Picture yourself in a tropical beach resort and although unpleasant, it may not be surprising to come across a cockroach or two. Seeing one in your home or business in the middle of winter in the UK can be somewhat of a shock however. Believe it or not, this isn’t all that uncommon and cockroaches are in fact one of our top winter pests.
Why exactly is this?
When the temperature drops, many cockroaches enter a hibernation-like state of dormancy called diapause. While in this inactive state, their metabolic rate slows and growth stops.
Cockroaches generally don’t like the cold at all however. This means that as soon as the temperature drops even slightly, they’ll start making their way inside. When in our nice warm homes with plenty of food and water nearby, these unwanted pests can remain active throughout the whole of winter. Unfortunately, this means that they also continue to reproduce.
How can I stop cockroaches getting into my home?
There are a number of tactics you can employ this winter to make your home less inviting to cockroaches.
Do a thorough clean
Seeing cockroaches doesn’t mean your home is dirty. Anyone can fall victim to a cockroach infestation but it is more likely to happen if there are potential food sources around.
Make sure you wash dishes or put them in the dishwasher as soon as you’ve finished eating, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, clean grease off the stove, keep food sealed in an airtight container and sweep, mop or vacuum on a regular basis.
Don’t leave pet food or water out overnight because doing so can attract pests.
It’s also a good idea to do a general declutter. The less stuff you have lying around, the fewer potential hiding places there are. Cockroaches love newspapers and cardboard so avoid storing or wrapping your belongings in these materials.
Seal any entry points
You may not have windows and doors open as much in January or February, but cockroaches can find other ways to get in. Thoroughly inspect your home for cracks and gaps. Don’t forget around windows and doors, along foundations and the roof, lofts, vents and around holes used for utility and plumbing lines.
Caulk can be used to seal smaller holes while steel wool and foam is great for bigger gaps. If you need to seal vents and chimneys, you can do this using fine mesh wire.
Fix any leaks
Cockroaches need water and moisture to survive so standing water or excessive moisture caused by leaks can really attract these pests. Regularly inspect your plumbing and if you notice any issues, get them fixed as soon as possible.
Call a professional pest controller
Cockroaches are renowned for being able to withstand pretty much anything which means they can be difficult to get rid of. If you think you may have an infestation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Prokill and your friendly local technician will be on hand to help as soon as possible.
Leave a Reply