How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

DIY treatments like roach killer aren’t enough to get rid of cockroaches for good. That’s why when you see more than one of these pests in your home, it’s best to get a cockroach inspection to make sure that there aren't any more scurrying within the walls. At Clancy Brothers, we advocate for proper sanitation of the home to eliminate roach infestations effectively. Our team of expert exterminators will spray cabinets and baseboards as well as bait areas inside cabinets like in the kitchen or bathroom. 

What is a Cockroach?

The cockroach, also known as roach, is characterized as one of the most primitive living insects alive today with a flat oval body, long antennae, and can be shiny black or reddish-brown in appearance. The common American cockroach is about 2 inches in length and can live a little over a year, preferring to reside outdoors or in heated indoor spaces.  

Cockroach vs. Palmetto Bug

The term palmetto bug is often used to describe roaches or roach-like insects found in the Southeastern U.S. Areas like South Carolina and Florida because of the association that they’re often found living in palmetto trees. While this term might appear to indicate a distinction between cockroaches, the phrase palmetto bug is a regional term only used to describe them. Both terms, cockroach and palmetto bug, are in reference to roaches and do not indicate any distinguishable difference between the two. 

Do Cockroaches Bite?

While cockroaches are omnivores, you have no reason to worry that they will bite you and your family or your pets. However, even though cockroaches won’t bite you, they carry and spread diseases that can be transmitted through microbes like pathogenic diseases or allergens. 

Common Types of Cockroaches in Massachusetts

The most common type of cockroaches in our area in Massachusetts include: American Roaches, Brownbanded Roaches, German Roaches, and Oriental Roaches. 

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Roaches are often found in your home in areas where there’s food or in heated indoor areas like the kitchen or bathroom. In severe situations, especially in humid climates, they can also be found in bedrooms and additional living areas in your home. An initial indicator of a roach infestation can often be determined by dropping sightings near electronics, on the walls, cabinets, floors, or appliances. Remember, roaches are often reddish-brown or black in color, sometimes blending in with hardwoods.

What Attracts Cockroaches to my House?

Roaches can be drawn to even the cleanest homes. Perhaps you store your food insecure and airtight containers, take the trash out regularly, and consistently wipe down your kitchen and bathroom. However, there are additional factors that even a well maintained home can’t always prevent that cause roaches to appear:

• Sometimes location comes into play like in humid climates.
• Easy access to the home through even the smallest cracks. Especially older homes that may be more susceptible to cracks in the walls or gaps between doors and the floor as the foundation settles over the years.
• Roaches thrive in humid and moist environments. Making the bathroom a more susceptible area. Keep in mind leaky faucets and other appliances like laundry machines or under the refrigerator when cleaning; cockroaches enjoy the condensation that comes off of those units. 
• They thrive by sifting through opened and exposed food in pantries and cabinets. 
• The health of your lawn can also promote a roach infestation. Be wary of standing water, a perfect breeding ground for them. Also, keep an eye on your compost pile and whether or not your trash is securely sealed.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

Preventative measures to keep cockroaches away can include preparing your home each night to prevent easy access to food or moist environments. That’s why it’s important to maintain a clean home on top of regular pest control treatments. But these measures are instrumental year-round even when we’re away.

To maintain a roach-free home, we recommend:

• Securely store food items. Make sure areas around appliances and additional items on countertops and in cabinets are cleaned frequently for crumbs and debris.
• Practice active floor care by cleaning hardwoods by mopping, dusting, and polishing. Additionally, make sure carpeted areas are vacuumed--this includes rugs.
• Take out the garbage every night and keep all waste in closed containers. 
• Don’t leave dishes with food remnants in the sink overnight. Develop a practice of cleaning the dishes at the end of every day. 

Best Ways to Get Rid of Roaches

The best way to get rid of roaches is a combination of home maintenance as mentioned above and engaging in Clancy Brother’s roach treatment procedure which includes a combination of spraying and roach bait treatment. We believe it’s crucial to spray if you have a heavy infestation, including spraying around high traffic areas for cockroaches like in the cabinets and on baseboards. Baiting is also a key method. We’re committed to keeping roaches away, so your home is a happy and healthy environment for you and your family. With a combination of spraying and baiting areas like the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, our cockroach treatment and your adoption of our maintenance methods will guarantee a roach-free home in no time.