How to Prevent Roaches in a House

Roaches are best controlled by keeping them out of your home in the first place.

Nobody likes to see roaches crawling across his floor. Spraying poisons around your home to kill off the pests can create its own set of problems. The best solution is to be proactive and to prevent roaches from getting into your home in the first place. Discourage their entry with good sanitation, and block their typical access routes. Eliminating the conditions they prefer will discourage them from setting up residence in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk and caulk gun
• Masonry cement
• Silicone sealant
• Duct tape
• Foam insulation spray
• Fiberglass window screen

Instructions

Block Entry

1. Inspect your baseboards, doorways, and windows both inside and out, looking for cracks and broken seals that will allow roaches to enter. Adult cockroaches need only 1.6 millimeters of space to enter, so even a tiny gap can be significant.

2. Seal external entryways with external-grade silicone caulk around wood and masonry cement patches.

3. Replace or repair damaged window screens.

4. Tighten switch plates, and seal cracks along plumbing lines, duct work, and electrical conduit using duct tape, foam insulation spray, or silicone where possible.

5. Put fiberglass window screen over vent pipes. You can secure it with duct tape by folding the excess screen over the pipe and wrapping the tape around both the screen and part of the pipe to make sure it adheres.

6. Run water in all sinks and bathtubs so that water flushes out the drains on a regular basis.

7. Since roaches are attracted to food, regularly inspect food containers and bags that come into your home, including lunch boxes and grocery bags.

Eliminate Favorable Conditions

1. Remove clutter both inside and around your home, and store firewood and trash away from your home.

2. Maintain a clean home environment, especially in your kitchen, by washing dishes after meals, removing cooking grease, frequently emptying trash cans, and cleaning floors and food storage areas. Keep sink traps and garbage disposals clean as well with regular rinsing.

3. Check plumbing lines for gaps, cracks, and leaks, and have faulty lines properly repaired.

4. Feed pets at the same time every day, and don't allow pet food to sit uneaten for long periods of time.

5. Remove sources of standing water or excess moisture in and around your home, and don't leave open cups or containers lying around with liquid in them overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Roaches like it dark, moist, and dirty. If you keep your home clean and light and use a dehumidifier in damp areas, that's usually enough to discourage them from coming in.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension Solutions for Your Life: Least Toxic Methods of Cockroach Control