The sight of a wood roach scurrying across your floor can be enough to make your skin crawl. Wood roaches are a type of cockroach commonly found in and around homes. These pests are often brought into homes with infested furniture or firewood.
Even though wood roaches don’t spread disease or cause damage, their presence can be unsettling. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them if you find them in your home. Read on to learn more about what attracts them into our homes and some of the best way to get rid of them.
Causes of Wood Roaches Infestation
There are a few different ways that wood roaches can end up in your home. Here are three common causes of wood roaches infestation:
Infested Furniture or Firewood
When acquiring used furniture or firewood, it’s important to inspect it for roaches first. Wood roaches are often brought into homes on such items. If you bring infested furniture or firewood into your home, place it in an isolated area until you can treat it.
Cracks and Crevices in the Foundation
Wood roaches can enter your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation or exterior of your home. These pests are small and can squeeze through very tiny openings. Be sure to seal any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation to help prevent wood roaches from getting inside.
Moist, Dark Areas
Wood roaches are attracted to moist, dark areas like basements and crawlspaces. These pests are often found in these areas of homes. Check these areas for infestations if you have wood roaches in your home.
7 Ways You Can Get Rid of Woods Roaches
You need to act fast if you want to get rid of wood roaches. These pests reproduce quickly and can infest your home in no time. If you have wood roaches in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
Here are seven ways you can get rid of wood roaches:
1. Remove Their Food Sources
The first step in removing wood roaches is removing their food sources. Wood roaches are attracted to food sources like crumbs, grease, and garbage. So be sure to keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris. In addition, it’s best to store food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
2. Fix Leaks and Moisture Problem
Wood roaches are attracted to moisture. Be sure to fix any leaks in your home and dry up any moist areas. These pests are often found in basements and crawlspaces. Be sure to keep these areas dry and well-ventilated.
3. Seal Cracks and Crevices
As mentioned above, wood roaches can enter your home through cracks and crevices in the foundation or exterior of your home. These pests are small and can squeeze through very tiny openings.
4. Use Caulk
Caulk is a great way to seal cracks and crevices in your home. Be sure to apply caulk to any cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation. This can help prevent wood roaches from getting inside.
5. Use Insecticide
If you have a wood roach infestation, you may need to use insecticide. There are a variety of insecticides available that can kill wood roaches. Be sure to follow the directions on the label when using insecticide. If you are unsure which insecticide to use, ask a professional at your local hardware store. Some people also use bleach to get rid of cockroaches.
6. Use Traps
Traps are a great way to get rid of wood roaches. There are a variety of bait traps available that can kill wood roaches. Be sure to follow the directions on the label when using traps.
7. Hire a Pest Control Professional
If you have a wood roach infestation, you may need to hire a pest control professional. A pest control professional can help you eliminate wood roaches and prevent them from returning. They will know what products and methods work best for your situation.
Conclusion
Although wood roaches can be a nuisance, there are various ways to minimize the chance of having to deal with them as well as different methods of getting rid of them. All of the mentioned methods at your disposal can help deal with wood roaches. And if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you can always consider hiring a pest control professional.