Depending on the species, cockroaches can be large or small, living alone or in colonies. Regardless of the type, these cockroaches are certainly agile, good at hiding, and difficult to get rid of. These pests are quick to adapt, efficient and reproduce quickly. The problem with apartments is that each room is interconnected. The eradication of cockroaches in the apartment is carried out starting from identifying their hiding place, eradicating cockroaches in your apartment space, then preventing new cockroaches from entering your apartment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Identify the Location of Cockroaches in Your Apartment
Step 1. Set the trap
This will help you identify how big the problem is, and where the cockroaches are gathering.
- Purchase an inexpensive sticky cockroach trap from a supply store or supermarket.
- Make your own traps. Use petroleum jelly to coat the inside of an empty glass jar to keep these pests from escaping. Use slices of bread as bait.
Step 2. Spread the traps all over your apartment
Strategic trap places are corners of the room, cupboards, under furniture, and in the bathroom.
Keep in mind that cockroaches tend to crawl on the edges and ends of items, rather than out in the open. Place the trap under something, and not in the center of the floor or table
Step 3. Leave the trap for at least 24 hours
See how many cockroaches you catch, and where the most cockroaches are.
Step 4. Remove the trap and the cockroaches inside
Kill the cockroaches by filling the jar with warm soapy water.
Part 2 of 3: Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Apartment
Step 1. Start with natural pest control
Popular types are: (1) diatomaceous earth powder (fossil powder from the shells of diatom algae), this powder is effective at killing insects and is not harmful to pets, and (2) boric acid (H3BO3), or Borax (Na2B4O710H2O), both contain the element boron, which is a natural enemy of insects. Mammals do not eat these two ingredients because they taste bad.
Spread these powders sparingly on the surface. Borax is quite effective at killing cockroaches but diatomaceous earth powder kills faster because it attacks the shells and pores of insects. Cockroaches do not have a system of protection against these two substances
Step 2. Prepare the bait station
An insect bait post will protect the apartment from poison. It is recommended to use the Combat and Maxforce brands.
- Replace and refill feed posts as often as possible. Bait will run out quickly in locations where there are a lot of cockroaches.
- Look for products that contain Hydramethylnon. This substance is an insecticide capable of killing cockroaches within three days of being eaten.
Step 3. Use a professional pest control service to clean your apartment
Professional exterminators are licensed to use chemicals that are not accessible to ordinary people, such as Avermectin.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Cockroaches from Entering the Apartment
Step 1. Report to your property manager or building supervisor
Even if your room is clean, cockroaches will return if the apartment building is not maintained.
Step 2. Remove all food sources of cockroaches
Cockroaches love sugar and carbohydrates in food, soap and even plants.
- Store food in glass or plastic containers that can be tightly closed. Remove all food from bags, boxes or other materials that cockroaches can penetrate.
- Replace the bar soap with liquid soap, and spread some petroleum jelly on the plant pots to keep the cockroaches out.
Step 3. Clean all surfaces in the kitchen after preparing or eating food
Leftovers will invite the arrival of cockroaches.
Step 4. Dispose of garbage regularly, sweep/mop the floor to clean food debris every day
Step 5. Seal all gaps with silicone putty
Cockroaches crawl in and out of walls, doors and windows through gaps that are at least 0.5 cm wide.
Step 6. Check for holes or other damage to the windows
Close any cracks or cracks in the door, and make sure the sink is dry and unscrew the water plug every night before going to bed.
