You’ve probably come running to this blog immediately after seeing one of the more disgusting pests invade your Georgia home…a roach, which may lead you to wonder: how do I get rid of roaches permanently? At Nature’s Turf, we understand how unsettling and persistent roach problems can be, especially here in Georgia’s warm, humid climate. Thankfully, there are ways to fight. Below are a few effective steps you can take now, and when it may be time to call in some pest control professionals (like those at Nature’s Turf).
Why Roaches Are Common in Georgia
Georgia’s heat, humidity, and moisture-friendly environments make it ideal for several species of cockroaches, including German, American, and Smokybrown (which isn’t a fun nickname, unfortunately). These common pests seek out water, food, shelter, and warmth…all of which are prevalent in your kitchen, bedroom, crawl space, bathroom, cabinets, and more. Furthermore, because roaches reproduce quickly, spotting one often means others aren’t far.
Like we mentioned earlier, though, there are ways to fight and prevent these pests from entering your home in the first place:
Step 1: Clean, Clean, Clean, and Clean (Remove Their Supplies)
Think of roaches as the scavengers of the pest kingdom. So, to limit a scavenger, you want to make your home less inviting. Here are a few pointers:
- Eliminate food sources: Don’t leave dishes out, wipe counters, sweep crumbs, and store food in sealed containers.
- Handle pet food carefully: Don’t leave bowls out overnight, and seal pet food bags or treats.
- Reduce clutter and hiding spots: Roaches love dark, tight crevices, so make sure to clear boxes, stacks of paper, and debris around appliances. For example, the dark corners of your fridge can quickly become a breeding ground if left unchecked.
- Dry things out: Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and dripping AC units. Furthermore, make sure to keep basements, storage rooms, and bathrooms ventilated to limit the amount of humidity found in your home.
Step 2: Seal Off Access Points
No amount of bait or cleaning works well if roaches keep walking back in:
- Inspect and caulk cracks in walls, baseboards, door frames, windows, and around plumbing lines. Roaches can be sneaky, so make sure to look for small gaps that could lead to further infestation.
- Add weather-stripping under doors, repair torn window screens, and close gaps around indoor vents. Furthermore, make sure not to overlook drains. Roaches sometimes travel via pipes or dry drain traps.
Step 3: An Attack is Nothing Without Strategy (Baits, Dusts & Growth Regulators)
Once food, moisture, and entry points are under control, use these targeted and strategic methods to eliminate what may already be inside:
- Gel baits/bait stations: These attract roaches, who then carry the poison back to nests, stopping the breeding cycle in its tracks.
- Boric acid & insecticidal dusts: Applied in cracks, behind appliances, and under sinks, these traps adhere to the roach’s body and eliminate them.
- Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): These disrupt reproduction, preventing new roaches from maturing.
As a quick note, make sure to rotate through these traps. Roaches are smarter than you think and can develop a resistance to certain products, so use products with different modes of action.
Finally, make sure to continue to monitor problem areas to ensure treatment is working. Reapply treatments as needed and keep up the preventative habits mentioned above to ensure you stop roaches in their tracks.
When to Call The Pest Control Experts
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, roach problems can persist. So, if you:
- Still see live roaches frequently
- Notice egg cases or droppings in corners
- Cannot access some infestation zones (crawl spaces, behind walls)
- Want a guaranteed, safe, long-term solution
…that’s when it’s time to call the pest control experts at Nature’s Turf. We specialize in integrated pest management (IPM) tailored for Georgia homes and yards. We’ll inspect your home thoroughly, identify the species (German, American, or Smokybrown), and apply a customized strategy to eliminate your pest infestation, all while protecting your family, pets, and home.
Call us today for a free inspection and let Nature’s Turf help you reclaim your home from roaches…for good!
