Cockroaches are one of the most common pests found in homes across Long Island.
Scientists estimate that roaches have inhabited the earth for over 300 million years. While humans may believe that it is our planet, it is clearly the cockroaches’. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid roaches in our homes and businesses and stop the spread of disease and bacteria.
Cockroaches: Survival of the Fittest
Part of the reason for the lengthy advancement of the cockroach is its scavenger mentality. Roaches are not picky with their diet and will eat nearly anything. They can also go for weeks without food or water, eventually dying of dehydration. Roaches can even survive without air for 45 minutes. They are found on almost every continent, every region, and every environment. There are dozens of species of cockroaches, but the most common on Long Island are the German Cockroach and the American Cockroach.
Risks of Cockroaches in the House
Before invading your property, roaches were likely crawling through and living in sewage, decaying organic matter, and garbage. That means if they come inside your home, they will bring any bacteria, pathogens, and parasites that are living on their bodies with them. Also, their feces and shed skins can trigger severe allergy attacks, particularly for children.
Cockroach Prevention Tips
Here are a few key cockroach prevention tips.
Reduce the Moisture in Your Home
Cockroaches, like most living creatures on earth, have a few basic needs including water. If you have a leaky pipe or faucet, cockroaches will be drawn to it. While repairing leaks may not be top of mind for the average home handyman (or even a professional), it’s worth making sure all areas of your home are dry and sealed.
Clean Your Kitchen Thoroughly 
Cockroaches are attracted to food and will frequently be found in kitchens. To prevent them from making their home in your kitchen, you should clean the stove, sink, and countertop with a disinfectant or bleach solution on a regular basis. You should also sweep or vacuum floors regularly to remove crumbs and dust. Wash dishes immediately after use and put leftovers in airtight containers. Remove trash regularly so that roaches do not have an opportunity to live there as well. Keep in mind that spilled food and drinks can also attract cockroaches, so clean spills as quickly as possible when they occur.
Tighten Up Gaps, Cracks, and Holes
Cockroaches love to hide in small cracks and crevices, so you’ll want to take a good look around your home for any possible gaps that could be giving the pests access. The best way to do this is by shining a flashlight into nooks and crannies where cockroaches might be hiding, or with an infrared camera that can detect heat signatures from warm-blooded animals.
If you find any cracks or holes in your walls or floors, fill them with caulking. Make sure the caulking is smooth enough so that cockroaches cannot squeeze through it. If you don’t have any caulk handy, use steel wool instead; steel wool will also keep most insects out of your home because they’re uncomfortable rubbing against it when trying to enter through tiny holes.
Protect Your Home from Cockroaches—Call Suburban Exterminating
When you see a single cockroach, it is a safe guess that others are nearby. Killing them one at a time will only cause frustration and not solve the bigger problem.
At the sight of the first cockroach, or to inquire about cockroach prevention, contact Suburban Exterminating at (516) or (631) 864-9600. Cockroaches may have adapted for millions of years, but Suburban is one step ahead in eliminating them from your Long Island home!
