Get rid of stubborn cockroaches

Hire a professional fumigator since they know where roaches hide and how to spray so that the results are long lasting. File photo

What you need to know:

  • Before deciding how to kill cockroaches in your home, it is best to develop a plan.
  • The most effective cockroach control typically requires more than one type of treatment method.

Controlling cockroaches in a home can be stressful as they multiply quickly. Mai Namugga, a resident of Kitebi and a mother of two, says she has hired several fumigators but the cockroaches keep coming back.
“I have sprayed my house three times but the cockroaches will only disappear for a month after which I will find them in the cupboards, laundry basket and most drawers in the kitchen,’’ she says. Namugga says her friends have advised her to use the cockroach killing bait that is powder form but her fear is that her three-year-old baby might end up eating the poisonous powder particles.

Faiza Yiga, a fumigator with T and T fumigating company in Nalukolongo, says since cockroaches hide in dark places, it is better to pay attention to places such as cupboards, the toilet, closets and under the sinks.
He, however, adds that cockroaches are much easier to prevent than to get rid of and this comes down to mainly sanitation. Pay attention to these areas.

Kitchen
Since the kitchen is where most food is prepared and served, it easy to have food particles in most places. The key here is to keep it clean and avoid dampness.
Christine Atuwadde, a mother of one, says for a month now she has been fighting cockroaches out of her home to no avail. She says after a while, she set out to discover where they hid in the house and to her shock this was under the sink in the kitchen.

Atuwadde says doing the following has so far worked for her.
• Keep clean dishes, kitchen sinks, counters and cabinets.
• Remove all grease and food particles by. Do not leave any food out in the open and seal all food containers.
• Remove all indoor trash before going to sleep.
• Get rid of cardboard boxes, empty soda bottles, and stored paper bags.
Water
Daniel Kasibante of Dan fumigators and cleaning services in Namugongo says just in case the bathroom and toilets are indoors then cockroaches are most likely to hide under or behind the small water tank and under the sink.

He says cockroaches are attracted to places with moisture and water. It is, therefore advisable to:
• Before bed, dry all sinks, tubs, and showers completely and plug the drains.
• Place wet dishrags and sponges in an airtight plastic storage bag overnight and hang outdoors to dry.
• Wet toothbrushes should be dried as best they can and placed in sealed bags or containers.
• Empty drip tray from under refrigerator.

Bedroom
If not controlled, cockroaches can destroy clothes and other items stored in the closets. Kasibante advises you to seal cracks and holes inside the storeroom or the house, between the countertop and the wall, in the baseboards as a way of preventing cockroaches from hiding in the small spaces and giving a chance to those outside from coming into the house. “It may take time and not many people might put it into consideration but it is worth the effort especially, if your neighbours do not maintain the same standards of cleanliness,’’ Kasibante says.

Fumigation
Getting rid of cockroaches naturally might take time since it is a slow process. However, with powerful insecticides one can see results right away. However, this exposes the family to toxic chemicals in the process. “If the wrong chemicals are applied, cockroaches can easily resurface,’’ recounts Yiga. Some people may prefer doing it themselves but it is better to hire a professional who can advice on the type of insecticide to use. There are a number of fake ones sold on the streets and if bought, they will not have any effect.

Caution
“Allowing food to be consumed in all areas of the home leads to crumbs and food spills that often go unnoticed and make tasty temptations for cockroaches. This practice if not stopped contributes to the spread of cockroaches to other areas of the home,’’ Yiga advises.

Natural way
Lemon peels or lemon juice
Lemon juice is a powerful agent that is able to cut through grease and stains and can repel roaches, too.
• Spray lemon juice in hard-to-reach areas of the home where you know roaches reside.
• Grind up lemon peels and place the grounds around the home where roaches are present.
Alternatively, mix the water and juice together, ensuring that the lemon is not too diluted. Clean everything from the countertops to the floor with the mixture.
The goal is to clean all of the surfaces where roaches reside to repel them away. And your home will have a clean, lemon-fresh smell, too.