TWO months ago, I moved into an all-girls dormitory downtown where I rented a room for myself. While I busied myself putting my stuff inside my new room, I noticed a couple of baby cockroaches had found their way in a basket filled with my bath products. I slapped them dead with a slipper and forgot about the incident. Little did I know that it was an omen of what things were about to become. Two months later, I lifted the foam off my bed and saw baby cockroaches – dozens of them – living in it.
A chill ran through my body. I saw flashbacks. A baby cockroach crawling on the foot of my bed and on the wall near my bed. Baby cockroaches hiding in my bath basket. And I finally knew the reason why I always saw them despite the fact that I kept my tiny room clean and organized, regularly disinfected the floor, and made sure no food was kept inside. They were in my room because they slept in the same bed that I slept in. Exactly when and how it happened, I had no idea.
Here are tips to help prevent and eliminate cockroach infestation:
1.) Clean thoroughly or remove if possible objects with the highest degree of infestation, and remove other items that roaches may potentially breed in.
2.) Store objects in air-tight containers including stacks of magazines, newspapers, books, et cetera that roaches may use for shelter.
3.) Regularly remove dust and dirt especially in hard to reach areas like corners, et cetera.
4.) Fix leaking faucets and other problems that may cause dampness to build.
5.) Dispose food carefully. Refrain from storing food inside bedroom.
6.) Regularly inspect areas to check for signs of infestation.
7.) Apply eucalyptus oil on surfaces and other areas. Mix a few drops in cleansers.
8.) Plant eucalyptus and citrus fruits. This scent repels insects from entering your home.
9.) Use insect repellents.
• Aerosol sprays – Its chemical formula emits a strong scent that repels insects including cockroaches. It may be harmful or irritating when inhaled. It is best to spray this in the morning before everyone leaves for school or work.
• Chalk - Its odorless and non-irritating formula acts as barrier for insects like roaches to cross the lined area.
• Ultrasonic pest repellent – Plug it and leave it. Its ultrasonic waves repel insects. Not advisable if pets are in the area.
• Gel – My personal preference. It’s odorless and non-irritating. Carefully inject in small circles in areas where roaches cross and hide in. Due to the cockroach cannibal trait, if they eat a roach who died due to the poison, they will die too, creating a domino effect. Its expected effectivity is three months.
Cockroaches and other pests can pose harm to our health as well as our family. We must take measures to control, prevent, and eliminate them. Take the time to search for healthier alternatives for us and for mother earth.