There are all kinds of insects, but cockroaches are among the most unpleasant for most people. If they have become a regular presence in your garden, or even inside your home, you need to know. how to get rid of cockroaches.
Let's see what we can do to get rid of them permanently.
Why do cockroaches appear in the garden?
Cockroaches are among the most resilient insects. They are a true marvel of evolution, capable of withstanding even a nuclear-type event, yet their appearance is so unpleasant that no one wants to be around them.
If you've seen cockroaches inside your home, the source of the infestation is most likely in the garden.
To these insects They love humid, warm environments with a good amount of food available.And it turns out that the garden offers these conditions naturally.
It is common for them to start breeding outside the house if one or more of these conditions are met:
- Decomposing organic remains such as dried leaves or the remains of fruit or vegetables that have fallen in the garden. They are a real delicacy for them.
- Constant humidity. If your garden is constantly too wet, you are creating an environment conducive to these insects hiding and breeding.
- Poorly managed garbage. Accumulated garden waste, discarded pet food, or an uncovered compost bin act as "magnets" for cockroaches.
- Natural hiding places. Cockroaches are shy creatures. If your yard has rocks, debris, piles of wood, dirty gutters, or other hiding places, you can be sure cockroaches are there.
- Proximity to sources of infestation. It may be that the person experiencing these insects is a nearby neighbor, or even a public area. In this case, there's a high risk that the insects will migrate and end up in your home as well.
What are the most common cockroaches in gardens?
There are thousands of species of cockroaches, but in Europe the most common are:
- American cockroach. It is large, reddish and can fly.
- Oriental cockroach. It is black or dark brown in color and prefers to be hidden.
- German cockroach. It is smaller than the previous ones and is the one that sneaks into the house most easily.
How to get rid of cockroaches: prevention is best
The best way to avoid a cockroach infestation is to implement preventative measures.
Keep the garden clean
Maintain your plants well and remove debris in a timely manner. Sweep leaves frequently and remove any objects that could serve as hiding places (cardboard, old wood, etc.).
If you have grass, try to keep it short and make sure the edges are well pruned, because this is one of their favorite nesting places.
Control humidity
Water your garden regularly, but don't overdo it. Make sure there are no puddles. If you have pots with saucers, remember to empty the standing water.
Additionally, monitor hoses, faucets, and other irrigation systems for leaks.
Manage waste well
It's best not to leave trash outside, but if you do, use bins with tight-fitting lids. Also, don't leave leftover food or pet food out overnight.
Condition the compost
If you make compost, leave it covered with a lid or tarpaulinOn the other hand, reduce humidity by adding some dry material, such as shredded paper or leaves.
Even if you've taken these precautions, stir the compost frequently to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for cockroaches.
Seal cracks and gaps
Check walls, floors, fences, edges and other places where cockroaches tend to hide. With the help of a little silicone or cement you can cover the gaps.
How to actively get rid of cockroaches
If we're already too late for prevention, it's time to take steps to make your unpleasant encounter with cockroaches a thing of the past.
homemade traps
You can make them with a little bit of insect-catching glue applied to cardboard, using a little sugar and baking soda as bait. Place the trap near potential shelters and you'll be surprised by the number of bugs you end up catching.
This trap is effective because:
- Sugar attracts them.
- Bicarbonate generates gases that kill them.
- Insect glue prevents them from escaping.
Diatomaceous earth
This natural powder is responsible for dehydrate and kill soft-bodied insects (like cockroaches). Plus, it's completely safe for people and pets.
Sprinkle it in dry areas of the garden where you've seen insects. Make sure the powder stays dry, otherwise it loses its effectiveness.
Boric acid
This product is very effective, especially if you mix it with sugar to act as a bait. The problem is that it is toxic, so it is best to keep it away from children and pets.
If you have children or pets at home, it's best to use other solutions such as diatomaceous earth, which doesn't pose a danger to them.
Specific insecticides
If you need a less "homemade" solution, you can apply insecticides specifically designed for outdoor use. You can find them at liquid, powder or gel baits.
Under no circumstances do we recommend applying indoor insecticides outdoors, as you could harm other species that are beneficial to plants, such as bees or earthworms.
Biologic control
If cockroaches are a recurring presence in your garden year after year, try using animals to help you perform biological control. The most common are hedgehogs, toads and insectivorous birds, but it is difficult to attract them to the garden.
When it comes to getting rid of cockroaches, prevention can save you a lot of trouble. If this isn't enough, you can use home remedies or insecticides. If this doesn't work, don't hesitate to consult a pest control company as soon as possible.