How To Get Rid of American Roaches?
American roaches, or American cockroaches, are one of the most unlikely visitors in any home. Apart from their very unpleasant appearance, American roaches may harbor bacteria and provoke allergies, become harmful pests for health.
These roaches have large size and fast movement and usually enter a house in search of a place to eat and drink. They mainly reside in dark places, such as in ground floor houses, cellars, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Fortunately, there are numerous natural remedies and chemical ways of getting rid of roaches from your house and avoiding them once and for all. This article is a step-by-step guide on how to identify them, where they mostly hide, and five good tips on how you can get rid of them.
About American Cockroaches
American cockroach is one of the largest cockroaches and considered to be both an indoor and outdoor pest. Their habitats include basements, sewer systems, kitchens and warmth humid areas. It lives up to a year if not disturbed. Moreover, unlike other species of cockroaches, American cockroaches have well-developed wings that help them fly for a short distance, but they prefer to run on the floor if they don’t get disturbed.
Such roaches can be mercilessly hardy and survive under unfavorable conditions; thus, they become extremely difficult to eradicate. With their speed of multiplication, a small infestation by roach can turn into a significant problem if not addressed in time.
American roaches carry bacteria and viruses that can be a cause of illness; hence, prompt action is necessary while dealing with an infestation problem.
How to Identify American Cockroaches
Having the proper identification of an American cockroach is important to get control, as all species of cockroaches require different types of control. Here are their generalized features in a below so that you would be able to remember them.
| Feature | Description |
| Size | Up to 2 inches long, making them one of the largest cockroach species |
| Colour | Reddish-brown with a distinctive yellowish figure-8 pattern behind the head |
| Wings | Full wings, though they only fly short distances |
| Lifespan | Up to one year, depending on the environment |
| Habitat | Prefers warm, damp locations like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms |
| Diet | Feeds on anything from crumbs to paper and even glue |
These traits classify American roaches and make it easier to take appropriate control.
Where American Cockroaches Mostly Exist
The American roaches are highly tolerant and can survive on anything, but they have some preferences. Dark places with sources of food and water are their favorite hiding places. Here’s a closer look at the places they are most likely to dwell:
- Cockroach’s requirements to live well are three things – food, water, and warmth. They often hide in cupboards, under sinks, or near water pipes.
- Roaches are like places that are not disturbed. Dark places like basements and attics offer them ideal hideouts.
- Outside, you may see these hiding in crevices, under leaves, or near garbage bins, especially in humid climates.
- Typically, these pests live in sewer systems, where they are fostered by moisture and organic matter to feed on. More easily than these, they can be brought indoors via pipes that originate within a drain in a home.
5 Effective Ways to Get Rid of American Roaches
Now that you know how to identify these pests and where they love to hide, let’s get into 5 simple ways to eliminate American roaches:
1. Gel Baits
It is the best method of getting rid of the American cockroach as the gel baits is prepared using an attractant utilized by cockroaches to poison them. It acts as a form of stomach poison, it kills the stomach of the roach, hence killing the cockroach over time, including those you cannot see.
Gel baits are applied in cracks and corners and along baseboards since the activity is along these areas as roaches move along the same trails.
2. Peppermint Oil Spray
For those who prefer a more organic approach, peppermint oil really does the trick of repelling American cockroaches. Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around where there may be infestation, like under the sink, floor drains, or even along the baseboards.
It is very unappealing to cockroaches and will drive them away. In combination, you can use tea tree oil or lavender to carry it to some good effect.
3. Boric Acid and Diatomaceous Earth
Boric acid is a heavy-duty chemical treatment for American cockroaches. It kills the roach when it comes into contact with it. This repellent should be applied in dark places and roach-hiding areas. Caution should be exercised if you have pets or small children. You can also try diatomaceous earth.
It is a natural sediment comprised of tiny particles that kill roaches as they dehydrate and do skin-cell-cutting damage. Sprinkle it along baseboards, around appliances, and doorways.
4. Keep Your Home Clean
Being attracted to food and water, the cleanliness of your house will be fundamental in preventing infestation. Remember that all food should be sealed and cleaned up of crumbs and spills immediately.
Never let the sink be filled with standing water, allow water everywhere in the house, and have trash taken out regularly. Regular cleaning will avoid attracting roaches.
5. Professional Pest Control Services
If the infestation is serious or any of the methods mentioned above are not practical, it’s high time to call up a professional exterminator. A pro will evaluate the seriousness of the infestation and, in the worst case, can utilize a chemical preparation with higher concentration.
They may resort to boric acid bait, as well as gel baits containing other chemical detergents for better efficiency.
Conclusion
American roaches can be a real pain, but they are easy to eradicate if you know the right approach. From gel baits to natural ways like peppermint oil and even cleanliness to getting professional help for pest control, you can pick anything from a vast number of alternatives.
The most important thing here is to respond promptly and take enough measures to prevent the pests from spreading.
FAQs
Q: How can I tell if I have an American roach infestation?
A: If you notice large, reddish-brown roaches in dark places like basements, kitchens, or bathrooms, it’s a sign of an infestation. You may also spot their droppings or egg cases near food or water sources.
Q: Is it safe to use chemicals like boric acid around pets and children?
A: Boric acid can be hazardous if ingested by pets or children. Always use it in areas that are out of reach, such as behind appliances or in cracks and crevices. Consider using natural methods like peppermint oil if safety is a concern.
Q: Can I prevent cockroaches from entering my home?
A: Yes, you can take preventive steps like sealing cracks and crevices, keeping your home clean, and storing food in airtight containers. Regularly spray essential oils like peppermint oil in infested areas to repel roaches.
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