How can I get rid of rats and cockroaches? - briefly
Seal gaps, store food in airtight containers, and use snap traps or rodent bait stations to eliminate rats; for cockroaches, keep surfaces dry, remove debris, and apply gel baits or insecticidal dust in cracks and crevices. Regular inspection and prompt repair of structural openings prevent reinfestation.
How can I get rid of rats and cockroaches? - in detail
Eliminating both rodents and cockroaches requires a systematic approach that begins with thorough inspection and sanitation. Identify entry points, food sources, and nesting areas; seal cracks, gaps, and utility openings with steel wool, cement, or metal flashing. Remove clutter, store food in sealed containers, and promptly clean spills and crumbs.
Rodent control measures
- Install hardware cloth or metal flashing around foundations, vents, and pipe penetrations.
- Deploy snap traps or electronic kill traps in active pathways; place bait stations with anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant poison, following label instructions.
- Use live‑capture cages only when immediate removal and release are feasible and legal.
- Engage licensed exterminators for large infestations or when structural modifications are needed.
Cockroach control measures
- Maintain dry, crumb‑free environments; fix leaks and eliminate standing water.
- Apply gel baits in cracks, behind appliances, and under sinks; replace regularly as they deplete.
- Distribute insecticide dusts (e.g., diatomaceous earth, boric acid) in voids and wall voids where insects travel.
- Use adhesive traps to monitor activity and locate hotspots.
- Consider professional residual sprays for severe outbreaks, ensuring proper ventilation during application.
Integrated pest management (IPM)
Combine exclusion, sanitation, and targeted chemical tactics while monitoring populations. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance, and document trap counts and bait consumption to assess efficacy.
Ongoing maintenance
Schedule quarterly inspections, reseal any new openings, refresh baits and traps, and keep the premises free of food debris. Consistent vigilance prevents re‑infestation and sustains a pest‑free environment.