Learn the fastest ways toget rid of roaches.
How to Identify Roaches
Cockroaches are easy to identify from other insects first because of their size.
They’re usually 1.5" to 2" long, which makes them bigger than other common house insects.
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Typically, they’re reddish-brown and there golden yellow bands across the shield on their back.
This will involve identifying and addressing harborage areas (areas where the roaches could be hiding out).
If you suspect you might have roaches, start looking in and around the kitchen in your apartment.
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The slightest air movement causes them to scatter, so you will have to move fast.
One of the most common and easily accessible spaces for roaches is the refrigerator motor compartment.
If there are roaches inside, quickly vacuum them up.
Moisture Leaks
Moisture leaks can also contribute to issues with roaches in an apartment building.
Cockroaches are attracted to moisture and they also seek out standing water as a drinking source.
Hitching a Ride
It is also possible to bring roaches in from one place to another.
They may crawl into your clothing or personal items somewhere else and input your home that way.
Paper Products
Cockroaches hide in paper products, including cardboard boxes and newspapers.
Not only will cockroaches hide in paper products but they will also eat them.
Here are seven ways toget rid of roaches fast.
To be able to effectively set bait orroach traps,you must first understand how these insects feed.
Baiting is effective against roaches because they consume each other’s droppings.
Place small droplets of bait scattered in areas you believe roaches could be passing through.
This will help them consume more of the bait by catering to their natural feeding patterns.
Check Crevices With Compressed Air
Compressed air is an invaluable tool for finding roaches.
This will flush the roaches out so you’ve got the option to vacuum them up quickly.
Be prepared to talk to your building’s management about controlling the roaches.
A spray typically uses pyrethroid chemicals to kill bugs.
Place DE in cracks and crevices where you’ve spotted roaches.
Use in cracks and crevices, edges of cabinets, and on the floors behind appliances.
Do not use boric acid on counters or in electronics.
What Is an IGR?
IGRs are a powerful tool for taking control of an out-of-control cockroach situation.
Boric acid, baking soda, and diatomaceous earth are all effective ways to permanently kill roaches.
Yes, cockroaches can bite.
They’ll usually go for areas where there might be food residuelike around your mouth or hands.
Prevention & Control: Cockroaches.Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health.
Cockroaches: Their Biology, Distribution and Control.World Health Organization.
Cockroach Elimination in Homes and Apartments.University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.