University studies have shown that cockroaches, like the common American cockroach, can skitter across kitchen floors at speeds of up to fifty body lengths per second. If scaled up to the size of an average human adult, cockroaches would be clocked moving at over two hundred miles per hour.
That’s freak-of-nature fast. And little wonder why it can be hard to completely eliminate these nasty pests. Luckily, however, you won’t need to strap on the jet-powered sneakers to prevent or exterminate an American cockroach infestation.
By following these 3 steps, you’ll be able to eradicate a troublesome American cockroach infestation. And in the process, you’ll be preventing these bugs from invading your home once and for all.
American cockroaches tend to live and breed in sewer systems, refuse piles and other dark, humid habitats. But they will move indoors for food, water, and to escape low wintertime temperatures.
- Install weatherproof seals on doors and windows
- Use caulk to seal cracks and holes that lead into the house, especially around water and gas pipes
- Move firewood, lumber and trash cans away from the house
- Remove piles of mulch and other organic refuse that’s piled outside, and drain away any standing water puddles
- Keep areas inside and outside the house free from clutter
- Keep gutters clean and well maintained
Good sanitation is an easy, but critical, aspect for controlling and preventing American cockroach infestations.
- Store food in airtight containers
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule, especially in the kitchen and bathroom
- Dispose of garbage regularly; don’t let full kitchen garbage cans sit overnight
- Promptly repair leaky pipes or hoses, especially those under sinks
- Clean kitchen appliances thoroughly
- Empty pet food containers at night, or place them on the back porch or in a plastic bag.
The insecticide you choose is as important as practicing good sanitation or eliminating pest access. For example, spray insecticides only kill the roaches you see. But what you see is only the tip of the iceberg. An effective cockroach prevention strategy starts by wiping out bugs where they live: at the source. That’s why you should use Combat® Baits and Gels.
- Use Combat® Baits to continuously target and kill cockroaches 24/7
- Use Combat® Gel for difficult-to-reach places as well as to fill small, narrow openings that cockroaches use to enter your home
- Use Combat® Killing Bait Strips for the undersides of garbage can lids, under shelves and along window seals.
Explore the Combat® website for more great tips, advice and helpful information. And visit the Combat® video archive to learn more about Combat® Baits and Gels.
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