Everyone likes to warm up indoors when the temperature drops, but unfortunately, so do pests. A cockroach infestation can cause a variety of problems around the home, and these nasty bugs are more likely to seek shelter in the fall and winter months.
But are cockroaches just something you have to live with? Can you actually prevent cockroaches from getting into your Lexington home?
Why Cockroaches Come Indoors
Most home-infesting cockroaches prefer temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. And although some cockroaches can tolerate cold temperatures, they much prefer the warmth and humidity of your home to the chilly weather outside. When cold weather kicks in during the fall, cockroaches may seek shelter in warmer environments, and your home is an ideal shelter.
While cockroaches may initially be attracted to the heat of your cozy home, access to food and high moisture levels will convince them to move in permanently. Some species, like American cockroaches, are suited to outdoor life, while others, like German cockroaches, are almost entirely dependent on man-made structures for survival.
Why It’s Hard To Prevent Roaches
Cockroaches in Lexington are determined creatures. Their sleek bodies allow them to squeeze through cracks and gaps with ease, making even the smallest openings around the exterior of your home an easy entrance. They can cover a lot of ground as they scavenge for food and expose even the slightest vulnerabilities like damaged door sweeps and torn screens.
And while some pests like house flies and ants make no secret of their presence, cockroaches tend to keep a low profile until the infestation advances to a larger size. The initial cockroaches that infest your property will hide out of sight as they breed and multiply, usually under heavy appliances, in crawlspaces, and in-wall voids. If you see a roach or two in your home, there are probably dozens more where you can’t see.
Some folks may bring cockroaches home without even realizing it. These pests are adept hitchhikers and may hide in boxes and containers brought into your home from warehouses, basements, or other infested locations.
What Attracts Cockroaches
Like practically every pest that infests your home, cockroaches are motivated by food, water, and shelter. And while even the cleanest homes can get roaches, the more unhygienic and messy your house is, the more likely you are to develop an infestation. Some common factors that attract roaches include:
- Food waste: Crumbs, scraps, and spills around the kitchen are highly attractive to cockroaches. Simply cleaning floors and countertops regularly can greatly reduce your chances of getting roaches.
- Trash problems: Cockroaches are not picky eaters. Trash that’s allowed to accumulate in the home will almost certainly attract pests if not disposed of promptly. Try to throw out your trash as often as possible. Be sure to keep trash cans covered and kept at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Moisture issues: Excess moisture around the home quenches the thirst for roaches. Be sure to seal any leaking pipes or faucets around the home. Empty water bowls for pets at night. If possible, consider installing a dehumidifier.
Why You Should Call The Pros
You can take preventive steps to keep cockroaches out of your Lexington home, but because roaches are so secretive and breed so quickly, eliminating an infestation on your own can be nearly impossible. With pest control services from Action Pest Control, you can say goodbye to your cockroach problems once and for all. We offer three comprehensive residential pest control plans to suit your needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more!