How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your House

The presence of cockroaches in homes can cause unsanitary conditions and pose a health risk. The best way to get rid of cockroaches permanently is to repel and prevent them from returning. The reason is as simple as it can get: cockroaches carry and spread diseases and they look repulsive.

Cockroaches carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can contaminate food and surfaces.  Their droppings, shed skins, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms.

This how-to get rid of roaches in the house guide covers the best cockroach control methods, natural and chemical solutions, and when to seek professional cockroach pest control services.

Signs You Have Cockroaches

Identifying a cockroach infestation early is crucial. Common signs of house cockroaches include small, dark droppings resembling ground coffee or black pepper. Also, in cupboards you can find brown, oval-shaped capsules containing cockroaches eggs. Seeing roaches during the day is a sure sign of an active infestation. There is an unpleasant musty smell throughout your home when an infestation is severe.

It is also possible to find dead cockroaches in areas where they hide. However, dead roaches aren’t a sign the infestation has ended. Cockroaches reproduce quickly, making it difficult to control an infestation without professional treatment.

Are Cockroaches Common in the UK?

Cockroaches are a very common type of pest in the UK, especially the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis).  These pests thrive in residential properties, restaurants, hotels, and commercial premises where food and moisture are readily available.

The abundance of food and shelter in densely populated cities makes them ideal places for cockroaches to thrive. Kitchens, storage areas, and waste disposal sites are perfect for roach infestations. Homes with central heating, basements, and poorly ventilated spaces attract cockroaches. Oriental cockroaches are known for breeding in drainage systems and can enter properties through pipes.

How to Inspect a Home for Cockroaches

The most common hiding places for cockroaches are kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, basements, behind appliances, and storage areas. You can find house cockroaches in dark corners and crevices. Look for droppings, egg casings, and shed skins.

Use a flash light and shine light under kitchen appliances, sinks, and cabinets to spot hidden cockroaches. Check near warmth places as behind the fridge and beneath the cooker;

Roaches are nocturnal, so checking at night increases the likelihood of detecting them.

Safe Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches Naturally

Natural methods provide a safe and eco-friendly way to eliminate cockroaches without resorting to harsh chemicals. To control and get rid of cockroaches in your house you can:

• Install sticky cockroach traps – This method helps if you only noticed 1-2 cockroaches strolling around your kitchen. In fact, this is one of the ways that exterminators use to determine the level of infestation. Cockroaches traps wont eliminate severe roach infestation, however. Cockroaches make sure to hide their eggs away from human sight, meaning that baby roaches will continue to emerge.
• Get bait stations – For effective poisoning of the cockroach colony, place a high-quality gel bait near the infested areas. A bit on the expensive side, but one of the most effective ways of cockroach control. A disadvantage is that they can be harmful to pets and children, so make sure they are out of their reach.
• Insecticidal sprays don’t work – There is just one word for this tactic – Useless. As highly advertised as they are, cockroach killer insecticidal sprays don’t do any work. Yes, they can kill 1-2 cockroaches, but that’s it. As far as you know, millions of roaches and their eggs could be hiding in your walls, and a spray bottle won’t scare them, let alone kill them.
• Natural remedies for cockroach extermination – Diatomaceous Earth kills roaches by dehydrating them. Boric acid is highly effective cockroach poison when mixed with sugar. Baking soda and sugar creates a lethal reaction when ingested. Stir up all the ingredients and apply the mixture to the areas with roach activity: under sinks and ranges, behind refrigerators, in cabinets and closets.  Roaches will march through it, ingest it, and die.
• Seal roach entry points – Block gaps, cracks, and drains to prevent re-infestation.
• Eliminate food and water Sources – Fix leaks, and store food in airtight containers.
• Keep your house clean – A clean environment is the first step in deterring cockroaches. Remove cardboard boxes, newspapers, and other clutter where cockroaches hide.
• Bay leaves – Place dried bay leaves in kitchen cabinets and near entry points. The strong scent repels cockroaches.

In severe infestations, DIY methods may not be enough. A cockroach exterminator provides expert treatments for severe infestations to ensure complete eradication of house roaches.

What Are Cockroaches Resistant To?

Cockroaches have developed resistance to many chemical insecticides, including Hydramethylnon, Fipronil, and carbamates. Over time, exposure to these substances has led to genetic adaptations, allowing them to survive treatments that were once effective.

Due to their exoskeletons, cockroaches are resistant to physical damage and can withstand significant pressure. They can also regenerate lost limbs over time. The cockroach can survive without food for up to a month, and without water for about a week. A metabolic slowdown helps them endure times of scarcity.

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid of Roaches?

The time it takes to get rid of roaches depends on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the methods used, and the environment. On average, eradicating a roach infestation can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

First, the infestation is identified and targeted treatments such as insecticides, baits, or traps are applied. There may be a reduction in the roach population during this period as they consume poisoned bait or are eliminated by sprays.

Follow-up treatments are important after the initial roach treatment. It involves replacing baits, reapplying insecticides, or using residual products that continue to work. During this time, new generations may emerge from eggs after cockroaches consume enough bait to die.

If the infestation is severe, complete cockroach control can take 1-3 months. The number of cockroaches that survive and reproduce quickly can lead to re-infestation within a short period of time. To prevent future problems, it is crucial to destroy all eggs and treat all hiding spots.

Tips for Cockroach Prevention

Effective cockroach prevention involves eliminating food, water, and shelter sources while sealing entry points. Here are some tips to help you prevent cockroaches from invading your home:

• Cut off their access to food sources – Roaches’ survival heavily depends on the food we have in our homes. They too consume sugar, protein, and carbohydrates. A highly potential method of cockroach prevention is just eliminating their dinner options.
• Don’t leave food in the open – Any food left just sitting on the table, kitchen counter, desk, etc. is a big no-no. Without any doubt, you will find yourself facing a marching army of cockroaches. Wipe down kitchen surfaces regularly, including counters, stoves, and sinks, to remove food remnants.
• Empty your trash bins – Take out the trash frequently, especially at night, when cockroaches are most active. Also, keep rubbish bins tightly sealed and away from your home.
• Home maintenance – As we discussed earlier, cockroaches are attracted to damp areas so they can be found crawling around pipes, sink and drains. Regularly check these areas and fix any damages, so there is no excess water that can draw the evil-doers to your property. Check plumbing pipes and ensure they are properly sealed to prevent roaches from entering through gaps.
• Always inspect – Inspect used furniture or appliances for signs of cockroaches before bringing them into your home, as they may carry pests from other locations.

When it comes to cockroaches, prevention is key. The chances of a cockroach infestation can be reduced significantly by keeping the environment clean, sealing entry points, and addressing food and water sources. Your home can also be kept free of cockroaches through regular maintenance and professional pest control.