Keeping Cockroaches Out This Summer

Common cockroaches in the sister cities

German Cockroaches
Considered the worst roaches in Louisiana and everywhere, German cockroaches (pictured above) favor moisture-prone environments indoors and are rarely found outside. These small, light brown cockroaches commonly travel from structure to structure by hitchhiking in household items.

American Cockroaches
These are the largest house-infesting roaches in our area. Often called water bugs, American roaches are attracted to damp conditions. You may have some success using this against them. A home with humidity control is more resistant to infestations of these reddish-brown roaches.

Oriental Cockroaches
Like American cockroaches, Oriental roaches are also strongly attracted to damp conditions and are often called water bugs. They are frequently found in damp, dark environments and are distinguishable from others by their shiny black (or brown) bodies.

Smokey Brown Cockroaches
Unlike their moisture-loving counterparts, smokey brown cockroaches prefer drier conditions. They are common in attics, eaves, and wall voids, and they can also be found outside in stacked wood, under shingles, and elsewhere in the yard. They are persistent pests that will go in and out of your home if you let them.

Remove the welcome mat for cockroaches

To make your home and property less appealing to cockroaches, we recommend implementing the following prevention tips:

Reduce outdoor lighting
Cockroaches are drawn to outdoor light sources, so it would be wise to shut lights off when not needed or consider swapping bulbs for ones that are less attractive to roaches and other bugs. Yellow or sodium vapor lights are great choices for outdoor lighting.

Remove organic debris
As we touched on above, some cockroaches hide in areas where there is moisture. Piles of leaves, grass clipping, tree branches, and other organic yard debris will attract roaches and other insects. Hauling it away will make your yard less inviting.

Take care of your garbage and trash containers
Overflowing trash bins or ones that have not been properly washed will attract cockroaches in search of food. Keep your containers clean and covered, and do not let trash overflow or accumulate around the base.

Repair plumbing issues
A leaky faucet, dripping pipe, or standing water in your basement can attract cockroaches. Repair plumbing problems promptly to avoid a roach infestation.

Address moisture problems
Controlling indoor humidity can help manage various pests, including cockroaches. Ensure that fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and other humid areas are functioning properly and that your attic is well-ventilated. Consider using dehumidifiers if needed.

Other cockroach prevention tips to implement

Cockroaches enter homes through tiny gaps and holes. Here are a few common entry points and how you can seal them.

• Use expandable foam to fill in gaps, particularly around utility pipes, wires, and cables.
• Install weatherstripping around doors and windows to close gaps.
• Use a high-quality caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors.
• Replace damaged screens on windows, doors, and vents.
• Update the weatherstripping and door sweeps on all exterior doors.

Keep in mind that cockroaches can find small, difficult-to-see entry points. Many property owners choose to work with a local pest control company to get the best protection against cockroach issues.

How our home pest control services stop roaches

Since 1950, Anti-Pest has been helping property owners exterminate and prevent cockroach infestations. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers a year-round home pest control plan that targets all the cockroach species we discussed above as well as many other house-infesting insects and rodents.

You can check out our plan features below or simply give us a shout if you’ve discovered a cockroach scurrying across your kitchen floor when you went for a midnight snack!