Summer is prime time for cockroach activity. Cockroaches thrive in the warm, summer heat and you might start noticing them more often in your home. Since warmer months are their chief breeding season, homeowners should take steps now to prevent further cockroach infestation.

Cockroaches tend to be a universally repulsive insect. They can spread diseases like salmonella, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. They have also been linked to allergies and asthma because their saliva, excrement, and molted skin can be allergy triggers. The two main species of cockroaches that we see here in the Kansas City area are the German cockroach and the American cockroach.

German cockroaches are beige or light brown with two dark stripes on their head. Most German cockroaches only grow to approximately half an inch long and are not tolerant of the cold. They prefer humid environments and will often hitchhike into homes to find shelter.

American cockroaches are the largest cockroaches that regularly inhabit homes. They are reddish brown with a yellow band behind the head and grow to an average of two inches. They are also known as the “sewer roach” because they will come from the sewers into drains, sinks, and bathtubs of homes. They are often dormant when it is cold and rainy and much more active in warm weather.

If you notice cockroaches in your home, there are many things you can do to help prevent more. Cockroaches need food, water, and shelter in order to survive. If you eliminate these things, they are less likely to seek a place in your home. Try these tips to get rid of cockroaches in your home.

Keep Your Home Clean

Access to food is one of the biggest reasons that cockroaches will find their way into your home. To prevent this, sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors often to keep crumbs away. Wipe up spills on your counters immediately and take out the trash frequently. It is also a good idea to occasionally clean behind your appliances and in your drawers and cupboards where crumbs tend to collect unnoticed.

Fix Areas of Excess Moisture

Leaky pipes or dripping faucets create the perfect humid environment that cockroaches love. Check around your home for any potential leaks, and get them fixed immediately. If your entire home has a humidity problem, you might also consider getting a dehumidifier.

Take Care of the Exterior of the Home

Keeping cockroaches from entering your home is key. Take a walk around the outside of your home and seal any cracks in the foundation or walls. Pay special attention to holes where pipes enter your home. Next, check the weather stripping and screens for your doors and window. If it is damaged or your screens have holes, replace them.

Still need help? If you can’t get control of the cockroach population in your home, call professional cockroach control in Kansas City that can identify potential points of entry to your home and assist you in eliminating cockroaches that may already be living there. Six Brothers Pest Control is on your side and wants to earn your loyalty with our exceptional service and satisfaction guarantee. Give us a call today.