Whether you own or operate a commercial kitchen or you own and operate your own kitchen in your home, cockroaches can be a serious problem. Roaches are linked to the mechanical transmission of over 33 bacterial threats, including E. coli and Salmonella. They are known to spread at least 7 human pathogens. And they can carry 6 kinds of parasitic worms. We definitely don't want these insects getting into our food, yet that is exactly what they do when they get into our kitchens.
What Attracts Cockroaches To My Conroe Home?
Cockroaches can feed on many things in a kitchen. They can be found nibbling on fruit left in a bowl on the table. They can eat up sugar and other granules left on counters and pantry shelves. They'll dine on a gob of ketchup left on a dish, or crumbs under the toaster. They'll even eat rotting food in your trash. In fact, they actually prefer food that is rotting.
Those roaches will also chew on paper and cardboard to gain access to food on your shelves. When they do, you may not realize it. This can cause stomach illness and other serious health problems to occur.
We have several cockroach species in our Conroe service area: German cockroaches, American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, and oriental cockroaches. It is well worth the time to take a look at each and learn what conditions they prefer. But, in general, all cockroaches are controlled with the same methods and products.
Best Practices For Cockroach Control
Cockroaches reproduce quickly, so you'll want to do anything you can to keep them out of your Conroe home. Here are some preventative measures to keep cockroaches out of your Conroe home or business:
- In any kitchen environment, sanitation is key. There are few things cockroaches can't stand more than a clean environment. These insects thrive in locations that are filled with bacteria. That is one of the reasons they are such a health threat to us. They are drawn to dirty dumpsters, carrion, and sewer culverts.
- Cleaning up food particles, spilled liquids, and keeping dishes in a sink of soapy water, rather than next to the sink in a dry stack, will decrease the happiness of those roaches. It will also reduce the likelihood of them picking up harmful bacteria from one location in your kitchen and spreading it to another.
it does two things. It keeps cockroaches from getting into your food and it keeps the smell of your food sealed inside. Both will make your kitchen less inviting to roaches. - Keep trash in sealed containers and use trash bag liners. Trash receptacles are a popular hangout for cockroaches.
- Cockroaches need water as much as they need food. If you have any pipes in your home that are moist with condensation or leaking, these can give those roaches the liquid they need. Fix plumbing issues as quickly as possible and install ventilation in areas where condensation is a problem.
- Vacuum regularly. Be sure to get cracks and crevices where food debris can collect.
A clean, uncluttered kitchen that has limited moisture and no food sources is not an ideal environment for cockroaches and will help to resist infestation. Along with these interior cockroach control methods, it is important to address the outside of your home or business as well.
- Do a detailed inspection of your foundation walls and exterior walls. If you find any gaps, cracks, or holes, fill them in or patch them up to make it harder for cockroaches to get in. Pay close attention to weather stripping around doors and windows. These are common entry points for cockroaches. If gaps exist, apply newer, thicker weather stripping and have doors adjusted so they make a good seal all the way around.
- Trim bushes and shrubberies to allow the sunlight and airflow to dry your foundation perimeter. Cockroaches are drawn to areas of high humidity.
- Remove any twigs, leaves, and other organic debris near your foundation.
Whether you're a business owner or a homeowner, the friendly professionals at Chase Pest Control can help you keep cockroaches of all types out of your kitchen. We offer industry-leading commercial and residential pest control solutions for Conroe and surrounding areas. Reach out to the experts at Chase Pest Control to share your concerns. We'll help you find a comprehensive solution for your needs. Contact us today!