How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

No matter how good a housekeeper you may be, cockroaches might make themselves at home in your home. But how do you rid of the cockroaches once they arrive? The most effictive way is to start smart household practices, like caulking and fixing leaks, and to use trusted products to eliminate the infestation.

There are a number of products available for preventing and treating cockroaches. The most basic would be a cockroach trap. Then there are barriers such as caulking exterior holes or gel products that repel insects. And finally, chemical controls that influence the life cycle of the pest. Homeowners may need to use all three product types together to effectively control your cockroach situation.  Today's pest control products are safe to use indoors around family and pets, so homeowners can trust that they are getting rid of the cockroaches but not harming their household.

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Getting rid of cockroaches can improve your health. Household bugs such as cockroaches carry germs and diseases. The Inner City Asthma Study found that 60 percent of city children are sensitive to cockroach allergens. The resulting asthma causes learning difficulties and limits physical activity. In any home, cockroaches can transmit salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. That's why seeing just one cockroach can pose a danger because they usually bring their friends with them. 

Here are some ways to keep the cockroaches out of your home:

• Caulk around doors and windows and install or replace weather stripping around windows to seal holes and prevent bugs from sneaking in. A young cockroach can get through a space the thickness of a dime, while an adult male can squeeze through a space the thickness of a quarter.
• Prune shrubs and trees to keep them away from the house.
• Routinely treat attics, garages and basements with insecticides or baits to keep cockroaches from coming indoors. Hot Shot [2]® Home Insect Control Clear Formula is a good option because it dries clear and controls cockroaches for nine months.
• Use a bait to attract bugs by mimicking a food or water source. Hot Shot® Ultra Liquid Roach Bait [3]is perfect for under sinks, in basements, in cabinets and behind furniture. 
• Eliminate sources of water and seal all pipes and fix any leaky appliances. A cockroach can survive for up to a month without food but can only live for seven days without water.

Getting rid of cockroaches can be a hassle, but by following these easy steps, you can be sure that cockroaches won't become a problem in your home.