Seeing a cockroach in your kitchen is a red flag. It means you probably have more hiding nearby, waiting for the right night to come out. The good news? You don’t need a professional right away. With a few keen observations and some easy steps, you can kick them out and keep them from coming back.
First, look for signs. Cockroaches leave behind tiny droppings that look like pepper grains, shed skins, and a musty odor. You might also notice egg cases called oothecae, which are about the size of a grain of rice. If you’re finding more than a couple of these clues in a week, it’s time to act.
Check the usual hideouts: under sinks, behind appliances, inside cabinets, and in cracks around walls. Dark, moist places are their favorite spots. Even if you only see one roach, remember they travel in groups, so a single sighting often points to a larger problem.
Start with a deep clean. Remove food crumbs, spill residues, and pet food. Sweep, mop, and wipe down every surface. A clean kitchen removes the bait that roaches love.
Next, set traps. Store‑bought sticky traps are cheap and work well. Place them near suspected entry points, like under the fridge or behind the stove. Check them daily and replace as needed.
Try a home‑made bait. Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar, then sprinkle the blend in corners. The sugar attracts the roaches, while the baking soda kills them when they digest it.
If you want a stronger option, use boric acid powder. Lightly dust it under appliances, inside cabinet cracks, and along baseboards. Keep it away from children and pets, but it’s a proven roach killer.
Seal up entry points. Use caulk to fill cracks in walls, around pipes, and near windows. Install door sweeps to block gaps at the bottom of doors. The fewer ways roaches can get in, the easier it is to keep them out.
Lastly, manage moisture. Fix leaky pipes, use a dehumidifier in damp rooms, and don’t leave standing water in sinks or pet dishes overnight. Cockroaches need water to survive, so cutting off that source weakens them.
If the infestation persists after a week of DIY effort, it might be time to call a professional pest control service. They have stronger chemicals and can treat hidden nests that DIY methods miss.
Remember, the key to beating a cockroach infestation is consistency. Keep your home clean, monitor traps, and maintain sealed entry points. With these steps, you’ll see fewer roaches and enjoy a healthier, pest‑free space.
Passengers on Air India’s San Francisco-Mumbai flight were alarmed after cockroaches were found mid-flight. The airline addressed the problem during a stop in Kolkata and apologized, promising a full investigation and extra cleaning to prevent future infestations.