Unfortunately for those who live in Florida and other southern states, the American cockroach is known to many. It is oftentimes referred to as a Palmetto bug that lives in and around Palmetto trees and bushes. Also, these versatile insects are good at locating water and finding sources of food. Why do I have roaches in my clean house? Your home is not sealed shut and food sources are highly available to these versatile insects.
Let’s take a look below at the main factors for why insects and specifically roaches make their way into a clean home.
What Draws Them In
Believe it or not, a clean home is not impenetrable to insects and pests. It is unfortunate how homeowners can create a barrier in their yard and around the foundation of their homes and insects and pests still have access.
Here are some more specific reasons for roaches getting into a clean house.
Location
Where you live in the United States can determine which insects and pests you deal with the most. For example, the American cockroach or Palmetto Bug is prevalent in the South and can wreak havoc in Florida homes. In addition, other types of cockroaches may show their lovely selves.
Moisture
Standing water attracts roaches. Pet’s water bowl, clogged gutters, and soggy sponges are all culprits. Keep them free and clear of water when possible.
Food Sources
Leaving crumbs all around your kitchen floor and countertops is an invitation to roaches. This attracts cockroaches to enter your home and bring their diseases with them. Additionally, keep in mind the health risks with roaches. Asthma and other more severe health issues can arise from roaches.
Dark Places
More often than not, you can see roaches in mulch beds, gutters, closets, pantry, cabinets, under the kitchen sink spaces, and any other dark areas that offer water or food sources. Also, they like damp areas and seek out food, water, and shelter.
Cockroach Pest Control Cost
The national average for cockroach extermination can range from $100 to $300. Typically, you are looking at a rate of $150 for a single extermination service.
Unfortunately, the most recommended treatment for cockroach extermination is at least two treatments. At this point, you are better off setting up a year-long service and paying the $600 plus over the year. This ensures all pests and insects are dealt with and do not access your cracks and crevices.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Keeping roaches and other insects out of your clean house requires a lot of maintenance. If you are willing to ensure that all cracks in siding or foundation are sealed and screens are complete with no tears and your doors and window seals are complete, then you are on the right track. Also, consider resealing your floorboards, doors, and windows with new caulking.
While you are working on sealing up your home, consider that there are many insects and pests in Florida. Understanding how they like to live is just as important to defend against as simply sealing the home.
Take a look at the common pests in Florida and understand what they get into and how they hurt or help your home and yard.
Many homes in Florida have attic crawl spaces that are used for storing boxes and holiday decorations. In addition, both of these collector items can often attract a variety of insects, from silverfish to roaches.
Keeping them out is nearly impossible if the attic is not sealed properly and there is no pest control boundary around the foundation of your home. Your best option is to clean the attic crawl spaces and treat them for insects or pests regularly. Do not just store and forget your items.
When Do I Call A Professional
The moment that you see your first roach in a clean home, it is important to reach for the phone and call for a professional pest inspection. You absolutely can go to the hardware store and purchase some homeowner-friendly roach control items, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is solved.
Hiring pest control services after a pest inspection is done puts you on the right path for keeping your clean home free and clear of roaches or other pests infestations.
Conclusion
In the grand scheme of things, unless your home is sealed so tight that everything that should stay in does and should stay out does, then you can have the cleanest home ever with insects invading. Keep in mind that many insects are looking for shelter, a place to sleep, food sources, and an escape from predators.
Doing your diligence and hiring a pest control company to keep you clean and clear of insects and pests is the best way to ensure your home stays clean. Call Honor Services and we will gladly assist you with some pest control recommendations while conducting a thorough home inspection in Melbourne, FL, and surrounding areas.
