The most common pests to infest our homes are roaches. These bugs can range in size from ½ to 3 inches long, with the most common types being the German, Oriental, and American roach. Different types, however, come into your home for different reasons. And, there are different ways to handle each type. For example, German roaches prefer to be around water. The best way to resolve this issue is by fixing leaks and cleaning spills.

All types come into homes in search of food, water, and shelter. They multiply quickly after entering a home, so it’s important to take care of this problem as soon as it is noticed. Roaches carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, allergies, and skin rashes. When in large amounts, roaches can also create a rather unpleasant odor in the home. Here are some ways to get roaches out of your home as quickly as possible.

1. Find the problem. Search your home with a flashlight, focusing on hiding spots such as behind your fridge, underneath the sink, the crevices of cabinets and shelves, the corners of closets, and bathroom closets and cabinets. Purchase roach glue strips and choose strategic areas to place the strips. Keep your eyes on these throughout the week to see if any catch roaches. The area with the strip that catches the most roaches is the area that will need the most treatment.
2. Fix other areas to prevent future infestations. While inspecting your home, look for other possible methods of entry. If there are cracks or gaps present, fill them with caulk. This includes gaps between walls and tile, as well as small crevices and entry holes. Use weather strips on doors and windows.
3. Purchase gel bait and/or bait stations. This type of treatment typically comes in a tube and can be applied underneath baseboards, as well as in cracks and crevices. Bait stations attract the roaches to its poison. Once it returns back to its hiding place, it dies. The other roaches will eat it, consuming the poison, until all are dead. Stations will help you get rid of most roaches, but they don’t target every roach in your home.
4. Try boric acid. This can be dangerous, however, as boric acid is often misused and can become displaced thanks to air currents. This can send the material into areas where your children and/or pets can come into contact with it. While boric acid is low in toxicity to humans and pets, it is quite deadly to roaches. When misused, boric acid becomes less effective. It shouldn’t be used as the main form of getting roaches out of your home.
5. Call your local pest company. The best way to get roaches out of your home is to call the professionals. They can treat your home in a safe manner while providing tips on how to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.