Cockroaches (Insecta: Blattaria) are insects that have been in existence since antiquity, thriving in so many habitats and consuming virtually any organic matter including fresh and processed human foods, stored products, garbage, and sewage.
Cockroaches are abundant in most homes in Nigeria, where they are actually called “landlords” in homes. Cockroaches are among the most notorious pests of premises, they frequently feed on human feces, and therefore they can disseminate cysts of enteric protozoans in the environment if such feces are contaminated.
Cockroaches pose significant public health threats owing to their ability to mechanically transmit human intestinal parasites and other disease-causing microorganisms.
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Nigeria
Boric Acid
Boric acid is one of the best home remedies for roaches if you are keen on taking the DIY approach. Mix equal amounts of boric acid, flour, and sugar to make a dough. Set balls of dough around the home where cockroaches can feed on it. The flour and sugar will attract the roaches while the boric acid will kill them. Simply place the dough where you know roaches are normally present, or under your refrigerator, stove, and the backs of cabinets and drawers. The boric acid will kill the roaches that will then become food for other roaches. While this is extremely effective at killing roaches, boric acid can be extremely dangerous for pets. If you have a furry friend around your house, do not try this at home. SEE Boric Acid: How I Ended the Reign of Cockroaches
Store-Bought Baits
A common way to get rid of roaches includes utilizing store-bought baits. Chemical baits disguise insecticide as a food source. Roaches ingest the insecticide and return to their nests, where they die. Other roaches eat them, spreading the poison to the rest of the nest. Place chemical baits near garbage cans and underneath sinks and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
Liquid Concentrates
Another product available in stores is a liquid concentrate designed to deter roaches. Once diluted, the liquid can be sprayed into cracks and crevices and other areas where roaches like to hide. You can also mop the floor and wipe counters with the solution! If you’re wondering how to get rid of roaches overnight, this will be one of your best bets!
Strong Insecticide
Using mild insecticide on Nigerian cockroaches will lead to more cockroaches in your house because they will simply absorb the chemicals and get used to them. One of the most reliable insecticides against cockroaches beyond the crude otapiapia is Baygon produced by Gongoni. It is important to wait at least 3 hours before you go into your home to allow the pesticide to dry, and limit your exposure. You should have a healthy friend or family member be the first to enter the home and open all the windows and doors to air out the house.
Call a Licensed Exterminator
The truth of the matter is cockroaches are persistent creatures – even following all of these tips, you may still have an infestation. If you have given these tried-and-tested tricks a try and it hasn’t helped, you probably need a professional pest control exterminator to treat your home.
Prevention
How can you prevent these unwanted pests from entering your home? Follow these 9 tips for cockroach prevention:
Keep it clean. Good sanitation is the number one way to prevent cockroaches.
Focus on the kitchen. Don’t leave food out overnight. Wash dirty dishes daily. Wipe up crumbs and spilled food, even in cabinets and pantries. Clean kitchen counters with disinfectant spray every night. Don’t forget the appliances. Roaches love to feast on grease and spilled food on, in, under, and behind your appliances, including your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and under the kitchen sink.
Limit where you eat. Restrict food consumption to one room. This not only makes cleanup easier for you, but it also limits crumbs and spills that you might not notice in other rooms that provide another food source for roaches.
Store all food in sealed containers. Roaches can fit inside the openings of typical cardboard packages that food comes in. This also applies to pet food. Pet food should be kept in a sealed container, preferably on the back porch so as to not attract roaches into the house. Pet food bowls and containers should also be emptied every night.
Empty the trash. Make sure your trash can has a tight-fitting lid and empty the trash each night. Make sure your outside trash cans are clean and kept away from the home.
Roaches feed at night. Vacuuming the kitchen floor nightly eliminates the food supply for roaches. Vacuum the other rooms in your house every 2 to 3 days, as well. This helps to get rid of roach feces, body parts, and egg sacs. These contain pheromones that attract other roaches into your home.
Get rid of entry points. Seal around utility pipes and crawl spaces. Make sure windows and doors are secure and have weather-stripping if necessary. Seal all cracks and crevices. Remove anything roaches can use for shelters, such as cardboard and paper.
Call a pest control professional. If you suspect a roach infestation, contact an exterminator. Treatment plans can vary depending on the type of roaches you have. A pest control professional can do a thorough evaluation and set you up with a comprehensive treatment plan.
