When you live in Northwest Louisiana, you expect some level of pest activity around your property. Even so, that doesn’t mean you want pests getting into your house, especially if those pests are harmful to your health. Cockroaches are common in Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding areas, so knowing what causes cockroaches to get into homes, what you can do to keep them out of your home, and what to do if you discover a cockroach problem in your home is important. The following information will help you keep your house cockroach-free.
What attracts Cockroaches to homes in Bossier, Caddo, and DeSoto Parishes?
Many people think that cockroaches only infest the dirtiest homes. There is a bit of truth in this. Cockroaches look for a steady food source when choosing a home, so a house with crumbs all over the counters and overflowing trash cans will appeal to these pests. However, even clean homes can be susceptible to a cockroach infestation, and it would be a mistake to assume your house is safe simply because you clean up after each meal.
Cockroaches need more than food to survive. They also need water. Many cockroach infestations begin in homes with water leaks or high moisture levels. Once inside a house with a good water source, cockroaches will find a food source as well, even if it requires them to crawl into your sink drains, nibble on your toothbrush, or forage under your kitchen appliances.
Even if your house is clean and dry, cockroaches may seek refuge inside your Shreveport home when the outdoors become too unfavorable. Once they get inside, they may decide to stay because every home has food and water in it, and cockroaches are not picky eaters.
How do cockroaches get into Louisiana homes?
There are several species of cockroaches in our region that vary in size from half an inch to two inches in length. Regardless of their size, cockroaches find it relatively easy to get into homes in our area. All they need is to find a small opening, and they’re in! Some of the ways that cockroaches get into dwellings include:
- Finding cracks or holes in your siding or foundation
- Utilizing gaps around windows or doors
- Crawling through vents or drain pipes
- Being carried inside in boxes, bags, or other infested items
Because they can access the inside of your home through various means, you must be diligent to keep these potentially harmful pests out.
How can I prevent cockroaches in my home?
Although reading the information above can make it seem next to impossible to keep cockroaches out of your house, you can prevent them if you’re willing to put in a bit of work. Try these suggestions to avoid a cockroach infestation:
- Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around the exterior of your home
- Repair holes around the exterior of your house
- Cover vent openings with wire mesh screens
- Fill openings around where electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems enter your home
- Reduce moisture around the exterior of your house by ensuring proper drainage and keeping plants and bushes well-trimmed
- Store outdoor garbage bins an appropriate distance away from your house and make sure they have tightly-fitting lids
- Pick up pet waste regularly
- Keep your kitchen tidy with clear counters and sinks, washed dishes, and clean floors
- Take out your trash regularly
- Store all food in sealed containers
- Check frequently for water leaks around your house
- Reduce moisture in humid rooms with fans or dehumidifiers
- Get regular cockroach control services from Anti-Pest
By taking steps to reduce food and water sources making it difficult to access the interior of your house, you can help prevent cockroaches from entering.
What should I do if I find cockroaches in my home?
If you find cockroaches or signs of cockroaches in your home, the first thing to do is stay calm. It can be stressful to discover a cockroach infestation, but help is available to get rid of them and keep your family safe.
Your next step is to contact Anti-Pest. We have been working since 1950 to protect families from cockroaches and pests of all kinds. Our Pest Plan protects against German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, smokey brown cockroaches, and many other pests, including ants, spiders, and rodents.
Our Pest Plan provides monthly services that eliminate active pest problems and offer ongoing protection to keep pests out of your home. You don’t have to spend another minute worrying about roaches when you have Anti-Pest working on your behalf. Contact us today to request your home inspection and sign up for home pest control services!
Pests covered under Anti-Pest’s Pest Plan: Argentine ants, carpenter ants, Pharaoh ants, rover ants, fire ants, German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, smokey brown roaches, ground beetles, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, non-venomous spiders, earwigs, sow bugs, pill bugs, crickets, earwigs, mice, red wasps, Norway rats, and roof rats.
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For Northwest Louisiana homeowners looking for year-round pest control for common house-infesting pests, our Pest Plan is a great option! Service includes an initial inspection and service to take care of the existing pest problem and then ongoing services that keep insects and rodents away!
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