Picture this: you enter the kitchen in the morning, eager to start your day with a piping hot cup of coffee. As you reach for the cabinet, you spot a cockroach crawling across the counter. This would disrupt your peaceful morning, right? There is nothing more disturbing than spotting a cockroach in the place where you cook. They are unpleasant, can worsen your allergies and worst of all, make your kitchen less hygienic. But as repulsed as it is, spotting cockroaches in the kitchen is a pretty common problem. Are you someone who is struggling with cockroaches in the kitchen? Then fret not! We have listed 5 easy ways that can prevent cockroaches from entering your culinary sanctuary.
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Clean your kitchen countertops to make sure cockroaches don't roam around.
Photo Credit: iStock
5 Easy Ways To Prevent Cockroaches In Your Kitchen
1. Keep The Kitchen Clean And Dry
Cockroaches, like any other insect, are drawn to food and moisture. So, if your kitchen is not clean and dry, it will become more prone to housing cockroaches. To ensure that this does not happen to your kitchen, make sure to clean it regularly. Ensure that the countertops, stovetops and other surfaces are wiped down daily to remove any leftover food crumbs and spills. Aside from cleaning, dry all the damp areas. Fix any leaks in sinks and pipes and make sure to keep the area around the sink and countertop dry.
2. Store Food Properly
Proper food storage is important to stop the cockroaches from entering your kitchen. Keep in mind, that these insects can easily detect and enter poorly stored food. To avoid this, make sure to use air-tight containers for dry goods like cereals, grains and flour. Don't leave fruits, vegetables and perishables on the countertop and refrigerate them. Garbage is another area that can attract cockroaches so make sure to dispose of garbage regularly.
3. Seal Entry Points
Can you spot any small openings or holes in your kitchen? Then chances are that cockroaches would find them soon. An easy way to prevent cockroaches from entering your kitchen is by sealing the entry points. Inspect your kitchen thoroughly for cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and around cabinets. Use a pest repellent and then caulk to close these openings. In fact, make sure that the windows and kitchen vents are properly closed from time to time to block the cockroaches from entering.
Seal the hidden holes and gaps in the kitchen to restrict the entry of cockroaches.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Avoid Clutter
If you have a cluttered kitchen, then chances are, the cockroaches can find hiding spots there. Clutter provides a shelter for these pests, making it harder to detect and remove them. To avoid this, make your kitchen clutter-free. Organise cabinets and countertops to avoid storing unnecessary items. Minimize the use of cardboard, as cockroaches are attracted to them, and do regular pantry checks, especially in corners.
5. Use Natural Repellents
Pest repellents can have a strong, pungent odour that can last for hours in your kitchen. These repellents are packed with chemicals, which when exposed to perishables, can harm our health. Instead, use natural repellents to effectively keep cockroaches at bay without the use of harsh chemicals. Keep bay leaves in cabinets and pantry shelves. Since bay leaves have a strong scent, this will keep the cockroaches away. Better still, make a DIY insect repellent using essential oils like tea tree oil, peppermint, etc. mixed with water. Spray this mixture on surfaces and at entry points you feel might provide an entryway for the cockroaches.
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Is there any other way to keep cockroaches at bay? Let us know in the comments below!