With the arrival of the heat, cockroaches also appear , one of the most resistant and difficult insects to eliminate. What many don’t know is that they are inadvertently making a common mistake in the kitchen that attracts them and makes them reproduce faster.
If in the last few days you have seen more cockroaches in your house, it is very likely that you are doing this without knowing it. Find out what the mistake is and how to avoid it before it’s too late.
The mistake that is attracting cockroaches to your home
The worst mistake that causes you to have more cockroaches in summer is leaving food scraps and moisture in the kitchen overnight. Although it may seem harmless, this discovery creates the perfect environment for cockroaches to settle in and multiply quickly.
Cockroaches look for three things to survive:
- Food that is easy to find (crumbs, food scraps, sugar or grease on surfaces).
- Moisture (damp sinks, wet sponges, leaks, or condensation).
- Dark, warm places to hide (cracks, appliances, drains).
If you leave dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on the counter, or water pooled in the kitchen, you’re inadvertently creating a nighttime feast for cockroaches.
Other habits that increase the number of cockroaches in your home.
In addition to leaving food and moisture, there are other mistakes that may be attracting them:
1. Not closing food packages properly
Cockroaches can be dosed into open containers of flour, sugar, biscuits or rice.
Store food in airtight jars or sealed bags.
2. Leave the trash can open or bagless
If the trash can is uncovered or with food debris stuck to it, it becomes a magnet for these insects.
Use bins with airtight lids and change the bag daily.
3. Having cracks or gaps in the kitchen
Cockroaches can hide in cracks in the wall, under appliances, or in drains.
Seal cracks with silicone or cement and use drain plugs at night.
4. Don’t clean behind appliances
Under the refrigerator, stove or microwave, crumbs and grease accumulate, which is perfect for cockroaches.
Vacuum and clean with water and vinegar at least once a week.
How to remove cockroaches from your home and prevent them from coming back
If you already have cockroaches, don’t worry, there are effective ways to get rid of them without using harsh chemicals:
Baking soda and sugar trap: mix equal parts and put in lids in the corners. Baking soda kills them by reacting in your stomach.
Boric acid with milk and flour: form balls and leave them in strategic areas (away from children and pets).
Place bay leaves in corners: their strong smell scares them away.
Spray vinegar with water in the kitchen: remove traces of pheromones that they use to communicate.
Conclusion
If you are seeing more and more cockroaches at home, check if you are making this key mistake: leaving food scraps and moisture in the kitchen overnight. With small changes in your habits, you can prevent them from settling in your home.
Try these tips and forget about cockroaches this summer!