How to Prevent From Getting Cockroaches

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Getting rid of a cockroach infestation can be quite a battle but preventing cockroaches from returning to your home can also be very difficult, especially if you live in an apartment or in other close quarters with other people. Roaches have an amazing ability to survive and are disturbing pests that can carry and transmit diseases. Read on to learn how to prevent from getting cockroaches.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Give your home a thorough cleaning. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum to clean crumbs and other food debris out from in the corners and small spaces between the floors and the baseboard moldings.

Step2

Pull out all appliances and clean behind them to remove any food spills. Cockroaches need a very small amount of food to survive.

Step3

Cover, seal and put away all food when not in use. Put cereal, crackers and other foods that come in bags or boxes into plastic storage containers that seal tightly. Roaches will also eat pet food so it is best to pick up the food when your pet is done eating and wash their dishes thoroughly.

Step4

Wash the table, counter tops and other surfaces after eating. Small crumbs that might not even be visible to the human eye can serve as a welcome meal to a roach.

Step5

Eliminate all sources of standing water. Do not leave dirty dishes soaking in the sink. Insulate all pipes to eliminate condensation under the sink and around the toilet. If you home is particularly moist consider running a dehumidifier. Fix any leaks and drips on your faucets.

Step6

Use a trash can with a lid that fits securely to ensure that roaches can not get into the trash to find food. Take your trash out on a regular basis and do not allow the basket to overflow.

Step7

Seal any holes in the wall or around piping that lead to other apartment units. Caulk cracks in cupboards and put weather stripping under doors.

Tips & Warnings

If you live in an area where cockroaches are a common problem, you might want to spray your home with cockroach killer on a regular basis even if you are not seeing them.
Cockroaches like the dark and will mostly come out when the lights are off. Just because you do not see cockroaches does not mean that they aren't there.