Dealing with cockroaches is not only a daunting task that can often seem fruitless but also carries potential health risks as these insects are notorious for spreading bacterial pathogens across surfaces. Understanding how to use exclusion to keep cockroaches out is crucial for every homeowner.
In this article, we’ll explore the strategy of exclusion—a preventative method aimed at stopping cockroaches from entering your Canoga Park home in the first place.
Common Cockroaches in Canoga Park
Despite thousands of species of cockroaches existing globally, only around 70 species are found in the United States. Among these, a few commonly infest homes in Canoga Park:
German Cockroach
These light brown cockroaches measure between ½-inches and ⅝-inches in size and are often recognized by their pepper-like droppings. Typically, they inhabit drawers, cupboards, and countertops.
American Cockroach
The largest species in the United States, these reddish-brown roaches measure up to three inches long. They are identified by a distinctive yellow band behind their heads and their flying ability. In southern states, they are often called palmetto bugs due to their propensity to live in palm trees.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Among the smaller species, the brown-banded cockroach measures about ½-inch long. Preferring dry locations, they often nest in cupboards and closets. Their dark brown bands on their wings make them easily recognizable.
Oriental Cockroach
Ranging from dark red to black in color, Oriental cockroaches are about an inch long. They possess wings but do not fly. Interestingly, they prefer residing near sewers and can often be seen traversing in and out of them at night.
Understanding these species is the first step toward designing an effective exclusion strategy.
What is Pest Exclusion?
Pest exclusion is a preventative method in pest control, aiming to seal your home to prevent insects and pests from gaining entry. This is particularly important when dealing with cockroaches, as these pests can enter through tiny openings in your screens, foundation, and walls. Once inside, they can be notoriously hard to remove.
With pest exclusion, our pest control experts at Bugs A to Z identify potential entryways for pests, sealing these openings to prevent roaches from entering your home. This pest-proofing process doesn’t stop at the initial sealing.
We also conduct routine inspections to identify new potential openings and maintain the existing ones, ensuring that pests stay where they belong—far outside your home.
How to Use Exclusion to Keep Cockroaches Out
Using exclusion to keep cockroaches at bay involves comprehensive steps to ensure that your home remains pest-free. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Seal All Potential Entry Points for Cockroaches
Begin by identifying and sealing all cracks, crevices, and holes in walls and floors with caulk. Consider moving appliances away from walls to reach high-risk areas behind and underneath them.
Pay special attention to cracks in outdoor, ground-level walls where outdoor roaches often enter. For larger holes, particularly gaps around pipes or wiring, use expanding foam sealant and plug entrances with copper or steel wool.
Door fittings with weatherstripping or door sweeps are beneficial, and soft draft stoppers can work if they provide a good seal.
Fix Leaks and Stop Drains
Attend to any plumbing issues. Tighten leaky pipes inside sink cabinets and fix dripping faucets using a wrench. Dry the surface thoroughly for stubborn leaks and apply anti-leak tape or glue. Fit drain covers to your bathtub, shower, and sink drains to deter sewer roaches. Ensure the covers are mesh or feature tiny holes to prevent small roaches from infiltrating.
Properly Store All Pantry Food and Items
Adopt a stringent storage protocol. Keep pantry items in hard plastic, metal, or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Store leftovers in hard, sealed containers in the fridge or at room temperature.
Ensure your garbage can lid is secured to deter cockroach attraction, and if possible, store your outside garbage can away from your house.
Replace cardboard boxes in storage areas with plastic bins featuring lids, as roaches find starchy materials like paper appetizing and prefer laying eggs in boxes.
Bugs A to Z’s Proven Exclusion Program
Bugs A to Z offers customized pest proofing and exclusion services tailored to the unique needs of each home. The process includes an initial inspection of doors, windows, and vents and a thorough check of weather-stripping, door sweeps, and mesh screen conditions.
After identifying potential pest entry points, our experts conduct a comprehensive inspection of your home to pinpoint reasons why pests might be attracted. The final step involves sealing, filling, patching, and repairing gaps or crevices, and closing openings around utility lines and conduits to maintain safety and ensure a pest-free environment.
Contact Bugs A to Z to provide dependable and effective exclusion services to keep your Canoga Park home cockroach-free.
