How to keep cockroaches at bay during the warmer months

As the weather warms up, and rain hits regions across the country, you are going to see more cockroaches in and around your home.

Seeing a roach scutter across your kitchen floor is off putting for many Australians, and your first thought may be how do I get these pests out of my home.

But the cockroach “gets a bad rap” according to Tanya Latty, an associate professor and entomologist at the University of Sydney.

“Sometimes people associate the presence of cockroaches with being dirty, and that’s not really true, having cockroaches is just a sign that you live in a warm part of Australia,” she said.

“They are almost inescapable to some degree.”

And that is even more true across the summer months in Australia, Dr Latty said.

“They prefer warmer, more humid weather and this time of year there is definitely more of them in and around our homes,” she said.

She added that cockroaches are known to “migrate inside” to get out of the rain and wet conditions.

“When it rains for extended periods, the roaches will look for shelter indoors,” she said.

So with heavy downpours across parts of the country coupled with warming weather, you’re going to see some roaches in the coming months.

With that in mind, here are some top tips to help roach-proof your home.

Keep your kitchen clean

The first tip is to keep your kitchen clean. Above all else, cockroaches are attracted to easily accessible food sources.

If you keep it as clean and hygienic as you possibly can, then there will be fewer of them.

“You need to eliminate the food sources for cockroaches, that can be anything from crumbs to improperly sealed bins,” Dr Latty said.

Keeping the counter top clear of dirty dishes is important too, and even grease on the stove top. Wipe everything down after each use.

Also, don’t leave anything out overnight. It is basically asking cockroaches to come over for a feast.

Seal cracks and holes

So you’re on top of the kitchen, next up is to batten down the hatches, so to speak.

Check for any obvious cracks, holes or gaps in walls, doorways or windows that a little bug could sneak through.

Then fill them.

Any small cracks can be filled with caulk. It works well.

For bigger holes or gaps you may need to look into repairing the wall in question, which is a different issue to that of cockroach control.

Limit access to water sources

Leaky pipes are also an open invitation for roaches.

If you fix your faucets and any leaks it will help keep cockroaches away.

Even appliances such as kettles or a dishwasher can be a water source for them, so be aware of any thing that could provide a roach with a drink.

But if their water supply dries up, then cockroaches can only survive for up to two weeks.

So take a look under your sinks, in and around the shower, and even behind the toilet for moisture.

Declutter

As you may have realised, a dirty area usually results in more cockroaches. But dirty doesn’t always mean mess.

Try to keep your house as clutter-free as you can. Any small, dark hole or crevice is a great hiding spot for a roach.

Every piece of clothing you’ve left laying on the floor acts as a spot for a cockroach to chill out. Think about that.

Throw out your old cardboard or newspaper too – cockroaches love the stuff.

Call a professional

You have probably noticed a trend in the above – professional help is sometimes required.

If you think you have an infestation of cockroaches (you’d know if you did), then call in the cavalry.

Pest control companies are trained to apply pesticides safely and they will inspect your home thoroughly.

“If you are seeing an occasional cockroach in your house, that isn’t a problem, it is just part of living in Australia, it’s inevitable,” Dr Latty said.

“But if you’re seeing a lot of those, then maybe it is time to speak to a professional.”

And finally, roaches can be beautiful

Cockroaches can actually be good looking and they serve a greater purpose, which is important to note.

“There are around 450 species native to Australia and some of them are beautiful,” Dr Latty said.

“They are really amazing animals.”

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The large number brings with it diversity and many species display spectacular colours and patterns.

Roaches are ancient too. The modern cockroach was around during the reign of the dinosaurs.

Their adaptability to survive in all sorts of environments is the secret to their success.

And they do some really important work, Dr Latty said.

“They make sure our waste gets taken care of and they are really important to the eco-system.

“It’s a shame the ones you see in your house give the species as a whole a bad name. They are just doing their job.”

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