How to Kill the American Cockroach
The American cockroach is a tank of a pest, and it is extremely resilient and difficult to kill. They are not only one of the most common insects, but also the peskiest roommates. While the cockroach is a master of hide-and-go-seek, a few steps can be taken to eradicate them from your home. Prevention is important, but both home remedies and store-bought solutions can help get these unappealing bugs out of your home.
American cockroaches are one to two inches long, reddish brown, and have wings that completely cover their back. American roaches prefer moisture and warmth, which is why they are typically found in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and sewers. It is one of the large pestiferous roaches in the U.S. However, because of their tendencies, some home made products can do the job, or if you are more heavy duty about roach control, a trip to your local home supply store can help you solve the problem with chemicals. Depending on the size of your house and the degree of your infestation, this shouldn't take more than an afternoon.
Prevention
The first key in roach control is prevention. You want to cut off access to your home. Pay special attention to the amount of moisture in access points and dark areas. You will want eliminate spaces around water pipes and other harboring areas, as well as food materials to reduce the population. Try filling up cracks in flooring or space around pipes with weatherizing caulk. You can even stuff some steel wool in small spaces beforehand to make it harder for roaches to find a way in. Keeping a clean, dry house is the best prevention.
Home Remedies
If you want to stay completely away from any sort of chemicals, put a jar with a mixture of coffee grounds and water next to a wall you see roaches frequenting. This will attract the roaches, and once they fall in the jar, they will drown.
If you are fine with some borax powder, mix Borax, flour, and cocoa powder in a 4:2:1 mixture. Liberally spread it along walls where roaches frequent, and in damp places you have found from your roach search to cut off access. If you have a carpeted area, try putting it on a dish or disposable plate.
Store-Bought Fixes
If you have cut off all access into your house, but want to bring out the big guns to rid your home of roaches, go to your local home supply store. Ask what sprays and products they have to deal with roaches and are allowed in your state. You can use stationary traps (like a roach motel) or sprays. Whatever you choose, be sure to carefully read the safety instructions to make sure it is safe for your foliage outside, or your kids and pets inside. Always closely follow the directions on the bottle.
Starting outside with a spray, spray a six foot section around your entire homes foundation, and one foot up the side of the foundation walls. Spray all the entry points, like doors, vents, plumbing, windows, pipes, etc. Also target water retention areas and hollow trees. You will need to spray monthly to keep up with the roaches breeding.
