Today we are going to be discussing how to rid your apartment of roaches. What should you do if your apartment or dwelling has a cockroach infestation and you are at your finding it difficult to get rid of these cockroaches on your own?
Nearly everyone has cracked a joke at some point about how roaches may be the only thing (other than Twinkies) able to survive an apocalypse. While that may be amusing, infestations in the here and now can be seriously frustrating, not to mention potentially dangerous. They can be particularly challenging to manage for people living in apartments.
If one apartment has a roach sighting, it isn’t a stretch to assume that the rest of the units in a building will have them, too. But there are easy steps you can take to rid your apartment or condo of roaches and prevent them from taking over in the first place.
Address It With Your Landlord
On average, it’s reported that 10-30% of apartment complexes in the US have roach problems at any given point. Since roaches thrive in buildings with foundational cracks, plumbing leaks, and poorly maintained trash disposal areas, neglect by the building’s management or the building’s age can contribute significantly to infestation rates.
But new rental apartments with solid supervision aren’t immune to roach infestation, either. If you see the signs, report them to your landlord. Even if you manage to eliminate them from your unit, they’ll very likely return if a commercial pest control company doesn’t professionally treat the whole building.
Keep Food Sources Locked Up
Roaches assemble where there’s a food source, especially in a dark place, such as a cabinet or pantry, so transfer human and pet foods to sturdy lidded plastic or glass containers. They also enjoy rummaging in trash cans, recycling, and compost bins. Removing the trash frequently and using sealed bins and containers can help keep them out.
Roaches aren’t only attracted to your food and water; they’ll feast on your houseplants and household items like soap, sugar scrubs, and toothpaste. To prevent them from dining on your hygiene products, consider switching to liquid soap and be sure to keep a clean, tight lid on other products. You can keep them from your plants by smearing petroleum jelly on potting containers and holders, or you can opt for artificial plants if you want an easier alternative altogether.
Keep Your Apartment Clean
Wipe down countertops, mop up spills, and vacuum regularly to keep crumbs under control. Remember that roaches love dark spaces, so immediately take care of any spills inside cabinets and pantries and wipe them down.
It’s essential to keep the kitchen and bathroom clean at all times, but be sure to keep your apartment decluttered, too. Roaches live wherever they can hide, including laundry piles, bags, and old magazines/newspapers.
Eliminate Water Sources
Roaches are drawn to animal water bowls, kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and other water sources. Wipe down sinks and bathtubs, and alert your landlord immediately if you have leaky pipes. Keep your pet’s dishes and water bowls clean and dry between mealtimes.
Eliminate Nooks And Crannies
Even the largest roaches can squeeze through surprisingly tight spaces, so check your apartment for cracks and crevices or holes in walls, doors, window frames, etc. Worn grout and caulk can cause gaps between countertops and sinks or around bathroom tiles and bathtubs.
If you find areas that need attention, contact your landlord. While repairs are usually straightforward with some caulk or spackle, your landlord may want to handle it. Also, they’ll want to know about any structural issues inside the apartment for maintenance purposes.
Storage areas can also provide nooks and crannies where roaches like to hide, so clean out and declutter closets, pantries, and cabinets. Cockroaches eat cardboard/paper items, so toss moving boxes or tape them up tightly after you ensure they’re not infested.
Hire A Licensed Professional Exterminator
Running to the hardware store and using over-the-counter bug sprays to eliminate your roach problem may be tempting. While that may sometimes work in the short term, leaving it to a professional is the best strategy.
Not only do they have access to industry-approved chemicals that won’t harm children and pets, but professional exterminators also have the expertise required to treat smaller spaces like apartments safely. Before you call an exterminator, check with apartment management/maintenance to see if they contract a pest control service or have a policy against tenants using their own.
Cockroach Prevention Is Pertitent To Your Kansas City Home
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Kansas City (A Brief Summary)
- Identify And Seal Openings: Start by inspecting your home for any openings or cracks where cockroaches can enter. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these gaps effectively. By preventing their entry, you can reduce the chances of cockroaches infesting your Kansas City home.
- Eliminate Food And Water Sources: Cockroaches are attracted to food crumbs and water spills. Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean and free of food debris. Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and promptly clean up any spills. Fix leaky faucets and eliminate standing water to deny cockroaches their water source.
- Reduce Moisture And Humidity: Cockroaches thrive in damp environments. Use dehumidifiers in areas prone to excess moisture, such as basements and bathrooms. Ensure proper ventilation to discourage roaches from settling in moist areas of your Kansas City home.
- Store Food Properly: Seal food items in airtight containers to prevent cockroaches from accessing them. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight, as it can attract these pests.
- Regular Cleaning And Clutter Removal: Adopt a regular cleaning routine to keep your living spaces tidy. Clutter provides hiding spots for cockroaches, so keep areas free of unnecessary items to reduce their potential hiding spots.
- Use Cockroach Baits And Traps: Consider using cockroach baits and traps specifically designed to attract and eliminate roaches. These products can be effective in targeting and controlling cockroach populations in your Kansas City home.
- Natural Remedies: Explore natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth or essential oils known to repel cockroaches. These can serve as additional preventive measures alongside traditional methods.
- Seek Professional Pest Control: If the infestation persists or becomes severe, it’s best to contact a reputable pest control company in Kansas City. Professional exterminators have the expertise and tools to handle cockroach infestations safely and effectively.
By following these proactive steps and implementing effective control measures, you can successfully get rid of cockroaches and maintain a cockroach-free environment in your Kansas City home.
Roaches Don’t Have To Bug You
Cockroaches can cause a myriad of health problems. For example, they transmit bacteria like salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus across food and surfaces. They can also trigger asthma attacks through allergens in their body parts.
Ridding your apartment of roaches will keep you healthier and safer, but it’ll also help you sleep better at night. Combine the danger to our health with the overwhelming “ick” factor (cockroach phobia is called katsaridaphobia, by the way) and it’s easy to see why roaches rank #1 among the most-hated insects in the US.
While roaches may seem indestructible, you don’t have to live with them. With a few housekeeping best practices, solid communication between you and your leasing company, and the help of a professional, it’s possible to get rid of them for good.
Contact Gunter Pest & Lawn For Kansas City Cockroach Pest Control
If you have questions about cockroaches or pest control treatments for your Kansas City home or commercial property, please use our form below or call us today at 816-444-2847.
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