How to prevent cockroach infestations in your home

What attracts them to your home

Cockroaches look for three things: food, water and warmth. Crumbs under appliances, dishes waiting in the sink, leaks under the sink and stored cardboard boxes are more than enough. In Montréal, the German cockroach dominates in housing: it moves between units through plumbing chases and cracks.

The early signs

The earlier you detect, the simpler the treatment:

• Fast brown insects at night in the kitchen or bathroom
• Droppings that look like ground coffee near appliances
• Egg cases (oothecae) in crevices and under sinks
• A greasy, musty smell in the cupboards

The habits that prevent them

• Store food in airtight containers, pet food included
• Clean crumbs and grease, especially under and behind appliances
• Fix leaks: without water, cockroaches do not stay
• Take out garbage and recycling regularly
• Seal cracks around plumbing and baseboards
• Inspect used boxes, bags and appliances before bringing them in

When home solutions are no longer enough

If you see cockroaches in daylight, if sightings keep happening despite cleaning, or if you live in an apartment and neighbours are affected, the problem is beyond prevention. Bug bombs only scatter the colony. Professional gel-bait treatment eliminates the colony at the source, with follow-up until complete elimination.

In doubt? The estimate is free: 514-531-6074.