Seeing a few roaches in and around the house is a common sight. These pests start from the garden, move into our garages, and finally into our homes.
To prevent a dangerous infestation, you need to get rid of these bugs as soon as you spot them.
Garages are dark spaces with several small openings, making them convenient spots for roaches to take shelter.
These annoying little bugs are unpleasant and are carriers of several diseases. Their bodies pick up all kinds of microbes while they rummage through waste materials. These microbes are dangerous to us since they can cause illnesses.
Therefore, you need to take the basic steps to clear an infestation and prevent one in the future.
Pests need minimal amenities to make a place their permanent home. The amenities include food, warmth, safety, and easy access. Garages are tempting to roaches since it is continuously opened during the day as people and vehicles move in and out. So pests can get into a garage very quickly. Inside the garage, there are plenty of options like boxes and corners for these roaches to make themselves at home.
Garages are primarily meant for vehicles, but we also use this space for storing objects. This means you cannot clean garages periodically and thoroughly. This situation allows roaches to hide and fester in the clutter. When it comes to food, cockroaches feed on everything from cardboard to small bugs inside a garage.
How Do I Get Rid Of Roaches From My Garage?
Since cockroaches are carriers of many diseases, you should act fast and get rid of them as soon as it is known that they have invaded your garage. Along with bringing diseases, they also cause a lot of mess. The basic step in eliminating them is to make space unliveable for them. The steps include:
Clean the place and clear the clutter
All living organisms, including cockroaches, are drawn to sources of food and dirt. Begin your work by cleaning your garage and removing potential food sources. Don’t keep trash cans inside the garage since roaches like to feast on trash.
Remove clutter and easily arrange all the stuff to clean the place, including every nook and corner. Also, if you own pets, make sure to store pet food properly before storing them in the garage and if you spot any water spills or leaky pipes inside the garage, get it fixed.
Once the food and water sources are removed, the cockroaches should start moving out.
Destroy the nests
Look for any nests; they are most likely to take shelter under furniture, appliances, or piles of clutter. Seek out these shelters are clear them immediately. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clear the nests.
Lay bait traps
You can get chemical baits from stores. Place them on the ground or on surfaces where you spotted the roaches. These baits are poisonous and will kill them.
Using chemical baits is a better option than pesticides since the latter would leave residue on your belongings and threaten your health.
If you have pets, you can place these baits on elevated surfaces, or you can keep your pets out of the garage until the infestation is taken care of.
Use Pesticides
Pesticides get rid of roach infestation immediately. But as mentioned above, it has complications. But if the infestation is severe, get a pesticide with boric acid.
Also, follow all the instructions and keep your pets and kids away from the garage.
Call the exterminators
Sometimes it is better to call pest professionals, especially if you are uncomfortable tackling the situation yourself. Professional exterminators are the only option to clear and prevent infestation if the infestation is too much to handle. They will evaluate your situation and offer a customized solution.
One of the best things about hiring professional cockroach exterminators is that they will do a perfect job in less time. The downside, of course, is the additional cost.
How to prevent roach infestation in your garage
Prevention is better than spending your time and energy on clearing the infestation! Here are a few practical steps that can help you do that:
Seal all the openings to your garage
Over time, the garage door can get worn down, creating multiple tiny entrances for cockroaches and other pets. Even the seals around a window start to come off after a few years. If this is the case, you will need to fix them.
The doors and windows must be air-tight to prevent the entry of roaches. Door thresholds wear down frequently, so you need to replace them every two years. To find all the entry points in the garage, go inside and shut the door.
See if sunlight is entering the garage from any crevices or points. If there are any such points, seal them off.
Don’t clutter
The garage is the most neglected part of our house. At least once a week, do a full dusting and cleaning of your garage, and arrange and store everything neatly.
If you keep everything tidy, it lowers the risk of infestation.
Fix all water leaks
If any pipes or faucets in your garage leak water, it could become a water hole for the roaches.
A damp space is an excellent breeding ground for these pests as they are always thirsty.
So if there are any water leaks, get them repaired.
Use Cockroach Repellents
Repellent sprays, ultrasonic devices, or essential oils are some practical ways to keep roaches out of your garage.
Don’t leave pet food open.
Leaving pet food open can draw a lot of rodents and pests, including roaches, into your garage. Ensure that the pet food packet is sealed correctly and that the floor is clear of food grubs.
Conclusion
Damp and dark places like basements, laundry rooms, and garages are perfect environments for cockroaches. The best way to stop them from entering your garage is to eliminate all the food sources and water and keep the place free of clutter.
After spending the entire night lying awake in a cockroach-infested hotel, I have driven myself to build knowledge on all things pest control. Since then, I've tested pest control techniques to see what works and what doesn't. Now, here I am giving you all the info I have learned!
