Cockroach infestation is common in Singapore due to the year-round heat and humidity, HDB flats and condos, and dense population. Besides, poor sanitation, food leftovers, water leaks, cluttered spaces, open drains, and easy access through cracks or improperly sealed entry points attract them.
These pests come to your houses in search of food and shelter and breed here. The infestation causes disturbance in regular life, damages property, and spreads diseases. However, you can prevent them from entering your home.
Start with keeping your home clean. Seal all the entry points, store food in airtight containers, fix leaks, cover drains, remove clutter, use baits, and ensure proper waste disposal in and around your home, which can assure cockroach control at home.
Why Do Cockroaches Enter Your Home in Singapore?
Easy Access to Food Sources
Cockroaches always search for food and shelter. If your home has crumbs on the floor, leftovers on countertops, or uncovered snacks left out, cockroaches will come.
Presence of Moisture and Damp Areas
Cockroaches require water to survive, and that’s why they look for moist areas. Singapore’s humid weather with leaky faucets, wet sponges, damp dish towels, and poorly ventilated bathrooms creates an ideal breeding space for cockroaches.
Unsealed Cracks, Gaps, and Entry Points
Cockroaches get into your homes through gaps under doors, cracks in walls, unsealed windows, and holes around plumbing or electrical outlets. Homeowners often ignore these small openings.
Cluttered or Hidden Nesting Spots
Cockroaches take shelter and nest in clutter. Stacks of cardboard, piles of newspapers, or unused kitchen appliances attract cockroaches.
Shared Drains and Piping Systems in HDB and Condos
It can easily travel between different units through utility pipes and drainage systems in high-rise buildings like HDB and condominiums. So, if your neighbours have a cockroach infestation, you may have one.
Uncovered Trash Bins or Food Waste
Uncovered bins and food waste attract cockroaches. These are the easy sources of food.
Poorly Maintained Kitchen or Bathroom Areas
Cockroaches love dirty and greasy surfaces with food support. Unclean kitchen and bathroom areas provide them with food and comfortable spaces to stay.
How To Prevent Cockroaches From Entering Your Home
Here are the 11 ways to prevent cockroaches at home –
1. Store Food in Airtight Containers
Store all the leftover food in an airtight container to prevent cockroaches from accessing. It will also prevent odors that attract these pests.
2. Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Entry Points
Seal all the cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes to prevent them from entering. Use silicone-based sealants to block those entrances perfectly. Install mesh screens on vents, windows, and drains.
3. Clean Food Crumbs, Spills, and Standing Water
Keep your home, especially the bathroom, kitchen, and dining area, clean. Remove spills and crumbs and dry wet areas. Clean accumulated debris from areas under the sink and behind appliances.
4. Dispose of Trash Daily
Use tightly sealed bins and dispose of trash daily to prevent attracting cockroaches.
5. Do not Leave Pet Food Out Overnight
Remove any uneaten pet food as it can attract cockroaches. Clean the spilled or leftover food to keep the area clean.
6. Declutter to Reduce Hiding Spots
Organize and dispose of unnecessary items like cardboard boxes or newspapers to remove any hiding spots for cockroaches.
7. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation keeps the area dry and reduces moisture buildup. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and open the windows to ensure proper airflow.
8. Repair Leaky Pipes
Fix leaks and address damp areas to reduce moisture and make the environment less attractive to cockroaches.
9. Strategically Use Cockroach Baits and Traps
Place baits and traps in areas where cockroaches are most active. Use them at night for the best result.
10. Apply Boric Acid, Insecticide Sprays, and essential oils
Try essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, and boric acid to repel cockroaches. Apply insecticides if needed to control them.
11. Inspect Send-hand Groceries, Packages, and Bags Before Bringing Them Home
Cockroaches can easily come through the second-hand items brought into the home. Inspect them properly before bringing them.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
If the infestation is too severe, you cannot eliminate it without professional help. Look for any signs of cockroach infestation and take immediate action. Common signs include live cockroaches, droppings, egg cases, or foul odors. Also, call a professional for recurring problems or cockroaches in hard-to-reach areas.
If you are in Singapore and need professional help, then Termite Specialist can help you out. We offer effective cockroach pest control services, which ensure you have a cockroach-free home. Contact us or visit our office. Get direction.
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