in environments that are dark and secluded, like basements or sewers.
- Asian cockroach: Like a German roach, these insects have two dark brown stripes on their bike. These roaches typically live outdoors and are strong fliers. Asian roaches will usually find their way inside your home when lights are left on overnight.
Find Their Hideouts
Roaches prefer dark, moist places. If you suspect that you have roaches in your home or have spotted them, you will often find them under the sink, in cabinets, behind furniture, underneath appliances, and in cracks and crevices. Make a note where you have seen live roaches to let your professional pest control technician know to help determine the best plan of action to treat them.
Cut off Their Food and Water Supply
Once roaches find a food and water source, they keep coming back for more! One of the best ways to keep roaches from returning and encourage them to leave is removing any available food and water found on your property by:
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Cleaning up crumbs and spills immediately
- Not leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight
- Taking out the trash on a regular basis
- Fixing leaky faucets or pipes throughout your property
Declutter & Clean Your Home
Clutter provides roaches a place to hide and breed even more roaches! It’s important to remove any unnecessary items that could encourage roaches to nest in your home. Look to declutter your attic, basement, and other storage areas. Get rid of any old cardboard boxes, newspapers, and magazines. Vacuum and dust regularly, especially in corners or hidden spots.
Call a Pro
If you have seen live roaches, it’s best to call a professional Gainesville pest control company near you. These experts have the tools and knowledge to handle severe roach infestations effectively. An experienced technician will be able to identify the roach type, find entry points, and recommend the best treatment and prevention plan to avoid a future roach infestation.