When you see a cockroach in your home it can make your stomach sink. Because where there's one, there's bound to be more. Just seeing the little insect skittering across the floor can suddenly make your whole home seem unclean. Then, when you want to get rid of the bug, it seems to perform a vanishing act and disappear into some impossibly small crevice. This makes cockroaches notoriously hard to remove from the home. Powerful insecticides and sticky traps are often required to remove the bugs, and even then it can seem like an impossible task - this is the species of insect that can survive a nuclear explosion, after all.
Cockroach removal
So, what's the easiest way to remove these stubborn bugs from your home? According to the University of California, Berkeley, cockroaches exhibit lightning fast reflexes that allow them to swing around gaps - such as those found under wainscoting - making it seem like they disappear in a flash. You probably won't be able to outrun the insects, so you'll have to take your control method down a different route. Sticky traps are one of the better steps to take against cockroaches, because they limit the spread of harmful poison to one specific location. Other kinds of insecticides might get spread all over your home.
If you must use a dust such as boric acid, it's best to do so around the outside of your home. Just remember to keep your pets and children well away from the area. The University of Pennsylvania recommended using dusts sparingly - too much dust will simply keep the bugs completely away from the area, defeating the purpose of the poison.
Environmental control
As with most pest problems, the best way to keep cockroaches away is to remove any potential sources of food or water. The reason cockroaches are found in bathrooms and kitchens is because these are prime grounds for foraging. Leaky pipes and standing water are perfect for thirsty cockroaches. Plumbing maintenance is a key way to keep cockroaches out of your bathroom.
Keeping your trash cans away from your home and emptying them regularly is another way to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. Always remove trash from your home in a timely manner - especially food waste. Keep your home clean, and the pests will steer clear of it.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
