Insect infestations can be horrifying on a number of levels. Not only are bugs unpleasant and unsanitary, but left unchecked, they can do serious damage to your home. Cockroaches tend to be particularly off-putting and homeowners, you included, no doubt, will do almost anything to avoid them. In this situation, the offense is certainly the best defense. The more you do to prevent roach infestations from happening in the first place, the better of you will be. Five key things you can do are outlined in this guide.

Only use sealed food containers

Open food containers of any kind are an invitation to cockroaches, as well as stored product pests such as rice and grain weevils, drug store and cigarette beetles and meal moths. Whether you have open candy jars sitting on countertops, open dry-goods containers in your pantry, or open pet food bags, roaches, and other pests will find them. To avoid an infestation, make sure all food containers in your home are tightly sealed. It is best to move products, such as cereal, from cardboard containers to plastic or glass ones with airtight lids. Pet food should also be kept in metal or glass containers.

Clean up spills and scraps immediately

To avoid roaches, make sure you clean up any liquid spills, such as juice or tomato sauce, and food scraps, such as leftovers from chopped vegetables, right away. Leaving these kinds of messes for even a brief period of time can increase the risk of roaches getting into your home.

Rinse all recyclables

Throughout the South, more and more municipalities are beginning to provide their residents with free curbside recycling. Before you toss cans and bottles into your open recycling bin, make sure you rinse them thoroughly. If the residue is left behind, roaches are likely to find the containers and, ultimately, find a way into your house.

Remove clutter

If you have a tendency to keep stacks of newspapers, magazines, and other items in your home, remove them, as they are ideal roach living spaces. When cockroaches have found shelter, their droppings contain something known as an “aggregation pheromone”. This lets other roaches know there is a safe place to nest waiting for them.

Block potential entry points

Roaches can enter your home through even the tiniest cracks and holes. The areas around pipes and drains of are a particular concern. When it comes to sealing your home against a cockroach infestation, it is best to hire professionals for the job. This way you can make sure it is done right the first time.

Whether you are interested in reducing your household’s risk of a roach infestation or you need an extermination team to eliminate a current infestation, our skilled crew at Pied Piper Pest Control would be happy to assist. Our experts have undergone extensive training and will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding roach prevention, in addition to providing you with an action plan to deal with any roaches that may currently be in your house. Contact us online or by phone today at (504)366-1333!