Pro Tips: Preventing Roaches When Moving

Pro Tips: Preventing Roaches When Moving

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but it’s also a prime opportunity for pests—especially cockroaches—to sneak into your life and make themselves at home in your boxes, furniture, and other belongings. Roaches are resilient pests that thrive in small, dark hiding spots and can easily hitchhike from one location to another. Here’s a guide on how to prevent these unwanted guests from joining you on your move, along with general tips to keep roaches out of your new home.

Understanding Cockroach Behavior

To effectively prevent roaches from moving with you, it’s helpful to understand their habits and needs. Roaches are particularly drawn to food sources and areas that provide moisture and shelter.

What Do Roaches Eat?

Roaches are omnivores and can consume a wide range of organic materials. They are particularly drawn to leftover food, grease, crumbs, and even pet food. Cockroaches also eat paper, cardboard, and certain fabrics, making moving boxes and stored items potential attractions.

Can Roaches Fly?

Some cockroach species, like the American cockroach, are capable of limited flying, though they prefer to crawl. Knowing whether roaches can fly helps you understand how they spread and why securing all your belongings is essential when moving.

Pro Tips for Keeping Roaches Out of Your Moving Boxes

Here are the best practices to follow before and during your move to prevent roaches from taking up residence in your belongings.

Inspect and Clean All Items Before Packing

Roaches often hide in appliances, furniture, and dark, undisturbed places. Start by cleaning each item thoroughly. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum cracks and crevices, and check for any signs of cockroaches, such as egg casings, droppings, or shed skins. Focus on items stored in basements, kitchens, and closets, as these areas are common hiding spots for roaches.

Use High-Quality Boxes and Seal Them Tight

When packing, use new, sturdy boxes if possible, as reused boxes can harbor roach eggs and larvae. Place items in plastic bags before putting them in boxes to add an extra layer of protection. Once packed, seal boxes securely with packing tape to keep pests out.

Avoid Packing Food or Perishable Items

If you must transport food items, make sure they’re in airtight containers to avoid attracting roaches. However, it’s often best to avoid moving food altogether, as even small crumbs or residue can attract pests.

Don’t Bring Used Cardboard Boxes

While it can be tempting to pick up free boxes from stores or friends, reused boxes are often stored in garages or basements where roaches are common. Opt for new boxes whenever possible, and recycle any boxes you don’t need.

Inspect Appliances Carefully

Appliances like microwaves, toasters, and refrigerators can harbor food particles and moisture that attract roaches. Clean them thoroughly before packing, and check all crevices where roaches might hide. Consider wrapping appliances in plastic bags to contain any pests that may escape detection.

Moving into Your New Home – Preventing an Infestation

Once you arrive at your new home, there are key steps you can take to prevent any hidden pests from settling in.

Unpack in a Clean, Open Area

Before bringing boxes directly into your new home, inspect them for any roaches or other pests. Unpack items outside if possible, and wipe down each item before placing it inside. Dispose of packing materials immediately to prevent them from using them as hiding spots.

Clean the New Home Thoroughly

Even if your new home appears spotless, roaches could still be hiding in cracks, crevices, and dark corners. Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, and wipe down all surfaces. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas often provide food and moisture sources that attract cockroaches.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Roaches can enter through tiny openings in walls, windows, and baseboards. Use caulk to seal any gaps around plumbing, electrical outlets, windows, and doors. Sealing these entry points reduces the likelihood of roaches finding a way in.

General Tips to Prevent Roaches in Your Home

Keeping roaches out of your new home requires ongoing vigilance and cleanliness. Here are some essential cockroach control tips to follow.

Remove Food and Water Sources

Roaches are constantly on the hunt for food and water. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and keep food in airtight containers. Pet food should be stored securely and not left out overnight. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes, as roaches are attracted to moisture and can survive for weeks on water alone.

Limit Roach Hiding Spots

Roaches thrive in cluttered environments where they can hide and breed. Keep storage areas tidy, minimize paper clutter, and avoid stacking cardboard boxes or newspapers. Regularly clean out cabinets and storage spaces to deter roaches from making these areas their homes.

Take Out the Trash Regularly

Trash bins are a major attraction for roaches, especially if they contain food waste. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and take out the garbage frequently. Regularly clean the inside of the trash bin to remove any spills or residue.

Utilize Natural Roach Deterrents

Essential oils such as peppermint and tea tree oil are natural roach deterrents. You can dilute these oils with water and spray them in areas where roaches are likely to enter, such as under sinks, around trash cans, and in cupboards. While not a guaranteed solution, natural deterrents can help reduce cockroach activity.

Consider Preventative Pest Control Services

Enlisting the help of a professional cockroach exterminator can be one of the most effective ways to keep roaches out. A pest control company can perform regular inspections, treat your home with preventive measures, and offer advice on further roach prevention steps. Professional treatments can be especially valuable in high-risk areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where roaches are often drawn to food and water sources.

Know When to Call for Help

If you notice signs of cockroach infestations in your new home despite taking preventive measures, it may be time to call in a pest control professional. Roaches reproduce rapidly, and even a single sighting can indicate a larger problem. Look out for these signs of infestation:

  • Cockroach droppings: Tiny, dark spots or smear marks on surfaces, particularly in kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Egg casings: Small, brown casings where roaches deposit their eggs, often hidden in cracks and crevices.
  • Unpleasant odors: Large infestations can produce a strong, musty smell.

A cockroach exterminator can assess the extent of the infestation and provide targeted treatment options to eliminate roaches and prevent them from returning.

Moving to a new home is a chance to start fresh, and taking steps to prevent roaches from tagging along is an important part of that process. By inspecting and cleaning items before packing, using quality packing materials, and practicing good hygiene in your new space, you can greatly reduce the risk of cockroach infestations. And for ongoing protection, consider enlisting the help of a pest control company that specializes in cockroach control and prevention. With these pro tips, you can enjoy a roach-free home and a peaceful start to your new journey.

Are There Roaches in Sanibel Home?

Are There Roaches in Sanibel Home?

It’s always alarming spotting a roach in your home. These pests are highly adaptable and seek out human environments for a food and water source. Once they’ve infested your home, it can be difficult to control and eliminate them as they reproduce rapidly! The first step in preventing roaches is understanding the signs of cockroaches and the factors that could attract them into your Florida home.

Common Signs You Have Cockroaches

  • Smear Marks: Roaches seek out areas with moisture, where they will produce dark, irregularly shaped spear marks as they rest or crawl along walls. You can find these smears where the wall and floor meet.
  • Droppings or Egg Casings: Depending on the roach species, droppings will vary but you can often find them near floor corners, cabinets, under the fridge, and under the stove.
  • Musky Odor: If there’s a large number of roaches that have infested a home, a strong musky odor may be present in your home. This smell can indicate live or dead roaches.
  • Allergies: Roaches contain proteins known to trigger allergy symptoms, including a stuffy nose, wheezing red itching eyes, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and an increased use of inhalers.
  • Live Roaches: An obvious sign that roaches have infested your home is actually seeing them present on your property. If you’re seeing them during the day, overcrowding from an infestation could force them out into open areas.

Common Roach Prevention for South Florida Homes

The best way to avoid roaches from entering your Sanibel property is placing preventative measures throughout! Check out our tips on preventing cockroaches:

  • Seal gaps and openings including in walls, around electrical sockets, around doors and windows, and along your foundation with silicone-based caulk or steel wool.
  • Keep counters, sinks, floors, and tables clean of drink spills and food crumbs.
  • Vacuum on a frequent basis; we recommend at least once a week!
  • Don’t leave pet food outside overnight, instead bring it indoors and store your pet food in a plastic container with a tight lid.
  • Consider enclosing your crawlspace to help reduce moisture and prevent household pests like roaches, mice, termites, and more.

If you’ve noticed the above signs of cockroaches, it’s best to call your local Florida pest control provider. These professionals will identify the type of roach, any entry points, and the best treatment and ongoing prevention for your home.

Are Roaches Dangerous To Your Health?

Are Roaches Dangerous To Your Health?

Roaches are common household pests that are highly resilient and difficult to eliminate. They reproduce quickly, making them hard to keep under control once an infestation has been established. Cockroaches will infest anywhere they can find an available supply of food, water, and shelter. They are commonly found in areas near food and moisture (kitchens and bathrooms). They are also prevalent in multiunit housing (apartments, condos, etc.). Once established in your home, roaches can cause serious health risks for you and your family. Here are some of the reasons roaches are dangerous to your health.

Carriers of Diseases

Roaches are known to carry at least 30 different types of bacteria including typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and poliomyelitis. They spread these diseases to humans by contaminating food and surfaces in our home. We can also inhale bacteria from the air near a cockroach infestation.

Allergy and Asthma Triggers

The allergens roaches carry can trigger asthma in those who are already afflicted with it. They are also known to cause asthma in those who didn’t previously have it. The incidence of allergic reactions can increase when roaches are present in the home. They are triggered by cockroach debris, including discarded shells, saliva, body parts, and feces. Their saliva is also known to cause skin rashes and sneezing.

Surface Contamination

Roaches can be found scavenging through the trash, dumpsters, on spoiled food, and even feces. They pick up contaminants from these surfaces as they crawl through them which stick to their legs and bodies and are then left behind as they crawl across our food and clean surfaces. When we eat food or touch surfaces that have been contaminated by roaches, it can cause sickness for us, as well.

Cockroach Prevention

Making your home less inviting to roaches is the first step in preventing them. Here are some cockroach prevention tips you can utilize in your home.

  • Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
  • Take the trash out when the can is full.
  • Clean toilets, tubs, and sinks regularly.
  • Clean countertops with a cleaning solution.
  • Keep floors swept, mopped, and vacuumed.
  • Clean up pet feces from your yard.
  • Keep food sealed tight.
  • Throw out old or rotted food into an outdoor trashcan.
  • Wipe off stovetops, tables, and counters after meals and food prep.
  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Fix leaky pipes, faucets, toilets, and roofs.
  • Use bathroom fans when bathing or showering to help reduce humidity.
  • Remove any cardboard, newspapers, boxes, or other clutter.
  • Caulk cracks and crevices throughout your home.

If you have a problem with roaches or other household pests, contact your local pest control company for an inspection.

How to Keep Cockroaches Out of My Laurens Home

How to Keep Cockroaches Out of My Laurens Home

Laurens Pest Control: Eliminating Cockroaches

A lot of homeowners believe that a tidy home will keep cockroaches away, but that’s not always the case. Cockroaches can find themselves in the tidiest of homes and it’s due to the availability of food, water, and shelter. The sight of even just one roach in your home should raise some alarms. These pests can multiply quickly and seeing just one typically means more are hiding nearby.

The main reason you should be wary about cockroaches in your home is that they can carry bacteria on their bodies and feet. They tend to walk across various surfaces and can pick up many unwanted germs. They are also known to bring on allergic reactions and asthmas attacks.

Signs of Cockroaches:

  • Dead cockroach bodies
  • Small, brown, oval-shaped eggs or eggshells
  • Dark, powdery droppings that resemble coffee grounds
  • Musty odor

If you begin noticing these signs of roaches, then it might be time to call your local pest control company. In the meantime, here are some simple cockroach prevention tips that will help lessen the chances of a roach infestation:

  • Clean thoroughly. After each meal, clean the dishes and put them away. Get rid of the crumbs and mop up the spills right away. Throw all trash away in a bin with a lid.
  • Declutter: Keep rooms decluttered and maintain a regular dusting schedule. When storing items, use plastic bins instead of cardboard, which is a major attractant for roaches.
  • Eliminate Moisture. Roaches thrive in moist areas and need water to survive, like most pests. Regularly check for any leaks or standing water in or around your home.
  • Call the Professionals. If you have done everything you possibly can but are still experiencing roaches, give your local pest control company a call today. An experienced technician will be able to determine the best plan perfect for you and your home.
Should I Worry About Cockroaches?

Should I Worry About Cockroaches?

Cockroaches have a negative connotation in the minds of the general public, but this is not always the case. Cockroaches are attracted to a tidy home because of the availability of food, water, and shelter. Although the sight of even a single cockroach in your home is likely to cause some level of alarm, it is unlikely that this lone insect is indicative of a widespread problem. Roaches are social pests that can quickly multiply. It’s likely that if you see one, there are others hiding in the shadows or in some crevices, and the situation could quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation.

Humans should avoid coming into contact with cockroaches because the bacteria they carry on their bodies and feet can spread to any surface they walk across. They also have the potential to bring on allergic reactions and asthma attacks. A cockroach infestation might exist even if you don’t spot any of the insects yourself. Signs of cockroaches include dead bodies, small, brown, oval-shaped eggs or eggshells, dark, powdery droppings that resemble ground coffee, and a persistent musty odor.

Preventative measures are the most effective means of cockroach control. Cockroach prevention can be accomplished by:

Cleaning Thoroughly

The crumbs and dirt that humans leave behind are a magnet for roaches. After each meal, clean the dishes and put them away. Get rid of the crumbs and mop up the spills right away. Get rid of the trash every night. Remove all grease from cooking surfaces. Put perishables in containers that can’t be opened easily. Make regular use of a broom, mop, and vacuum. Do not leave pet supplies out overnight.

Declutter

Remove potential hiding spots for roaches by clearing away any clutter. Keep rooms decluttered, especially those that aren’t used frequently, and maintain a regular dusting schedule. Skip the cardboard boxes and opt instead for plastic containers with secure lids. Roaches thrive in cardboard and newspaper, so get rid of it.

Seal Them Out

Roaches can enter homes through crevices and under doors. By locating these entry points and sealing them, you can prevent cockroaches and other pests from entering your home. The areas around the windows and doors, the foundation and the roof, the attic and the crawlspace vents, and the openings for the utility and plumbing lines should all be thoroughly inspected. Caulk can be used to fill in tiny cracks and holes. Use steel wool and foam to seal larger holes, especially those near pipes. It is possible to use fine mesh wire to create a seal around roof vents and chimneys.

Eliminate Moisture

Moisture is essential for the survival of roaches and most other pests. For this reason, roaches can be lured into your home by the presence of standing water or an abundance of moisture. Make it a habit to routinely check for leaks in the plumbing system and to fix any you find. Inspect for leaks and excess moisture around the faucets, sinks, refrigerator, and other appliances in the home. Extra moisture in homes often originates in the crawl space. If you’re worried about moisture under your house, an enclosed crawlspace may be the answer.

Call The Professionals

It can be very challenging to get rid of a cockroach infestation. In the fight against roaches, prevention can only go so far. Get in touch with a professional pest control company if you think you have an infestation so they can help you figure out what kind of roaches you have, where they are getting in, and what they are eating, and then create a customized plan for cockroach control and elimination in the future.

 

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