As Salt Lake City homeowners, we know how to deal with adverse conditions. The weather isn’t always as picturesque as what it looks like in the brochure, and we have more than our fair share of wildlife problems. However, apart from squashing them and getting rid of them one at a time, most of us don’t really know how to deal with roach problems on our property. And, unfortunately, most of us don’t realize how dangerous they can be. In this blog, the pros at White Knight Pest Control will go over some key facts about cockroaches, the problems and threats they pose to homes they invade, and what you as a homeowner can do to limit your risk for infestation.
Salt Lake City Home-Invaders
Cockroaches are one of the most common home-invading pests in our area, and they have their strong exoskeletons to thank. You see, these small brown pests have a tough outer shell that is not only strong but extremely flexible, allowing them to squeeze through most of the cracks and crevices around your home. That’s how they can get into our bathrooms, pantries, and kitchens so easily.
Unfortunately, roaches don’t come on to our properties alone. Sure, they’ll bring dozens of their closest friends, but they’ll also bring plenty of dangerous bacteria. In fact, roaches are even more disgusting than they look. Since they typically hang out in places like sewers and landfills searching for food, they’ll pick up a ton of dangerous bacteria.
Once they invade your house, they’ll spread bacteria to your frequently touched surfaces, which includes your meal preparation areas. That’s why a prolonged cockroach infestation puts you at risk for dangerous diseases like salmonella, E.coli, and many other sicknesses that you’d generally want to avoid.
Roach Prevention Done Right
Salt Lake City is a great place to live, and, unfortunately, cockroaches agree. However, Salt Lake City homeowners typically make one big mistake when it comes to roach prevention: they try to combat roach infestations on a case-by-case basis. While it can be very difficult to keep roaches out, you really can do some things to make your home less attractive to roaches. Here are five effective strategies for pest control in Salt Lake City to help get rid of cockroaches:
- Cleaning up the clutter: Roaches love clutter as it provides plenty of places to hide. This includes clutter in the yard like leaves and sticks as well as clutter in low-traffic areas of your home like basements and attics.
- Deep cleaning and regular cleaning habits: A deep clean is a great place to start. You’ll want to focus on those often-forgotten places like under heavy appliances and in the backs of cupboards. Also, you’ll want to clean regularly to reduce crumbs. Since roaches can live off of just a few crumbs per day, wiping off counters and tables, along with vacuuming or mopping, is essential to reducing attraction.
- Food and trash storage: Any food or trash that gets left out is a very attractive food source. Remember, roaches are very flexible and can gain access to loosely secured trash receptacles or food storage containers. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink can also attract roaches quickly.
- Sealing potential entry points: Any small openings around your house can allow roaches easy access, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for these. Weatherstripping under exterior doors is a good start, along with additional caulking around window sills.
- Address moisture issues: Roaches are very attracted to dark, damp environments, so preventing moisture buildup in and around your home is key. Start with good lawn care to ensure that moisture levels out in the yard. Then be sure to monitor your pipes for leaks inside the home and keep an eye on your humidity levels as well.
While all of these suggestions can help reduce your risk, there is no substitute for professional pest control. For guaranteed cockroach control or your money back, contact White Knight Pest Control today.