Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most common pests in the Northeast. Although they are most often an objectionable nuisance with little other consequence, cockroaches can contribute to human health problems. They can contaminate food with excrement and secretions, and are also a leading cause of allergies, athsma and other bronchial disorders in humans.

There are over 4,000 species of these creatures world-wide, but only a handful are commonly found pestering residents of the Northeast. You can easily identify a cockroach by their flat, oval-shaped body, six spiny legs, long antennae and wings that are the same length as their body. Their color varies from yellow-brown to reddish-brown to dark brown, and depending on the species and age, their legth is anywhere between 1/4"-2".

As omnivores, cockroaches eat nearly anything, but are especially drawn to food refuse and residue. Cockroaches mainly feed during the night, and hide in the daylight hours. They are often found to live and hide in dark, damp areas--sewers, crawl spaces, around bathtubs or plumbing, and especially near trash or refuse piles. Cockroaches are active year-round, so even when other pests have slowed for the winter months, they continue to pester. Click here to schedule a free inspection of your home.

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Seal gaps in plumbing, wall outlets and switch plates to prevent cockroaches from migrating into your home, and especially between units in multi-dwelling buildings.

Keep windows and doors closed or screened.

Fill cracks and gaps in foundation or any portion of your building near the ground.

Cover vent pipes on the roof with fiberglass window screen to prevent roaches from entering attics.

Cockroaches often enter homes through dry drain taps. Occasionally run the water in less-used rooms to fill drain taps.

Empty indoor trash containers frequently and keep containers clean inside and out. Closing plastic container liners with twist ties can help prevent cockroaches from being attracted to trash areas.

Store garbage outside in rust-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids and keep dumpster lids closed at all times. Keep the area around outside garbage cans and dumpsters clean and free of debris.

Wash dishes immediately after meals. Unwashed dishes are a major food source for indoor cockroach populations. After washing dishes, empty sink strainers or run the garbage disposal to prevent food build up in the drain.

Store pet food in resealable containers, and clean up after pets immediately after they have finished eating. Do not leave pet food or water out all the time, as cockroaches and other pests are attracted to this constant food source.

Regularly clean areas where people eat and prepare food. Furniture and appliances should be kept clean and free of food particles and grease.

Groceries that have been stored in infested locations before purchase can transport cockroaches into your home. Visibly inspect grocery items for signs of cockroaches before putting them away.

Guests can transport cockroaches from infested areas into your home in packages, book bags, or on themselves. Limit guest access to specific areas of your home and inspect these areas after they have left.

Keep the area under your refrigerator clean and dry, as condensation here is often an attractor to cockroaches. If there is freqent condensation is a problem, place a collection pan under the appliance and empty it frequently. Condensation on pipes elsewhere can be eliminated with insulation.

Cups, glasses, soda cans and other containers with liquid should be cleaned and put away when not in use. These sources of standing water can attract cockroaches. Dispose of bottles and cans in sealed containers. Clean cups and glasses, and invert to dry after use.

Remove clutter from your home, indoor and out. This eliminates harborage and breeding areas from use by cockroaches. It is especially important to keep the kitchen and bathroom areas free from useless debris.

Do not allow standing water to gather outside your home.