Cockroaches are a common problem for both homeowners and business owners in Canoga Park. Because their presence can come with severe consequences — from contaminating food to triggering asthma and allergic reactions — it’s crucial to keep them away from your property. And when it comes to cockroaches, prevention is a lot easier than having to eradicate an infestation.
To help our community prevent a potentially dangerous cockroach problem, we’ve compiled a complete cockroach prevention guide for Canoga Park homeowners. Continue reading to find out how to prevent cockroaches in your home or business!
Common Cockroaches
There are about 4500 cockroach species in the world, with 30 of them settling in human habitats. However, four main types of cockroaches invade homes in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, including the:
- American cockroach
- German cockroach
- Brown-banded cockroach
- Oriental cockroach
While they differ in size and appearance, all four species are associated with the same risks and hazards they bring to your home and family.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches thrive in unhygienic environments, making them a carrier of various bacteria and diseases, including Salmonellosis, typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, and more. Food that has been contaminated by cockroaches through their droppings, saliva, or urine may lead to the transmission of disease upon consumption. Additionally, exposure to their allergens might also trigger or aggravate asthma and allergies, especially in children or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Common signs of a cockroach infestation include molted skin and feces that look like coffee grounds or black pepper. An unpleasant, oily, musty odor caused by their pheromones is also a telltale sign of an infestation. Additionally, oval-shaped egg casings, smear arks, and sighting multiple cockroaches in your home are also signs of an infestation that you must not overlook.
How To Prevent Cockroaches in Your Canoga Park Home
To prevent cockroaches from entering your home, start by making your property unwelcoming for these insects.
Eliminate Food Sources Inside and Near Your Home
Cockroaches thrive in places where there’s readily available food. Practicing proper sanitation is the first and perhaps the simplest of all steps to getting a roach-free home.
- Clean up food crumbs and spills immediately
- Wipe down your kitchen counters and appliances
- Store all leftover foods in the fridge or airtight containers
- Do not leave food out overnight
- Regularly clean your kitchen cabinets and pantry to get rid of crumbs or spills
- Empty the trash cans daily and seal them with a tight-fitting lid
- Do not let dirty dishes sit in the sink overnight
Reduce Water Sources
Cockroaches cannot survive for long without water, so they’ll often inhabit areas with high moisture and nearby water sources.
- Repair any plumbing leaks, including faucets and pipes
- Dry out kitchen and bathroom sinks each night before going to bed
- Empty pet water bowls
- Install a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity levels
Make Your Outdoor Space Uninviting to Roaches
Cockroaches typically nest outdoors, but they enter homes during the colder months searching for food, water, and warmth.
- Prune trees, bushes, and plants so that they’re a few feet away from the exterior walls
- Do not stack firewood near your home’s walls
- Remove leaf piles and other yard waste or organic debris
Seal-Up Potential Entry Points
Due to their flexible exoskeleton, cockroaches can squeeze through tiny spaces and enter your home.
- Seal any holes or cracks in your home’s foundation, siding, and window and door frames with caulk
- Ensure there are no gaps around utility entry points through which wires and cables enter the home
- Install door sweeps
Get Rid of Clutter To Reduce Roach Hiding Places
A cluttered home is a haven for cockroaches, as they typically thrive in dark, secluded spots.
- Remove piles of paper, including newspapers, magazines, or old books
- Remove storage boxes as much as possible
- Sort out shelves packed with different items
- Get rid of unnecessary items like old furniture, and clothing
How To Deal With a Cockroach Problem
The best way to prevent cockroaches is to keep your home clean and adopt the above precautionary measures. However, if you spot cockroaches in your home, it is essential to contact a pest extermination company for professional treatment.
Bugs A to Z provides full-service residential pest control services in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Santa Monica, and surrounding areas. We use non-invasive methods specializing in green pest management and integrated pest solutions to treat pest infestations, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Call us today to schedule your inspection, and we can help you enjoy a roach-free home for good!
