How to get rid of them ?

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Without Chemical Treatment or Hiring a Pest Control Service?

A Word about Cockroaches

Finding cockroaches in your home can be disheartening, since these insects are unpleasant to look at and mostly thrive around dirty areas. They are difficult to kill and are mostly found around food sources. Cockroaches contaminate every type of food they come into contact with and represent a health hazard. Cockroaches also feed on decaying matter, and having an infestation usually means an unclean kitchen, or inadequate disposal of organic food waste.

Cockroaches carry countless diseases, like salmonella, typhoid and other potentially fatal illnesses. In cases of contaminated kitchens, or other areas where food is readily available, the most at risk are always children and the elderly. It is therefore wise to dispose of your food properly; check that waste is tightly packed and there is no rotten or mouldy food in cupboards. Damp areas are also a favourite for these insects, so it is wise to check for leaking areas and provide adequate insulation, particularly in hot countries.

Though cockroaches prefer hot climates they can survive in harsher weather, as long as there is food and water near the infested area.

How do I Know if I Have an Infestation?
How do you get cockroaches ?

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects, and you will likely see them scurrying off in corners after dark. Unlike smaller pests, such as termites, it is usually easy to determine if you have a problem in your home. The sight of a dead cockroach should always ring alarm bells, as it is unlikely that it's the only one. Though they are not social insects, they do tend to form aggregates.

Another indicator is faecal pellets, or roach droppings in simpler terms, which look much like mouse droppings though slightly darker in colour. Cockroaches also produce extra liquid which they excrete, and this is visible near damp and humid areas. This liquid is brownish in colour and is usually streak-patterned, due to the insects scuttling and moving irregularly.

If you are observant enough you may also notice small egg cases, called Oothecae. These are found near the main breeding area, which is the starting area for extermination, assuming the insects have spread. Nymphal skins are much harder to detect, since they are near-invisible.

Lastly, there is a distinctive, musty odour where cockroaches reside. This is unlike other smells present in the home, and it is instantly recognizable. You will also notice damage in the affected area, like torn plastic, half eaten goods or even damage to cloth and leather if any is around.

Why are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Entomologists, or those who study insects, consider cockroaches to be the most unpleasant household pest. They are difficult to kill, and are highly durable insects often being able to survive without food and water for long periods.

Cockroaches breed quickly, which greatly increases the threat of the diseases they carry. The greatest risk they pose is to the hygiene of your home or work environment, and it is wise to recognize and deal with any problems before the insects start spreading.

Prevention and Treatment

As mentioned, these insects are largely attracted to damp, and hot areas where there is a large supply of food. Some species dwell in basements, while others will infest your kitchen. The first step to preventing a cockroach infestation is always hygiene, so proper disposal of food and keeping your kitchen clean is always important.

You should regularly get rid of bin bags, organic waste, food past its sell-by date and mouldy or rotten food. Ensuring that rubbish bins are tightly closed is also important, since cockroaches will easily gain access to any such food source. Leaving unwashed dishes and food scraps nearby is another mistake, as all food debris will attract the insects.

Proper insulation of damp areas is important, so checking for leaking pipes is recommended. Leaks in your kitchen, basement or toilet will likely attract the insects, and in some cases they will migrate in search of food and the infestation will be harder to contain.

The most common method for extermination is boric acid powder, which is available from many chemists and supermarkets. This is highly effective in killing them off, and it is easy to apply in crevices, cracks or any other hard-to-get places. A less frequently used method, mostly as a deterrent, is catnip, which can be left in bags or sachets near the insects' favourite haunts. You can also choose to dilute catnip in water and spray it around affected areas.

Water and soap will instanly kill them, so keeping a bottle to spray on any unsuspecting roaches may prove helpful. A useful product which works wonders is Diatom Earth, which you can find online or at your local DIY store. It is non-toxic and is a popular solution for getting rid of many household pests.

If you find it difficult to get rid of cockroaches yourself, consider calling professional pest control services. AKKAD provides services all over the UAE, in cities like Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, and will put your mind at ease when pests in your home bother your good night's sleep.