Keep Cockroaches Away in the Fall

Nature is about to go into a period of rest during the fall season, and as the winter months approach, this time of rest means slower plant growth, which leads to less pest activity as they seek to overwinter in whatever shelter is available. Despite this fact, our jobs are not done yet because even though insect activity has slowed, some of them can still be found among the landscape and garden plants.

Cockroaches are no different; these disease-carrying pests are most active during the warmer months of the year, from spring to early fall. Because their presence can be widespread in the fall, we must continue our efforts to keep them at bay by implementing strategies that will manage their population.

1. Continue Fall Garden Cleanup

Fall garden cleanup is a must because of the amount of debris. Keeping your garden nice and tidy will not only discourage insect pests from seeking to overwinter in leaf litter and garden debris but will also help to control mice, rats, and other rodents, along with cockroaches. Garbage that is raked up should be properly disposed of. Leaves can be collected in trash bags and stored in the trash area. Trash cans should have tightly fitted lids to keep roaches and rodents from having access.

2. Compost Pile

Composting is all-natural, benefiting plant life and soil microbes in so many ways. This gardener’s gold is a popular practice that can help build and maintain healthy soil. Building a compost pile directly off the ground means doing what you can to keep your compost safe from rodents and garden pests, including roaches that will seek to overwinter. First, compost should be kept off the ground by building on top of paving stones or cement slabs.

Another method is to use a compost bin with legs; a fully enclosed bin with a tight-fit lid is ideal. Do not put scraps of meat in your compost pile because this will encourage rodents such as rats, mice, raccoons, roaches, and other wildlife.

Mice don’t like wet conditions, so wetting your compost pile in the fall, especially when mice are active and moving about, will discourage them from your pile. A word of caution, however, waterlogged compost can encourage disease. A suggestion is planting mint near your compost pile will discourage mice as long as the population is small.

3. Roach-Proof Your Home

Roaches like other pests are drawn to homes and building structures in search of food and a water source, shelter, and a place to raise their young therefore it’s important to inspect your property to ensure that you are not making roaches and other pests feel that they have an invitation to your indoor living area. Ensure that all entry points are sealed, and door and window screens should be in good repair. Door sweeps should be installed or in good repair, and your weatherstripping should also be intact.  Remember that roaches and mice can fit through some of the tiniest spaces.

4. Don’t leave Food unattended

Don’t leave cooked food out, uncovered and unattended. Leaving cooked food unattended, whether on the dinner table, breakfast counter, or other areas of your home, will become a breeding ground for rodents, flies, ants, and roaches. After food preparation, wipe down the stovetop, kitchen countertop other parts of the kitchen where foods are prepared. All food particles should be swept up and placed in the trash can.  Don’t let greasy dishes pile up; clean right away once done. Because roaches seek out water sources, ensure that all water spills and soft drinks are cleaned up. Any leaky pipes or faucets in or outdoors should be repaired.

5.  Clean up Pet Bowls

Don’t forget to clean up your pet bowls after each meal. Food and water spills that are left unattended once pets are fed will encourage rodents and roaches, so tidy up after pets once they have eaten.

6. Reach for the Experts

Another alternative is to call in a professional pest control company to do the job for you.

Additional information

Other tips to help manage roaches during the fall months.

• Sweep up or vacuum regularly.
• Dehumidifiers in damp rooms will help with dryness, which will discourage roaches.
• Take out trash regularly, and don’t allow trash to build up.
• Make sure to keep your gutters clean because a clogged gutter will encourage pests.
• Think about getting gutter guards installed, these guards help to keep your gutters rain and pest-free while allowing water to flow freely.
• Packages of dried foods should be properly sealed and placed in air-tight containers to keep out roaches and to preserve food freshness.

Conclusion

This fall, ensure that you keep your outdoor as well as your indoor living space free of roaches and other pests. These simple yet effective steps will help to manage roaches that can become a real issue, especially if you’re facing an infestation. Remember that even during the fall months, rodents and pests are still up and about actively lurking as they prepare for the winter months by seeking shelter in our homes and gardens. Let’s do all that we can to discourage them as we seek a pest-free zone.