You have probably realized that roaches are hard to get rid of in your apartment as they’re good at hiding, running quickly, and surviving without food for long periods of time.
Meanwhile, these pests are able to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices, which makes them very difficult to eliminate. Here are some practical actions you can use to get rid of roaches in your apartment when you find roaches or take preventative measures to keep them from entering your apartment.
Table of Contents
- 1. Contact Your Property Manager
- 2. Hire A Professional Exterminator To Treat An Infestation
- 3. Use Pesticide Dusts
- 4. Use Gels
- 5. Set Baits
- 6. Use Traps
- 7. Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray
- 8. Give Your Apartment a Deep-Cleaning
- 9. Keep Food In Sealed Containers
- 10. Keep Your Apartment Clean And Dry, Especially Your Kitchen
- 11. Seal Cracks & Gaps
- 12. Reduce Moisture
- Final Thought
1. Contact Your Property Manager
If you have roaches in your apartment, you should contact your property manager. They can help you to identify the source of the problem and take steps to eliminate the roaches.
Your property manager might also be able to provide you with products or services to help get rid of roaches. For example, they might offer a pest control service that you can use.
2. Hire A Professional Exterminator To Treat An Infestation
If you have a roach problem, the best thing to do is hire a professional exterminator. Exterminators have access to stronger pesticides and know where to look for roaches in your home. They will also be able to provide you with tips on how to keep roaches away in the future.
3. Use Pesticide Dusts
Silica, diatomaceous earth and boric acid are three examples of pesticide dusts that can be used to kill roaches. These dusts work by dehydrating and killing the roaches when they come into contact with the powder. You can apply these powders to cracks and crevices where roaches are known to hide.
4. Use Gels
Gels baited with insecticide are another option for killing roaches. These gels are designed to attract roaches, who will then eat the gel and die. You can apply the gel to cracks and crevices in your home where roaches are known to hide.
5. Set Baits
One of the most effective ways to get rid of roaches is to use baits. These are products that contain a slow-acting poison that will kill roaches after they ingest it. Baits attract roaches with their food-like scent and appearance, so the roaches will eat the bait and then die.
To use baits, place them in areas where you have seen roaches or in places where they are likely to travel. For example, you might put a bait near the kitchen sink or in cabinets where food is stored. You can also put baits in drawers or on shelves.
6. Use Traps
Another way to get rid of roaches is to use traps. These are devices that lure roaches into them and then kill them.
Traps are available in different sizes and styles. Some traps come with adhesive strips that you attach to walls or under appliances. Other traps are placed on countertops or in cabinets.
When choosing a trap, look for one that is specifically designed to kill roaches. These traps usually contain an attractant that lures roaches into the trap.
You can put the trap near areas where you have seen roaches or in places where they are likely to travel.
7. Use a Plant-Based Insecticide Spray
If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, you can make your own insecticide spray with plants that roaches don’t like.
To make this spray, mix 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of dried mint leaves or fresh mint leaves. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Then, pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray this mixture in areas where you have seen roaches or around entry points, such as windows and doors.
8. Give Your Apartment a Deep-Cleaning
One of the best ways to get rid of roaches is to do a deep cleaning of your entire apartment. This means cleaning areas that you don’t usually clean, such as behind appliances and in cracks and crevices.
To deep-clean your home, start by removing everything from your cabinets and cupboards. Then, vacuum and clean these areas thoroughly. Next, move appliances away from walls and vacuum and clean behind them. Finally, check cracks and crevices for roaches and vacuum these areas as well.
Doing a deep clean of your home will help get rid of roaches and make it less inviting for them to come back.
9. Keep Food In Sealed Containers
One of the best ways to get rid of roaches is to make sure they don’t have any food sources. Roaches are attracted to food, so keeping your food in sealed containers can help deter them.
To do this, store all of your food in airtight containers. This includes dry goods like cereal, rice, and pasta. You should also put your fruits and vegetables in sealed containers or in the fridge.
You should also regularly clean your kitchen and dining area. Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors. Vacuum and mop regularly. And, don’t forget to empty the trash daily.
10. Keep Your Apartment Clean And Dry, Especially Your Kitchen
The best way to get rid of roaches is to keep your apartment clean and dry. Roaches are attracted to food and water, so they will congregate in areas where these things are present.
To help prevent roaches, sweep and vacuum your floors regularly. Wipe down countertops and tables after meals. Store food in sealable containers. And, fix any leaks in your plumbing.
You should also regularly clean your kitchen and dining area. Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors. Vacuum and mop regularly. And, don’t forget to empty the trash daily. Keeping your apartment clean and dry will make it less attractive to roaches and make it easier to get rid of them.
11. Seal Cracks & Gaps
Another way to get rid of roaches is to seal cracks and gaps in your home. Roaches are able to squeeze into tiny spaces, so sealing these areas can help to prevent them from getting into your home.
To seal cracks and gaps, you can use caulk or weatherstripping. Be sure to seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and appliances. You should also seal any cracks in your walls or floors.
12. Reduce Moisture
Roaches love moisture, so reducing moisture in your home can help to deter them.
To reduce moisture, fix any leaks in your plumbing. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. And, be sure to keep all areas of your home clean and free of clutter.
Final Thought
Getting rid of roaches in your apartment is not easy, but it can be done. When you find them in your apartment, you can remove them by contacting your property manager, hiring a professional exterminator, using pesticide dusts/gels/baits/traps/plant-based insecticide sprays, and giving your apartment a deep cleaning.
You can also take preventative measures like keeping food in sealed containers, keeping your apartment clean and dry – especially your kitchen, sealing cracks & gaps and reducing moisture to keep them from entering your apartment.
Take action now to get rid of these pesky pests.