According to the Guinness World Records online, the world's largest cockroach is called Megaloblatta longipennis. This roach is found in Peru, Ecuador and Panama, but a preserved female in Japan measures at 3.8 inches long and 1.75 inches wide. You think that sounds big? Consider the fact that these giant roaches can have a wingspan of up to 8 inches across! How would you like to come face to face with something like that in your kitchen at 2 a.m.? Yeah, that's what we thought. But if you are like every other human being on the planet, you don't want to come face to face with any cockroach, no matter what size, at 2 a.m.; or any other time for that matter.
So what can you do to prevent cockroaches from invading your New England home?
With a little bit of know-how, some resourcefulness, and a touch of good old fashioned elbow grease, you'll be well on your way to keeping cockroaches, no matter what size, out of your home.
- Carefully examine your foundation, outside walls, and roof area for any gaps or cracks and use a caulking gun to fill in those holes. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, windows, air conditioning units, and anything else that goes through your walls.
- Clean out all of your window wells and gutters of leaves or other debris.
- Repair outside spigots if they are leaking.
- Make sure to direct overflow water away from your home.
- Dry up areas of standing water near your house. Roaches are drawn to water.
- If you have firewood, make sure to store it away from your home, and lift it up off of the ground. This will help eliminate harborage areas.
- Clear away all yard clutter where cockroaches can hide.
- Make sure all outside trash is stored in tightly sealed containers. Roaches are also drawn to trash as a food source.
- Inside, thoroughly clean all areas where food is present, paying close attention to areas such as under the refrigerator and between the stove and counter. Roaches will be less likely to stick around if there is no food available for them to eat.
- Carefully vacuum carpets, furniture, and anything else where food particles may be present.
- Pick up pet food between feedings.
- Store all food either in the fridge or in tightly sealed containers.
- Dry out moist areas by using fans or a dehumidifier. If roaches find no water, they are less likely to stay.
What if you do everything you can but the roaches keep coming?
If you already have cockroaches infesting your wall voids, then all of the above tips will do little to keep them out of your kitchen. Once roaches have infested, it is time to call in a professional pest control company. These nasty creatures are notoriously difficult to get rid of with do-it-yourself methods, which can just lead to an endless cycle of getting rid of some roaches only to have them come back in greater numbers days or weeks later. Here at American Pest Solutions, not only do we offer year-round residential pest control for a multitude of pests, our home inspection is completely FREE.
American Pest Solutions can take care of cockroaches, no matter what size they are, so you can rest easy.