How To Get Rid Of Oriental Cockroaches In Dallas

Addressing an Oriental cockroach infestation is a process, not a product. If anyone suggests that you can get rid of these roaches by applying a particular product, you should know that they are not being honest. In most cases, a multi-pronged approach is required to arrest the circumstances of a cockroach infestation. Let's take a look at how it works.

The Good News About Oriental Cockroaches

While these roaches are exceptionally dirty compared to many other roach species, they can be easier to control. Here are a few reasons:

• There are some cockroach populations that have offspring that are bait averse. What does this mean? They don't find the sweet component found in cockroach bait to be attractive. In fact, it repels them. Fortunately, Oriental cockroaches are not known to have populations that are bait averse.
• Oriental cockroaches have a preference for damp environments. When they get into a home that is bone dry, they're not going to be happy about it.
• Oriental cockroaches lay their oothecae (egg cases) near a food supply. Often, this is rotting organic matter. Since rotting organic matter has a strong unpleasant odor, these roaches don't typically find an ideal breeding site indoors. Humans clean up things that stink.

It is important to keep in mind that Oriental cockroaches can develop bait aversion when products are not applied correctly. Some have the ability to live in structures that are dry when circumstances warrant it. And, while they have a preference for laying eggs near rotting food, a perfectly fresh food source could be adequate.   

The Control Philosophy

Now that you know a little bit about Oriental cockroaches, it will make sense when we say that the key to getting control of these dirty insects begins with a proper selection of bait, moisture control, and sanitation. You'll also need to apply other control methods along with these, such as exclusions, the sealing of cracks and crevices, and an application of appropriate control products, such as borates, diatomaceous earth, and EPA-approved dusts.

Baits And Treatments

We strongly recommend having a licensed pest management professional select and apply products to arrest an Oriental cockroach infestation. The most important reason for doing this is that a professional follows strict protocols to ensure all the roaches have been eliminated in the structure. If you perform treatments yourself, you're not likely to know to what extent you have been successful. This can allow the cockroaches to continue to present a threat to your health and property.

Moisture Control

You can have a big impact on Oriental cockroaches by addressing moisture on the interior and exterior of your home. Here are a few tips:

• Fix any plumbing issues. A leaky faucet or showerhead can be the catalyst for an infestation.
• Install dehumidifiers in areas of your home that stay humid.
• Make sure your gutters are free of any blockages, and that there are no breaks in the systems.
• Keep your landscaping neat, trim, and as dry as possible.

Sanitation

When you apply sanitation methods to address Oriental cockroaches, you'll also be protecting yourself from illness. Keep in mind that these roaches pick up harmful bacteria, parasitic worms, and other organisms from dirty places.

• Oriental cockroaches prefer food that is rotting. Dispose of trash routinely so that nothing is allowed to rot for long. Keep all of your trash receptacles free of strong odors and routinely disinfect them.
• Make sure all recyclables are as clean as possible. The odor can attract Oriental cockroaches from a distance.
• It is disgusting to think about, but Oriental cockroaches eat feces. If you have a pet that leaves waste in the yard, stay on top of waste clean up. The best solution is to walk your dog and pick up the waste with a plastic bag as you go. If you have a cat, make sure litter fully covers all the waste in your cat's box.
• Keep your bathroom as clean as possible. Cockroaches will feed on dead skin cells, hair, and also feces in your bathroom.

Removing Tight Spaces

Cockroaches prefer to be in tight spaces. This is one of the reasons they get into homes. No Oriental cockroach control is complete without an application of caulking material. 

• You can use caulking to seal gaps around foundation penetration, gaps above your foundation slab, and wood holes created by wood-damaging pests.
• Inspect your exterior doors and make sure sweeps and weatherstripping are working. 
• Repair or replace damaged screens.
• Make sure you have protectors on your weep holes.
• Fix damaged mortar.

You're Not Alone

If you live in Dallas, remember that the team here at All-Safe Pest & Termite is always standing by to assist you with pest control issues. You're never alone. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance.