Sanitation Habits to Prevent Cockroach Infestations

As the holidays approach, gatherings around food become central to our celebrations. But with more food comes more potential for cockroach infestations and their health risks, especially as we rush through cleanup routines. Who has time for washing dishes when there’s pie to eat?

But have you ever considered how your sanitation habits can impact your home’s defenses against pests? It’s easy to focus on the joyful moments, but pests like cockroaches thrive in environments with excess food and moisture. 

From proper food storage to maintaining a clean kitchen, these tips will keep unwanted guests out of your home.

Stay Diligent with Food Cleanup

Have you ever noticed how fast crumbs and spills can accumulate, especially during holiday cooking? Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to even the smallest food particles. Keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs is one of the most effective ways to prevent cockroach infestations.

When it comes to food cleanup, there are several key habits that can make a big difference in keeping your home pest-free:

Clean Surfaces After Every Meal

• Wipe down counters, stovetops, and dining tables after each meal to remove crumbs and food residue.
• Pay special attention to spills and grease, as cockroaches are drawn to fats and oils.
• Don’t forget the small spaces, like under appliances and inside the microwave, where food particles can accumulate.

Sweep and Mop Floors Regularly

• Sweep after every meal to catch crumbs that fall to the floor.
• Mop the kitchen floor at least once a week to eliminate sticky spills or grease stains.
• Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to get into corners and hard-to-reach areas where food debris might gather.

Empty Trash Cans Daily

• Trash cans are a major attractant for cockroaches, especially if they contain food waste.
• Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to minimize odors and access for pests.
• Take the trash out every night, especially after large gatherings or holiday meals.

Properly Store Your Food

Cockroaches can squeeze into even the tiniest cracks to reach food sources. Therefore, properly storing food is essential for preventing cockroach infestations.

To keep your food safe and inaccessible to cockroaches, consider these storage habits:

Use Airtight Containers

• Store dry foods like cereal, pasta, rice, and flour in airtight containers to block pests from getting inside.
• Opt for glass or hard plastic containers that cockroaches cannot chew through.
• Make sure all containers are sealed tightly, especially after opening packaged goods.

Keep Pet Food in Sealed Containers

• Pet food is just as attractive to cockroaches as human food.
• Store pet food in airtight containers and avoid leaving it out overnight.
• Clean your pet’s food and water dishes regularly to prevent buildup that could attract pests.

Rotate Your Pantry Stock

• Regularly check your pantry for expired or stale items that could draw in cockroaches.
• Rotate food to ensure older items are used first, reducing the risk of forgotten food sitting for extended periods.
• Discard any food packages that show signs of pests, like small holes or gnawed edges.

Keep Moisture Under Control

Do you know that moisture is just as enticing to cockroaches as food? Cockroaches are drawn to water sources, making it important to keep moisture levels in check throughout your home. High moisture levels can create the perfect environment for cockroach infestations, as they need water to survive.

To reduce moisture in your home, pay attention to the following areas:

Fix Leaky Pipes and Faucets

• Regularly inspect under sinks, around faucets, and near appliances like dishwashers for leaks.
• Repair any dripping faucets or leaky pipes immediately to eliminate water sources for cockroaches.
• Ensure that no water is left standing overnight, whether it’s in your sink, bathtub, or dishwasher.

Ventilate Humid Areas

• Cockroaches thrive in humid environments, so it’s important to ventilate spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Use exhaust fans to reduce moisture buildup after showers or when cooking.
• Consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements to keep the air dry.

Dry Dishes and Sponges Thoroughly

• Don’t leave dishes to air dry overnight, as cockroaches are attracted to the moisture left behind.
• Wipe down wet dishes before putting them away to remove excess moisture.
• Replace damp sponges or dishcloths frequently, as they can harbor food particles and water, attracting cockroaches.

Declutter to Eliminate Hiding Spots

Have you ever thought about where cockroaches might hide when you can’t see them? Cockroaches love to hide in dark, cluttered areas where they feel safe. The more clutter in your home, the more hiding spots cockroaches will find, increasing the likelihood of cockroach infestations.

To reduce hiding places for cockroaches, consider the following decluttering tips:

Organize Cabinets and Pantries

• Declutter your cabinets and pantries by removing old, unused items that could create hiding spaces for cockroaches.
• Avoid stacking too many items in one place, as cockroaches like to hide in tight spaces between objects.
• Use cabinet organizers to keep everything visible and accessible, reducing the chance of pests going unnoticed.

Keep Paper and Cardboard to a Minimum

• Cockroaches are attracted to paper and cardboard, making clutter from old boxes, newspapers, and magazines a potential issue.
• Recycle newspapers, magazines, and other paper products regularly.
• Avoid storing food or pantry items in cardboard boxes, as cockroaches can chew through the material and hide inside.

Clear Out Storage Spaces

• Basements, attics, and garages are common places for clutter to build up, providing perfect hiding spots for cockroaches.
• Clean and organize storage areas at least once a year to remove unused items and reduce clutter.
• Use plastic bins with tight lids for storage instead of cardboard boxes.

Regularly Inspect for Signs of Cockroach Activity

Have you ever noticed small signs of cockroach activity? These signs can appear right underneath your nose.

Being proactive about inspecting for cockroaches can help prevent an infestation from taking root. Here are some things to watch for during your inspections:

Check for Droppings

• Cockroach droppings are small, dark, and resemble coffee grounds or black pepper.
• Common areas to inspect include under sinks, in cabinets, and near appliances.
• If you find droppings, it’s a sign that cockroaches are present, and action is needed.

Look for Egg Cases

• Cockroaches lay eggs in small, brownish casings, which can often be found in dark, hidden areas.
• Check behind appliances, inside pantries, and under cabinets for these egg cases.
• If you spot egg cases, it’s a clear indication that cockroaches are breeding in your home.

Listen for Noises at Night

• Cockroaches are nocturnal and are most active during the night.
• If you hear scurrying sounds in the kitchen or pantry, it could be a sign of cockroaches moving around.
• Use a flashlight to inspect areas where noises are heard to confirm if cockroaches are present.

Prevent Cockroach Infestations with Drive-Bye Exterminators

Get a pre-holiday inspection for cockroach infestations from Drive-Bye Exterminators! Prevention is the most effective way to keep the upcoming holiday season free from cockroaches and other pests like ants.

Don’t hesitate to reach out. With over 300 5-star Google reviews, it’s easy to see why homeowners just like you trust us with pest prevention and extermination. Call today!