Did you know? There are more than 3,500 species of cockroaches in the world – and 70 of these species call Florida their home. These roaches can be difficult to kill, and will often invade homes no matter how clean you keep them or what precautions you take. So how can you help protect your home from cockroaches?
First, you need to understand these creatures. They are generally nocturnal, preferring to come out at night. They are also not social insects, although you can often find them hiding in groups during the day, underneath stoves or refrigerators or in the crown molding.
Besides the shelter your home can afford cockroaches, they are looking for two other things: food and water. Cockroaches living within a home or other building are scavengers, and will feed on a variety of food. They especially target sweets, grease, meat products and starches, as well as any decaying matter they can find. If these items are unavailable to them, they have also been known to eat items including paper, boot, glue, and even other insects. Beyond this, they look for water. Most roaches prefer a wet environment in general, and any leak or standing water can be an attractor for them.
How can you apply this knowledge of cockroaches to protecting your home? First, eliminate their shelter – any hiding places they may squeeze into. Cockroaches like tight spaces – they like to have the top and bottom of their bodies touching a surface at all times. Cracks, corners, gaps in windows and doors can all serve as perfect hiding spaces for them unless sealed properly. Next, eliminate food sources – make sure to take out garbage frequently, and use tightly sealed plastic containers for food on counters and in cabinets. Finally, fix any and all leaky pipes to remove their water source.
If you are following these guidelines and have a persistent cockroach infestation, then it may be time to call in a professional for guidance. At Advantage Services, we can help figure out the source of your cockroach infestation, and take action to stop it. Contact us today!
