10 Questions to Ask About Cockroach Control

Cockroaches are common home guests and office visitors because they simply feed on anything this environment possesses, from organic to waste matter, natural food supply, water and even anything non-organic and edible to humans. Cockroach control may be the last resort we seek. However, there are essential facts we need to know about cockroach infestation. Rentokil shares the ten questions you need to ask about cockroach control in this article.

Agenda:

• What common cockroaches are found in my home?
• How do I know I have a cockroach problem?
• Why do we have cockroaches at home?
• Are cockroaches harmful and dangerous?
• How do I get rid of cockroaches effectively?
• How much does cockroach pest control packages?
• Cockroach prevention tips you can apply for your home
• What smell will keep roaches away?
• What you need to know about cockroach control for your home
• When do we need to call for pest control services?

What common cockroaches are found in my home?

There are many species of cockroaches. However, the main ones we commonly come across in residential homes are those of German Cockroaches where they generally hang around an environment that is warm or with poor ventilation and air circulation. In particular, conditions that have high humidity and moisture. Such places in the home are typically in the kitchen and bathroom where they hide near the following area:

• Shower and bathtub
• Washroom drawers
• Toilet bowls, Wash basins
• Washing machine and dryer
• Electrical appliances such as microwave ovens and refrigerator
• Kitchen sinks and cabinets
• Piping and grease traps

The other species that is also common in homes (besides the commercial environment) are American cockroaches. Because of their attraction for unhygienic and unsanitary conditions where they seek decaying and decomposed matters, sewers, garbage, waste refuse, basements and drains are the main haunt. While they are largely outdoors, cross infestation happens when cockroaches seek food, water and shelter indoors or crawl in through any opening and gaps.

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How do I know I have a cockroach problem?

Firstly, sight of a cockroach is probably the first signal that your home may have a cockroach infestation. However, because they surface at night for food. Unlike daytime pests like mosquitoes, chances of spotting them may be unsuccessful unless your home has a heavy infestation. Secondly, their urine (especially for severe conditions) may exude unpleasant and musty smell that turns the home not a comfortable stay. Thirdly, do see for any black dots and spots that are the droppings and usually around dark and enclosed areas such as cabinets and drawers, or along the wall and back of the appliance. Fourthly, there might be cockroach eggs or known as oothecare that can hatch as many as thirty nymphs of German cockroach at one time.

Finally, look for shed skin that they shed during their development process in their lifecycle stages. Above all, they may produce appearances of smear marks in high moisture areas and dark, irregular shaped smear marks can be seen along crawl spaces and wall-floor junctions.

Why do we have cockroaches at home?

Pests exist and occur because of poor sanitation and housekeeping where food availability is possible, besides water and moisture that any living beings and pests would need. Here are some additional reasons why your home might have a cockroach infestation.

• Humid home with poor air ventilation and circulation
• Structural gaps due to wear and tear and integrity
• Openings and lack of proofing that allow roaches to enter
• Decaying items found in home such as trash and food scraps
• Pest infestation happening next door or surrounding
• Weather, environment and lifestyle conditions
• Inefficacy in existing pest control that results in re-infestation
• Procrastination in seeking professional pest control company
• Ineffective use of DIY home pest remedies such as pandan leaf

Are cockroaches harmful and dangerous?

Pests are generally harmful to us in various ways, while some are more detrimental and some less fatal, cockroaches are no exception. Firstly, too many homeowners can agree, cockroaches form mental stress or phobia having to face them and worse of all, trying to get rid of them. Secondly, they carry bacteria that causes such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, dysentery, diarrhea and cholera. Thirdly, their droppings and saliva contain enzymes that cause allergies and asthma among some people. Finally, it is possible that cockroaches bite you in the event of food competition or heavy cockroach population on the premises. In summary, because they are a pest of poor hygiene, they cause health and safety risks, particularly among the elderly and young kids.

How do I get rid of cockroaches effectively?

Pest eradication is not a one-off solution and requires a collaborative approach to ensure its efficacy.

Locate and detect cockroach hideout

First on the list is to identify their hiding locations in the home in order to eliminate the root source. Besides identifying their favourite haunt, it is also important to spot their key risk areas that may potentially turn into a pest infestation. Accurate location detection can help deploy treatments in a more targeted manner.

Maintain good housekeeping level

Pests favour food, water and the hideout shelters they can find at home. Keep place clean and free from moisture, while disposing of any trash and garbage immediately and remove clutters and piles that allow cockroaches to hide.

Minimise cockroach entry opportunities

Tiny pests are capable of sneaking in those cracks and crevices, door openings, ventilation holes and through those windows. Make it a point to maintain your home with proper proofing and sealing to prevent any pests from entering into your home.

Sound pest control solution in place

Proper and professional protection of your home with cockroach control treatments can help keep the problem under control. Specialists are trained and licensed to carry out proper services. This includes doing required checks and assessment, before treating and monitoring the infestation. Additional recommendations and advice are also given to value add homeowners better.

How much does cockroach pest control packages?

As compared to some pests that require complex application methods or the use of sensing technology to detect and control pests, cockroach treatments are more straightforward and affordable. Typically, it costs a few hundreds to keep home safe and protected and frequency can be well-managed unless it is a severe condition. Of course, for homes that are generally well maintained with fewer cockroach complaints, owners can either opt for long term protection where pest control specialists will come once a month for maintenance. Alternatively, they may choose a one-time-off ad job treatment if there is any sudden pop up of cockroach infestation. Pest control price is also dependent on other factors including:

• How extensive is the treatment coverage and size of the home
• Infestation level that determines the frequency and intensity
• Type of application such as bait gel, trap or residual spraying
• Quality and active ingredient of the pesticides used
• Are there more than just cockroaches infesting the home
• Brand, expertise and credibility of the pest control company

Cockroach prevention tips you can apply for your home

Minimise those shocking moments when a cockroach glides over you suddenly by taking additional cockroach prevention efforts for your home. Rentokil Initial shares some useful pest prevention tips not just to keep cockroaches away but other common household pests. Firstly, keep the kitchen sink clean by doing up the dishes, wipe away grease and corners within the sink and dispose of any food debris choking on the filter. Secondly, secure waste bags tightly, close the bins with a secure lid and do not leave them in the bin overnight. Thirdly, vacuum and mop the home regularly to prevent food leftovers around for cockroaches to feed on. Fourthly, pay attention to high-risk areas that attract cockroaches. They include areas where there is high moisture level such as the balcony, laundry corner and bathroom.

Finally, apply proofing protection by introducing entry barriers to the home. It can range from plastering over damaged structures due to integrity and meshes on surfaces that cockroaches can emerge. Above all, always look out for unusual signs that may be an indicator of cockroach problem.

What smell will keep roaches away?

Where most of us dislike foul smell such as decomposed and waste odour, this is not the case of cockroaches. However, to most of us who have a liking for condiments, herbs, spices, plants and essential oil, cockroaches detest them on the other hand. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus seem to repel roaches away. Other natural ingredients include bayleaf, vinegar, baking soda, cinnamon, citrus, cucumber and the common pest myth pandan leaf. These are examples most will use to deter roaches. However, there are also the more harmful remedies used. They include boric acid, borax and diatomaceous earth that are used to eliminate cockroaches by dehydrating roaches through ingestion. But do remember to avoid turning your home into a more serious infestation by leaving these natural ingredients around for other pests to feed on.

What you need to know about cockroach control for your home

First step, pest management will involve a detailed survey and assessment of your home to consider factors that affect the treatment plan. For example, the risk factors, environmental conditions, home structure and family needs. Treatments are usually done fortnightly (if the condition warrants) or monthly where they will apply baits and pesticides are identified key risk areas. In addition, they will also inspect around the premise to look out for any new or unexpected signs of infestation. Finally, they will keep you updated of the infestation condition, what was done and any further housekeeping recommendation to adopt.

Prior to the treatment, there will be a preparation checklist. They include removing clutters and keeping the place clean to allow better application. Certain critical and food sensitive portions such as tabletop, kitchen tools and containers are advised to cover them to avoid possible contamination. For homes with pets, kids and elderly, it is best to vacate them during the process to ensure their safety. After treatment, there may be minimal downtime. The environment has to be well ventilated and ensure food serving areas are taken care off.

Read also: The complete guide to cockroach control in Singapore

When do we need to call for pest control services?

We visit a doctor when we are unwell or have a need to keep health in check. Likewise for pests, start to seek professional pest specialists to do a home check for the peace of mind and assurance. Your home may be safe from pest invasion but it cannot be guaranteed in the long term as pests occur anytime due to many triggering factors. Adopt proactive pest detection and inspection is key in keeping your home pest-free.

For homes that are experiencing mild pest symptoms, avoid taking the self-help pest remedies or procrastinating to engage pest control services. This is because we may apply solutions at the wrong area. This does not eliminate the root source or worse of all, making the condition worse off. Not forgetting the efficacy level and safety aspects of DIY pest treatments, most times re-infestation and spending additional investment will arise. Early pest treatment can minimise the condition escalation while saving some costs in long-term expenses. Finally, there are times where we need to call for pest control companies when we are faced with either pandemic such as COVID-19 or epidemic situations with the rise of dengue cases in Singapore.

Call Rentokil Singapore at  (65) 6347 8138 for pest control services today.