Skitter skitter. That is the sound no homeowner wants to hear. It is the sound a cockroach may make when it runs across the tiled floor of a kitchen or bathroom. That is the sound many homeowners are going to hear this summer if steps aren’t taken to keep cockroaches out. But keeping cockroaches out requires understanding how cockroaches get into Knoxville homes in the first place. Here’s what you need to know.

Cockroach Attractants

There are several types of cockroaches in Tennessee but all of them are drawn to mostly the same things. If you have conditions around your home that are favorable to cockroaches, you’re going to increase your chances of having a cockroach infestation in your home.

• Moisture. All roaches are drawn to damp areas, especially locations that get a lot of shade.
• Food sources. Cockroaches eat an impressive variety of things. Some of them you would not consider food. Learn what roaches eat and remove food options from around your home.
• Clutter. Cockroaches love tight spaces. Any yard that has stored objects will be a playground for roaches.
• Overgrowth. Keeping grass and landscaping neatly trimmed will go a long way toward reducing the number of cockroaches you’ll have exploring your foundation perimeter.

Cockroach Exclusion

When cockroaches come in close to your home, it is important that they don’t find any obvious ways to get in. While it is nearly impossible to seal cockroaches out of your home, it is a good place to start your prevention efforts.

• Foundation. Cracks in foundation walls and gaps around pipes or conduit provide quick access for cockroaches.
• Walls. Your exterior walls can have many vulnerabilities. Do an inspection and look for gaps, cracks, or holes that need to be patched.
• Windows. Damaged screens, damaged seals around frames, broken glass panes and damaged frames can help to give cockroaches a path to get in.
• Doors. Damaged seals around frames, gaps in weatherstripping, missing or damaged door sweeps, and holes chewed by rodents and other pests can make your exterior doors a doorway for roaches.
• Pest Holes. There are many areas of your home that can be damaged by rodents, carpenter ants, termites, carpenter bees, and other wood-damaging pests. When holes form, roaches take advantage of them.

Along with these cockroach prevention strategies, it is important to consider a residential pest control plan that includes barrier treatments. Roaches are resourceful. If they find a crack in your defenses, they can get in and multiply quickly inside your home.

For residential pest control in Knoxville that provides effective protection from cockroaches and the threats they present, reach out to Russell’s Pest Control. Our team of educated pest service professionals knows what is required to keep roaches out.