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Handy tricks to rid your home of cockroaches this summer

Cockroaches seek out dark, humid hiding places all over homes in Spain

Cockroach. The name alone is enough to make most people’s skin crawl but these unsavoury critters are, unfortunately, part and parcel of a Spanish summer. Quite aside from giving us the heebie-jeebies, roaches can also spread disease and are notoriously difficult to get rid of once an infestation has taken hold.

The resilient pests tend to settle in dark, warm, humid spaces like little-used cupboards and under skins, where they reproduce rapidly and create enormous colonies. For this reason, speed is key and they need to be dealt with rapidly to avoid the problem getting out of hand.

Professional pest control services are always available if the infestation has become unmanageable but if you’ve spotted them early, there are four simple tricks to rid your home of cockroaches without having to call in the big guns.

But remember: never, ever stamp on a cockroach! According to the WHO, squishing a roach underfoot can unleash all sorts of harmful bacteria. Not for nothing are they officially classified as “unhygienic scavengers”; cockroaches can cause staphylococci, streptococci, salmonella or other ailments such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid fever.

1. Baking soda and sugar

One of the most effective tricks to banish roaches combines two common products you probably already have at home: baking soda and sugar. Simply combine equal parts of the two in a shallow container and leave in places you’ve spotted the cockroaches.

The insects will quickly be attracted to the sweet smell and gobble up the concoction, but the mixture is lethal to them. Borax, also known as sodium borate, can be substituted for the baking soda. However, before resorting to this home remedy, be careful if you have children or pets at home, since it can be toxic.

2. Plants

Just as the aroma of sugar draws cockroaches, certain scents repel them and many aromatic plants can keep them at bay. Among the most effective species are laurel, mint and garlic. Try to these place potted plants close to windows and doors, or in other areas you suspect they may be coming into the house.

3. Diatomaceous earth

This is a natural and non-toxic pesticide very commonly used in gardens all across Spain. It contains silica, which alters the keratin in insects who come in contact with it, causing them to die from dehydration.

All you need do is sprinkle a thin layer in places you tend to find cockroaches in your home, and they’ll avoid it. However, this method isn’t much use if your property is already heavily infested, but it does act as a positive deterrent and should prevent adult roaches from spreading further.

4. Insecticides and bait

Another common and very effective trick is to resort to chemical insecticidal powders and baits. Magnesium phosphide or methyl bromide are some of the most frequently used substances.

There’s a plethora of these products on the market and they can be bought pretty cheaply but remember to read the label carefully, as some can be harmful to other animals.

How to prevent cockroaches

Prevention is better than cure, and there are a number of things you can do to avoid cockroaches making your house their home this summer:

Check for water leaks in taps and pipes, since roaches will always seek out humid, damp spots.
Keep the house clean and tidy. Mess and rubbish are a roach’s dream, offering both food and shelter in abundance. Always store food in sealed containers or cupboards and wipe away any crumbs from counter tops. These pests will also gravitate towards your bin, so only use one with a tight lid.
Cracks, crevices and holes in walls, floors and door frames should be covered to prevent cockroaches from entering the home.
Check the sources of heat in the home such as heating, boiler, kitchen or water heaters, as these are all attractive hiding places.
Mosquito nets on the windows and doors will make it more difficult for roaches to get inside, as will wire mesh on bathroom, ventilation and security grilles.

Now read: Got a plague of ants in your home? These two surprising household items can help you get rid of them...

Image: Pixabay

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