Cockroaches

Cockroaches are annoying insects that can sometimes be found in human dwellings. They are pests that we should not want in our homes, as they are filthy creatures and can carry germs. They often crawl on kitchen counters, and can contaminate food and eating utensils.

Identification

The two most common cockroaches are the German cockroach and the American cockroach. They are described below.

German Cockroaches

German Cockroaches are about 0.6 inches long. Their color is from tan to black and they have two dark streaks running from behind their heads to the base of their wings.

They are the most likely cockroach type to be found in a home. They lay lots of eggs, multiply quickly, and can become a real problem.

American Cockroaches

American Cockroaches are somewhat bigger, being about 1 t0 1.5 inches long, and have a yellowish band across their heads.

The American Cockroach is more commonly found in grocery stores and restaurants than homes, but sometimes they do show up in homes.

Damage They Do

Cockroaches won't bite you or hurt you. If they see you, they will run the other way. However, they can pick up and carry germs and disease-causing bacteria. You don't want them around; get rid of them.

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Control of Cockroaches

Cleanliness

Control of Cockroaches begins with cleanliness. Cockroaches look for crumbs and scraps of food that may have been spilled and not cleaned up.

Keep your counters and floors clean. Even keep the inside of your cabinets clean. Eliminate cracks and crevises that may hold dirt or particles of food.

Keep you cupboards clean. Look for and clean up any spilled items. Check boxes and bags for tears or rips and fix them.

You can kill cockroaches with traps and bait stations as shown below, but without cleanliness more will keep coming.

Cockroach Traps and Bait Stations

Cockroach Traps catch and kill cockroaches in the trap.

Bait Stations provide a poison bait that will kill a cockroach, and which they can take back to their nests and maybe kill others.

Two of these devices available on Amazon.com are shown below.

   

    Roach Motel Trap          Roach Bait Station

To see these devices on Amazon.com, click on the device's image above. On Amazon.com you can see descriptions and reviews.

If you buy any of these items, when you use them, place them out of the reach of children and pets.

Homemade Bait Stations

You can easily make your own bait station. Mix one part borax, one part sugar and one part flour. A little bit of bacon grease is also good if you have it. Add a little water and mold into a paste. The sugar draws them to the bait station, and the borax, being a slow-acting poison, kills them.

Place bait stations near where you think the cockroaches may be, but AWAY from children and pets. You may have to change the bait every couple of weeks for maybe 6 weeks to get rid of them all.

CAUTION: Please be aware that this mixture is toxic to humans and pets also. Borax IS a poison. You don't want toxic baits available for animals or children to handle or contact or ingest. And wash your hands after handling borax.