Preparing Your Home for a German Roach Service
Proper preparation is essential for a successful German roach treatment. These pests hide in cracks, crevices, and hard to reach areas, and their rapid reproduction makes thorough preparation just as important as the treatment itself. Follow these steps to maximize results and help prevent future infestations.
1. Declutter and Clear Surfaces
The most important part of getting ready for a German roach treatment is to go through cabinets, drawers and countertops and remove things that roaches can hide in, under or behind. These roaches are timid and prefer anything undisturbed, ideally near water and food sources.
They are not aggressive and want to be left alone to lay eggs and feed their young. Removing or sealing places where they can hide is very important.
They do not like to be out in the open. If you walk into the kitchen at night and turn on the light, they scatter. Seeing them during the day is a sign of a much larger problem.
1) Go through upper cabinets, lower cabinets and drawers, and remove clutter. Ask yourself, “Where would I hide if I was a German roach?” Anything warm, dark and undisturbed is ideal for them.
2) Clear countertops of food items, dishes or anything they can hide in, behind or under. Leave everyday appliances like microwaves and blenders so the technician can inspect for activity. Note: Knife blocks are a common hiding place. Pull a knife out and look down the slot and you may get a surprise.
3) Pull the refrigerator and stove out to expose cracks, crevices and baseboards. Sweep and mop underneath both before our arrival. We cannot wait while this is done.
Borax 20 Mule Team Laundry Detergent
This works well in mop water because it contains a small amount of boric acid. It is safe for kids and pets yet effective in penetrating the roaches waxy coating as they move across the floor. Mopping nightly with this mixture is an excellent home remedy and works very well when paired with our service.
4) If possible, have the dishwasher unscrewed and ready to pull out so technicians can treat behind and underneath it.
5) Go through items roaches can hide in and remove them from vanities, drawers, cabinets and storage areas including medicine chests and shelving over the toilet. This gives technicians access to areas near sinks and water sources.
6) Proper sanitation is an important part of German roach control.
7) Other rooms: Any area where food, moisture or clutter may attract roaches such as laundry rooms or utility closets.
8) If you have a vacuum cleaner with an attachment, vacuuming dead roaches and eggs is helpful. Empty the tray or bag afterward so hatched eggs do not create new roaches inside the vacuum.
2. What to Expect During the Service
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Technicians will place baits in cracks and crevices and may dust baseboards, wall voids and areas behind appliances.
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Please ensure dogs and cats are kept out of treatment areas.
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Proper preparation ensures that every bait placement is effective and that roaches have no alternative food or hiding spots.
5. Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
- Do not remove or clean up the bait placements. Customers often clean them instinctively, but these baits keep working. Remove all other foods so the only available food source is the bait.
- Avoid using store bought sprays or cleaning treated areas right away since this can reduce bait effectiveness.
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Maintain good sanitation habits. Roaches are attracted to crumbs, grease and moisture.
- Monitor high activity areas and notify your technician if activity continues. Adjustments can be made as needed.
Following these preparation guidelines greatly improves the effectiveness of your German roach treatment, reduces the chances of future infestations and helps keep your home pest free long term.
