How To Prevent Cockroaches During The Holiday Season

Common cockroaches in our area

Before discussing the cause of holiday cockroach infestations and tips for preventing trouble, we should identify the common culprits.

German cockroaches

German cockroaches are about ½ inches long and tan, with two black lines on their backs. They are small, fast roaches that commonly infest homes and businesses in our region. Moreover, they thrive in warm, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 

American cockroaches

American cockroaches are ⅕ to 2 inches long and reddish-brown. They have a yellow marking that may look like a figure eight. They infest warm, humid environments in Northwest Louisiana homes and frequent sewers. 

Oriental cockroaches

Oriental roaches, often called water bugs, are 1-inch long and shiny black or dark brown. They are slower-moving pests commonly found in damp, cool areas like drains and crawl spaces.  

Smokey brown cockroaches

Smokey brown cockroaches are ¼ to 1 ½ inches and reddish-brown (or mahogany). They are often mistaken for American roaches but are smaller and do not have the yellow markings.  They are excellent fliers commonly found in attics, crawl spaces, and other warm, humid areas. They’re also attracted to decaying plant material, garbage, and standing water. 

How cockroaches are worse during the holidays

Now that you know a little about the common cockroaches in our area, let’s turn our attention to how these pests are more troublesome during the holidays.

Holiday meal preparation

When cooking big meals, it is easy to neglect spills and clean up. Food left on surfaces, shelves, or floors can attract cockroaches. 

• Clean up spills, crumbs, and other food particles immediately.
• Keep food covered when left on the counter or kitchen island.
• Wash dishes after every meal; do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.  

Holiday leftovers

Lots of dishes and treats often result in plenty of leftovers and even a bit of food waste. In both cases, this can lead to extra food in your trash bins. That food can decay, and the odor of decaying food attracts cockroaches. Here are some tips to help you avoid attracting these pests' unwanted attention.

• Keep your kitchen trash lid down to hold food smells in.
• Store the trash in an exterior, covered container.
• Haul your trash can to the curb every week.

Holiday gift giving

We love giving gifts during the holidays, but they can draw the attention of cockroaches, both before and after opening. Cockroaches prefer to tuck themselves in tight spaces and will hide between boxes in undisturbed locations, such as inside an outdoor storage locker or shed. 

Once unwrapped, paper and cardboard can attract roaches. These insects feed on cellulose in paper products, particularly if it is damp or softened by humidity. They also like to hide in stacked cardboard.

• Store presents in a dry, indoor space.
• Store present in a sealed plastic tote if kept outdoors.
• Dispose of cardboard and paper products in a covered trash receptacle or sealed tote.

Holiday decorations

When you take your decorations out of storage, you might accidentally bring roaches into your home. Roaches like to tuck themselves inside boxes. Open stored boxes and check for insect activity before bringing them indoors.

Cockroach prevention before the holidays

Along with the specific tips provided above, there are other ways to help you keep cockroaches out of your home. Here are some suggestions:

• Inspect your exterior and remove clutter. Cockroaches hide underneath objects that block the sun.
• Address moisture problems. Cockroaches need water to drink and hydration for their bodies.
• Update your weatherproofing to remove tiny gaps roaches can use to enter your home.
• Fill structural cavities with expanding foam or a caulking material, particularly around utility lines that enter through your exterior.
• Patch damaged screens on your doors and windows.
• Practice a high level of sanitation, both indoors and outdoors.
• If you have compost, ensure it is properly mixed and kept away from your exterior.

Simple steps like these can make a big difference, but remember, you’re never alone when battling cockroaches or other pests.  

Get in front of roach problems with a pest control plan

Locally owned and family-operated since 1950, Anti-Pest can help you keep cockroaches out of your home this holiday season. Our Pest Plan, an ongoing home pest control service, provides your home with year-round pest protection with service visits every other month. During each service, we will treat the outside of your home to stop cockroaches, ants, mice, and other house-infesting pests from getting inside. If you’ve noticed spiders or other pests indoors, we’ll treat them inside, too! What’s more, our Pest Plan includes our Pest Free Guarantee. You don’t have to wonder if you’re covered.

Are you ready to get started? Contact us today, and let our team of pest control specialists keep your home pest-free during the holidays and all year long.