How To Control Cockroaches Without Harsh Chemicals

Spotting a sneaky cockroach in the home is an irritating and unsettling experience. However long you might have spent keeping your house clean and tidy, an unwanted guest can easily still find its way in. Understandably, many people are reluctant to use potentially harmful pesticides, especially if young children are in the house, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with the unsightly insects.

So, how can you get rid of cockroaches without using harsh chemicals? It’s easier than you might think with these tips

The first step to getting rid of cockroaches is to establish whether or not you have an infestation. The first and most obvious sign is if you spot the cockroaches themselves – this is most likely to happen at night because they are nocturnal.

German cockroaches, which are brown with wings, are usually the most common in the household, as they are less dependent on having a water source. You may also spot the American cockroach, which is a more reddish-brown in colour in your bathroom or kitchen. The oriental cockroach is dark brown in colour and can withstand lower temperatures, so you may even see it at cooler times of the year.

Other signs of a cockroach infestation include brown dustings of droppings, or you might notice a musty smell if an infestation is particularly well established.

Cockroach control – how to avoid infestations

Knowing how to avoid a cockroach infestation is important because the insects are not only unsightly, but they also spread nasty germs that can aggravate allergies or cause stomach upsets. Follow these steps for straightforward cockroach control.

Cockroaches spread germs, so keep the surfaces pristine using a bleach-based cleaner like Domex . It offers the best chance of removing any bacteria that they have left behind and will help deter them from coming back in the future.

1) Tip 1

Store any food in sealed containers or plastic bags.

2) Tip 2

Clean the surfaces thoroughly with a bleach-based cleaner, like Domex. This will remove any tempting crumbs and also disinfect any germs left behind by the cockroaches.

3) Tip 3

Clean all the food waste straight away, and make sure the dishes are washed straight after the use – don’t leave them sitting in the kitchen overnight.

4) Tip 4

Dispose of soiled nappies and wash dirty clothing as soon possible.

5) Tip 5

Seal the gaps or cracks in walls or around skirting boards, as this is where cockroaches are likely to hide during the day. This is particularly good for German cockroach control, as they are more likely to live beyond the kitchen or bathroom.

6) Tip 6

Keep in the areas where food is prepared, like the oven or toaster free of remnants of food or grease by using a tough cleaner like Cif

7) Tip 7

Keep the waste in sealed bins, preferably keep some distance outside the door.

How to get rid of Cockroaches

Don’t worry if cockroaches have found their way into your house, despite your best cleaning efforts. Unless your infestation is severe, there’s no need to use pesticides just yet – all you need to do is lure them into a trap. Simply fill a tall glass jar with water and add some tempting chopped banana or coffee grounds for cockroach control that is safe, convenient and chemical-free. The greedy cockroaches won’t be able to resist going for a closer sniff, but once they’re in, they won’t be able to escape.

Cockroach control and getting rid of cockroaches is all about keeping your house as clean as you can – they won’t be keen on staying if there’s no food to eat!

Key Steps:

• Keep the surfaces clean at all times.

• Don’t feed the cockroaches! Always keep the food and bins covered.

• Seal all the entry points and hiding places.

• Use a safe chemical-free trap to get rid of cockroaches.