What to do if you start seeing roaches in your apartment?

Having cockroaches as roommates is never fun. Unfortunately, these pests aren’t afraid to settle down in your space. When cockroaches invade, there are things you can do to get rid of them. We’ve gathered information to help you keep these uninvited guests out of your living space.

Is It Normal to Have Cockroaches In Your Apartment?

Cockroaches are a common home and apartment invader. They enter your living space in search of food, moisture, and shelter. It’s easy for these pests to slip into neighboring apartments, which is how infestations can spread.

Which Cockroach is Most Common in Apartments?

German cockroaches are one of the most commonly known species to infest apartment buildings. These pests are light brown and have two darker marks on their head. They are small, growing between ½"-5/8". You’ll likely find them in bathrooms and kitchens. These cockroaches can live in wall voids where they breed quickly.

How Do Cockroaches Get in Apartments?

Cockroaches enter apartments in several ways. These pests are small and can easily slip through cracks and gaps. Once inside, they will move throughout the apartment and into neighboring units. These pests often enter apartments through sewer drains in the basement and other areas. They travel to different units on plumbing pipes or in ventilation systems. Cockroaches can also be carried into apartments on groceries, furniture, and boxes or containers.

Is Seeing One Cockroach a Problem?

Spotting one or two cockroaches doesn’t always mean there’s an infestation. However, that is a possibility. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so they usually stay hidden in nests during the day. Hundreds to thousands of cockroaches can live in a nest. It’s always better to take steps to ensure your apartment is cockroach-free then to wait for a full infestation to occur.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches In Your Apartment

No one wants to share their apartment with cockroaches. That’s why it’s important to take steps to keep cockroaches away. Check out a few tips to help keep these pests out of your apartment.

• Contact Your Landlord or Property Manager: It’s important to let your property manager know if you’re dealing with cockroaches. They can assist you in eliminating the infestation or direct you to your next steps. The level of their assistance will depend on your lease.
• Remove Food Sources: If cockroaches can find something to eat, they’ll be more likely to settle down in your space. Clean up any crumbs and spills. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Take the trash out regularly.
• Reduce Moisture: Most cockroaches thrive in moist environments. Check the plumbing under sinks and in your bathroom for any drips. Repairing these leaks will help to keep cockroaches away.
• Seal Cracks & Gaps: Check your apartment for holes where cockroaches could enter. Check near doors, windows, baseboards, and the ceiling for cracks. Sealing these entry points can greatly help to deter cockroaches. You can also cover drains and vents to help keep cockroaches out.
• Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray: Our Ant & Roach Killer spray kills cockroaches on contact and provides residual repellency. This will help to create a protective barrier, keeping other cockroaches out. It’s formulated with plant essential oils making it a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.
• Use a Bait: While sprays are great for killing the cockroaches you see, baits can help eliminate the colony. Our Roach Killer Gel Bait is designed to attract and kill cockroaches. After feeding, cockroaches return to the nest where others will be exposed to the bait. Bait can be placed in areas where cockroaches have been seen.

Got tips and tricks to get rid of cockroaches at home? Post a comment. We’d love to hear from you!

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