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Cockroaches migrate easily through multi-unit dwellings via plumbing
and electrical connections. Sealing gaps around plumbing, wall outlets
and switch plates will prevent cockroaches from migrating from infested
units to others. |
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Keep doors and windows closed and screened. Also, caulk cracks and gaps
that may allow peridomestic cockroaches to invade from outdoors. |
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Peridomestic cockroaches frequently enter homes by coming up through dry
drain traps. Periodically run the water in spare bathrooms, utility tubs
and toilets to keep the drain trap filled and off limits to cockroaches. |
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Fiberglass window screen over vent pipes on the roof will prevent
cockroaches from migrating up from sewer connections and gaining access to
attics and windows. |
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Groceries, produce and other packaged food products may have been stored
in infested locations before they were purchased. Make an effort to
visibly scan all grocery items for cockroach evidence before putting them
away. |
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Children can transport cockroaches from school to home in book bags and
lunch pails. Inspect these items on a regular basis. |
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Guests (adults and children) can often transport cockroaches from their
infested home to yours either on themselves or in packages. Limit guest
access to specific areas of your home and inspect these areas after they
depart.
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German cockroaches can remain
alive for approximately two weeks with no food or water and for 42 days if
only water is available. Therefore it is important to realize that
cockroaches can survive on tiny amounts of food such as crumbs, grease or
food residue. |
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Indoor trash containers
should be emptied frequently, kept clean both inside and out. Plastic bags
lining trash containers can be kept closed with twist ties. This will
prevent cockroaches from being attracted to the garbage area. |
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Filled indoor garbage containers should be removed from the dwelling
immediately and placed in outdoor containers with tight fitting lids or
dumpsters. |
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Keeping the area around dumpsters or other outdoor garbage storage areas
clean and free of debris will also prevent peridomestic cockroach
infestations in the area. |
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Frequent emptying of sink strainers and running of the garbage disposal
and will prevent food build up in the sink drain. |
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Washing dishes immediately after a meal will eliminate prevent cockroaches
from consuming food residue on dishes. Unwashed dishes are a major source
of food for German cockroaches. |
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Kitchen appliances (toasters, toaster ovens, microwaves, ovens, stoves,
and refrigerators) should be kept clean and free of food particles and
grease. Additionally, the areas underneath and behind these appliances
should be kept grease and crumb free. |
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If pets are present, dry food should be kept in resealable containers. Do
not leave food and water out all the time. |
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Feed your pet at particular times and clean up after every meal. |
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All foods products should be resealed after opening, stored in plastic
snap-lid containers or kept in the refrigerator. |
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Regular sweeping/vacuuming of floors and furniture where people eat (i.e.
kitchen table or in the living room in front of T.V.) help to eliminate
cockroach food sources. |
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Regular cleaning of food storage areas and shelves not only eliminates
spilled or scattered food but disrupts cockroach populations that may be
using the area as a harborage.
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The single most important factor
in determining cockroach survival is availability of water. German
cockroaches live less than two weeks when there is no supply of free water
even if food is abundant. During periods of drought the incidence of
peridomestic cockroaches indoors will often increase as the large
cockroaches invade structures in search of moisture. It is therefore
important to eliminate all sources of moisture that contribute to cockroach
survival. |
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Tightening
loose pipes, patch plumbing leaks and replace used washers in the kitchen
sink and bathroom areas. Outdoor water spigots and sprinklers should also
be checked for drips and leaks. |
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Water left in
the sink or bathtub after dish washing or bathing also provides moisture
for cockroaches. These sources are eliminated by drying out sinks and
bathtubs after use. |
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A common source of moisture is condensation under the refrigerator. This
area should be frequently wiped dry or, if possible, have a pan should
be placed under the appliance to collect water. The collection pan
should be emptied frequently. Condensation on pipes (under the sink or
in wall voids) is also a problem. Insulate these pipes if possible |
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Pet drink dishes and aquariums are also sources of moisture. Empty pet
water dishes at night when cockroaches are foraging but the pet is indoors
or asleep. Aquariums should have tight fitting lids or screens to prevent
cockroach entry. |
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Be careful
not to over-water indoor plants, because excess water is available to
cockroaches. |
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Glasses, cups
and soda cans containing water or liquid residue are common sources of
moisture for cockroaches. Be not to leave these containers in bedrooms,
sinks, on counter tops or other areas. Rinse an invert cups and glasses to
dry immediately after use and dispose of soda cans in trash containers.
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Steps should be taken to eliminate places where water collects outdoors
(tires, cans, tree holes etc.). This will not only eliminate cockroach
moisture sources but also mosquito breeding habitat.
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The third
critical element for cockroach survival is harborage. By nature, cockroaches
avoid open, well lit areas with frequent air movement. They prefer dark,
warm cracks and crevices. Excess clutter provides numerous locations
suitable for cockroach habitation. The elimination of these harborages
(clutter) is important in controlling infestations.
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Adult cockroaches can fit
into cracks only 1.6 mm wide (about 1/16 of an inch). Any small gap or
hole that leads to a void is a prime cockroach harboring area. Cracks and
crevices of this kind should be sealed with a tube of caulking.
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Removing
clutter (boxes, bags, clothing, toys, food, books, papers etc.) eliminates
cockroach harborages and breeding areas. It is essential to keep all areas
of the home, especially the kitchen and bathroom, uncluttered and free of
useless debris. |
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Outside,
remove debris and trash from around the house. |
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Stack firewood far away from the house, as this is a prime harborage area
for peridomestic cockroaches. |
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Filling in tree holes with cement also eliminates peridomestic cockroach
harborage. |
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Keep shrubbery and ornamentals well trimmed. |
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Keep palm trees free of loose and dead palm branches and remove all palm
debris. |
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