- Sanitation is key: Roaches require food, water and shelter. Wipe counters, sweep floors and store pet food in sealed containers. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to eliminate water sources. Promptly take out trash and recycle cardboard and paper products.
- Declutter and exclude: Reduce clutter where roaches hide. Seal cracks around baseboards, plumbing penetrations and wall voids with caulk entomology.ca.uky.edu. Install door sweeps and repair screens to prevent entry.
- Use baits and growth regulators: Gel baits, bait stations and insect growth regulators (IGRs) are effective components of a roach control program. Place baits near harborages and avoid spraying over them, which can repel roaches. IGRs disrupt reproduction and reduce populations over time.
- Monitor with sticky traps: Glue boards placed along walls and under sinks help track roach activity and gauge the effectiveness of treatments.
- Professional help: Large or persistent infestations, especially in multi‑unit buildings, require a licensed pest management professional. Professionals can identify species, locate harborage sites and implement integrated pest management strategies.
Prevention & Control
- Eliminate food and water: Store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly and fix leaks.
- Declutter: Remove cardboard, paper and clutter where roaches hide.
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks and crevices around plumbing, cabinets and baseboards entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Use baits and traps: Gel baits and bait stations are effective when placed near harborage areas. Sticky traps help monitor populations.
- Call professionals: Severe infestations or multi‑unit housing situations may require integrated pest management from a licensed professional.
Keeping kitchens clean and sealing off entry points are key to cockroach control. For expert roach treatments in Louisville, call Rise Pest Pros.
Looking for ways to prevent cockroaches from entering your home in the first place? See our article on Louisville Fall Pest Prevention for sealing and exclusion tips that keep pests of all kinds at bay.
