Eight Effective Cockroach-Control Tips For Jacksonville Property Owners

Are you aware of the threats cockroaches can present to you and your family? Cockroaches are dirty insects. This might sound like we're being figurative or speaking in metaphor, but cockroaches are literally dirty. If you open up a dumpster and a disgusting smell makes you jump backward, you shouldn't be surprised to find cockroaches in that dumpster. The scent of rotting organic matter doesn't repel cockroaches; they're drawn to it. If you climb into a sewer and the smell makes you want to climb back out quickly, you shouldn't be surprised to find cockroaches down there. They don't mind that smell; it actually lets them know that dinner is being served. Cockroaches feed on feces. We don't say this to gross you out. You must understand how dirty cockroaches are. Their attraction to rotting organic matter and feces exposes them to harmful bacteria, pathogens, and parasitic worms. It is never good to allow roaches to live on your Jacksonville property. Here are eight practical cockroach control tips to help you keep them out.

1. Pick Up Dog Droppings

As gross as it might sound, the droppings left by dogs can be an attractant for cockroaches. If you own a dog, it is important to keep droppings picked up. Roaches, rats, and other pests can be lured into your yard by this potential food source.

2. Control Moisture

While some pest cockroach species can tolerate dry conditions, they don't prefer things to be dry. If you have a damp perimeter, you will invite cockroaches to explore your exterior. Use these tips to reduce moisture:

• Make sure your gutters are free of obstructions. There may be an easy way to see if your gutters are clogged. If you look at your gutters and you see plants growing out of them, it is definitely time to get those gutters cleaned.

• Trim bushes and shrubs. It is important for air to be able to move between the plants in your landscaping. This helps to keep the topsoil dry.

• Remove unnecessary vegetation, such as weeds. Vegetation can trap moisture and increase the humidity around your home.

• Water your plants first thing in the morning. This will give the sun time to dry the moisture.

• Address conditions that allow puddles to form near your foundation walls.

• Repair plumbing and leaky fixtures.

3. Manage Trash

Cockroaches can find a meal in your trash. They can also breed inside your trash. Make sure all exterior receptacles have a cover. Make sure you remove trash from your property each week to prevent organic matter from creating a scent that attracts cockroaches from a distance. Keep your receptacles as clean as possible. If trash sits for more than a week, be sure to clean your trash cans to remove the scent.

4. Organic Debris

Cockroaches are most at home around a structure with leaves, grass clippings, sticks, wood, and other organic debris on the ground. Rake your yard and keep this debris picked up.

5. Look For Rotting Things

If you have a compost pile that is not mixed correctly, or there is a dead animal in your landscaping or some other condition, make sure to correct the issue so as not to lure in cockroaches.

6. Remove Tight Spaces

We have another literal description to give you:

Cockroaches like being caught between a rock and a hard place. Roaches are thigmotactic. If they find a gap between two rocks or a crack in a foundation wall, they will squeeze into it. They're attracted to tight spaces. Removing rock piles, woodpiles, stacked crates, and other piles and stacks from your yard can make your yard less attractive to roaches.

7. Seal Cracks

Do a detailed inspection of your exterior and seal entry points. Pay close attention to cracks in your foundation walls, chipped mortar, and tight gaps around your doors and windows. A caulking gun or foundation repair kit can help you get this job done.

8. Get Assistance

Remember that the pest professionals here at Lindsey Pest Services are always standing by to help you with your pest control issues. We offer year-round pest control services that give you coverage for pest cockroaches in our areas, such as American cockroaches (sometimes called Palmetto bugs), German cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches.

Reach out to us anytime to request an inspection or to get answers to your questions. We're here to help.