The mere mention of “cockroach” creates a disgusting image. Most people associate cockroaches with huge, scurrying insects that typically come from the outside. However, the smaller species of cockroaches, especially the German species, cause the majority of the issues and are very difficult to manage.
Small cockroaches, including those known as German and brown-banded cockroaches, are found in buildings.
Their tiny size and rapid breeding cycles allow them to be a perfect fit for exploring every corner of your house and creating large populations, even before you realize you have problems!
Many German Cockroaches manage to enter buildings within cardboard boxes (so make sure you check any boxes coming in!). While they love cardboard boxes, they also want to locate a warm, dry place near food and water. They can take advantage of an array of hiding spots. And even if you don’t find the entire harborage and eliminate all the cockroaches in there and the population increases, the problem will re-emerge.
3-Step Process to Rid Your Home of German Cockroaches
Find The Source of The Infestation
German cockroaches usually establish their homes in kitchens. However, they also like laundries and bathrooms. Here are the most critical areas to search for them.
- Cupboards – Look in the corner and hinges of cabinets. Also, look under and behind kickboards.
- Oven/Grill – between and behind the grill/oven
- Fridge / Freezer in the refrigerator’s back and underneath (in an electric heater)
- Microwave In on the reverse of the microwave
- Dishwasher-underside in the door, on the inside, and within the rear electricals
- Toaster – in the toaster
- TV Inside the TV Yes, on the television!
- Sinks
Brown-banded cockroaches may be found in similar locations, but they are tolerant of dry conditions and are often present in living areas and bedrooms.
Apply The Correct Cockroach Products
Cockroach Gel Baits
Gel baits for cockroaches are the most popular product that pest experts use to tackle German cockroaches or brown-banded cockroaches.
As German areas where cockroaches hide are difficult to locate, small pieces of gel bait spread in the kitchen are the most effective method of controlling them.
There is no need to locate their hiding spots—the Cockroaches will see their way to the food!
Set the baits up in areas where you’ve observed the cockroaches in action or where you know they’re hiding. Place small dots of pea-sized bait at the corners of cabinets and door hinges and underneath the sink, dishwashers, cooker, and refrigerator.
They’ll come out of their hiding places to consume the bait. Due to their design, baits don’t have a fast reaction.
Cockroaches then have an opportunity to return to their hideout and share the bait, eliminating other cockroaches in the area they hide in, resulting in total control over the population.
Take note that the effectiveness of bait depends on how appealing the formula is and the kind of insecticide it has; therefore, different bait will not provide the same results.
Bombs / Foggers
If you’ve got an infested space, a cockroach bomb or fogger is an excellent option. It’s very effective for getting into crevices and crevices. It can also kill insects when they emerge from hiding spots and step on the treated surfaces.
Because of its durability, it prevents re-infestation. Always follow all safety instructions. But, it’s likely to be unable to penetrate every cockroach-friendly area.
Sprays
Sprays can be useful for targeting well-known hiding spots, including corners of cabinets, under appliances, and in other crevices and cracks. Sprays with nozzles that reach into tiny spaces make the job much simpler.
Be Aware Of Accurate Results.
Dusts, sprays, and foams are generally repellent to insects like cockroaches. Since baits are intended to attract cockroaches, they are not recommended to be placed near other insecticides.
One accurate choice is to apply gel bait to the kitchen area and other areas of infestation. Later, should applying a fogger or a targeted spray treatment be necessary in different rooms?
Important Note on Safety / Electrical Equipment
Treating cockroaches in electrical equipment can be a hassle. You do not want to harm the equipment, and there are obvious security concerns when using sprays and liquids in electrical environments. Baits should be your first option in these instances.
For instance, you could put two gel dots in your microwave toaster or kettle.
Prevent The Cockroach Problem Returning
For small cockroaches, the first action is to stop the re-infestation. Examining the boxes that are coming in is an excellent initial step. Putting a routine spray or baiting schedule in place is a smart preventative strategy. But you can take other necessary measures to reduce the appeal of your home to cockroaches.
- Do not set dirty dishes on the counter for the night.
- Clean all food spills (oven and fridge, food storage areas, etc.)
- Do not leave food for your pet out
- Place rubbish in bins that are sealed
- Repair any leaks or zones of water.
- Repair any cracks or holes that could result in an appropriate environment for cockroaches to breed.
