Roaches

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There are more than 4,500 known species of cockroaches living in the world, though most people are only aware of the roaches that can infest their homes. Some of the most recognizable species of roaches infesting homes are:

1. German cockroaches
2. American cockroaches
3. Smokybrown cockroaches
4. Oriental cockroach (sometimes mistakenly referred to as “water bugs”)

These cockroaches are often associated with an unclean home, but actually they can be found in any home.

American and oriental cockroach infestations are often associated with leaky pipes or easy access points around the home. These cockroaches are also considered to be just plain unpleasant and have been known to be a source of anxiety to some people. Additionally, they can cause damage to pantry food, book bindings and wallpaper (because they eat the paste). All of these items, including grease and food particles, make great cockroach meals.

Another big issue with cockroaches is how quickly an infestation can grow due to the prolific reproduction cycles some of these insects are infamous for. Also, roaches can trigger allergic reactions in some people. 

Is it possible to learn online how to get rid of cockroaches? Sure, you might find a DIY method that could work given the perfect combination of scenarios, but that’s highly unlikely. Here’s why:

1. The different species of roaches may hide in different parts of your home. So, when using different types of baits, you have to place them close to where that specific species of roach lives. If you incorrectly identify the type of roach you’re dealing with, then it’s likely that you won’t be able to control them.
2. Home remedies may seem to work from time to time, but their effectiveness is typically short lived or mere coincidence.
3. Some DIY roach control methods you find online may recommend harmful substances that have not been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for cockroach control in homes.
4. The contents of roach bombs or foggers likely won't penetrate the nooks and crannies where roaches nest, rendering these methods only partially effective. This can sometimes repel infestations into different areas of your home, furthering the problem. Lastly, roach bombs can be very dangerous when misapplied (sometimes even correctly applied). There’s a reason they’re called “bombs.”
5. Home remedies for roach repellents or over-the-counter sprays only address insects you can see, not the hundreds, or even thousands, that may be living in your walls or crawl space.

True, it’s logical to think that finding a DIY cockroach control method to help you get rid of cockroaches would spare you a chunk of change. However, you might find that you spend a lot of money on ineffective home remedies only to have to call a pest control professional down the road. And, at that point, your roach infestation could have spread to other areas of the home, meaning it might cost you more (and cause more frustration) than it would have had you just called a professional in the first place.

In addition to costing you money, DIY methods can really eat into your time, as foggers, sprays and roach bombs can require prep time and clean up. These can also be expensive products to purchase and use.

There are guidelines and labels to follow when using pesticides. These guidelines help users know where to apply, when to apply and how much to apply, among other things. Most homeowners have not been trained on how to correctly and effectively use these pesticides. And when used incorrectly, these pesticides can result in ineffective pest control and even safety issues and other problems.

The societal emphasis placed on DIY methods is great, but it’s important to not reach beyond your capabilities and knowledge. When it comes to a problem as large as figuring out how to get rid of roaches, your best bet is to contact The Bug Doctor. Let a trained technician evaluate your home and the scope of your roach infestation to customize a treatment and prevention plan that best fits your needs.