Your home has been treated for cockroaches using a baiting treatment program. Sprays (and certain dusts) should never be used to treat for cockroaches. While many sprays kill quickly, sprays will always make the problem worse in the long run, causing cockroaches to go into hiding, spread out into new areas, increase pesticide resistance, and sprays (and dusts) can contaminate our bait, rendering it unpalatable and requiring us to start the entire process over again.
It will typically take 3 to 9 weeks to eliminate cockroaches from a home under ideal conditions. It can take much longer if sprays or other pesticides are used (like dusts), or if certain environmental conditions exist within the home.
Here are some basic guidelines to help increase the effectiveness of our treatments, and reduce the amount of time it takes to eliminate cockroaches from your home.
Following your cockroach bait treatment:
It is normal to still see cockroach activity following a treatment. Because the bait acts like a food source, activity may even appear to increase for a few days. It is common to see activity drop and rise a few times throughout the program in homes with moderate or heavy infestations. Eliminating cockroaches takes time, but we can ABSOLUTELY get rid of your cockroaches completely if you work with us and trust in our process.
DO NOT use or apply any pesticides following a bait treatment as these will negatively impact the bait treatment and will seriously prolong the length of time it takes to eliminate all the cockroaches in your home. Pesticide use can also cause cockroaches to spread out.
Refrain from using strong smelling cleaners in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Mild soap and water is best for cleaning.
Make sure to keep everything clean and dry: clean up spills; don’t leave dirty dishes soaking; don’t leave wet dish cloths or towels around; remove garbage and compost daily; ensure garbage, compost, and recycle bins are kept clean and dry; keep appliances, counters, and floors clean and dry; don’t let water or spills pool or sit under appliances, or around floors or counters, especially around the edges of sinks or behind the faucets.
Keep areas around pet feeding stations clean and free of spills. Use spill matts for pet water bowls/features, and when possible, only feed pets at meal times.
Keep all food items covered and closed, including spices, teas, coffee, pet food, etc…
Avoid clutter around kitchen and bathroom areas: don’t keep pantries, drawers, or cupboards stuffed full of stored items, plastic bags, dishes, or cooking utensils. These are difficult to keep clean and provide harbourage to cockroaches.
Keep humidity levels within a normal range. High humidity will attract cockroaches, and also prolong treatment. Keep ventilation fans in good working condition. Ventilate well after cooking or boiling water, or after taking baths and showers. Surfaces and windows should always be free of condensation and moisture.
Any plumbing leaks, overflows, or spills should be cleaned and dried right away, leaks should be repaired, and any water soaked/damaged wood or drywall should be replaced.
Keep a record of cockroach sightings, noting exactly where, when, and how many are being seen. During a treatment program. This information can be provided directly to us at contact@lavellan.ca, please indicate your name and address (including suite number) in your email so we can keep accurate records of activity and modify your treatment program as needed.
Be diligent about bringing bulk food and grocery items into your home, especially in cardboard boxes. Check all food and grocery items as you put them away to ensure they are pest free. Get rid of cardboard boxes used for holding or transporting food and groceries. These are common vessels for transporting cockroaches.
Carefully inspect any new furniture or appliances being brought into the home, especially those which are used, recycled, or previously owned.
For any questions or concerns you can call us at 403-437-9310, or contact us by email at contact@lavellan.ca